What's Happening at Saint Paul Parks and Recreation (2024)

Youth Fall Sports registration open

We know summer has barely started, but our fall sports registration is open! Fall sports offerings include soccer, flag football, and lacrosse. Soccer and flag football is FREE for ages 9 and up and fall lacrosse is FREE for ages 7 and up!(Please note that fees apply for ages 4U, 6U and 8U.) Registration will remain open though June 30.

Vehicles needed for Motorcycle, Classic & Muscle Car Show

Do you have a cool motorcycle or classic car? Come show it off at our Motorcycle, Classic & Muscle Car Show, being hosted in conjunction with a Safe Summer Nights event on June 20 at Palace Community Center from 4-7pm. No fees - we are just looking for folks that are willing share their vehicle with visitors! For questions or to register your car, stop by the center, or contact 651-472-3925 or jody.griffin@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

Mississippi River Flood Notice

Due to rising water levels in the Mississippi River from recent spring rains, several parkland areas, trails, and facilities in Saint Paul have temporary closures. Please follow all posted signage, do not pass barricades, and follow all safety guidance. Be aware that water levels can change quickly, so use caution while exploring areas close to the river.

• City House open, but restrooms are closed. Hand washing stations and portable toilets will be available.
• Hidden Falls Regional Park boat launch is closed.
• Kelly’s Landing is closed.
• Lambert’s Landing Dock is closed.
• Lilydale Regional Park, including Water Street, pedestrian and bike trails, the dog park, and public boat launch are closed.
• Meeker Island trail and dog park is closed.
• Low-lying trail sections within the following parks are closed:
  • Crosby Farm Regional Park
  • Hidden Falls Regional Park
  • Robert Piram Regional Trail
  • Upper Landing
  • Chestnut Plaza
  • Meeker Island
  • Lilydale Regional Park (Full park closure)

See Closures & Special Notices for updates.

Gardening volunteers needed for Phalen China Garden

Join the MN China Friendship Garden Society for a planting event at the Phalen China Garden on June 8 & 9. Water and snacks are provided. Wear appropriate clothing, long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, a hat, and garden tools, if available. Sign up online or contact bzajicek@mnchinagarden.org for more information.

Youth Summer Camps & Programs

School is almost out! Browse our offerings for youth summer programming. From full day to just a couple hours, to fit variety of interests with many free options or scholarships available for paid programs.

• Summer camps and activities: Full and half-day camps for youth of all ages. Costs range from free up to $250. Drop-in and registration options available.
• Summer Rec Check: Free program for those entering grades 1-6 this fall on Monday-Thursday from 1-4pm at 23 sites. Registration required.
• Summer S'more Fun: $42/day for those entering grades 1-6 this fall on Monday-Friday from 7am-6pm at 3 sites. Registration required. Limited spots available.
• Recreation in Motion: This free, drop-in activity brings outdoor summer fun to your neighborhood! Snacks will be served at each session.
• Nature Pop Ups: Learn about pollinators, fossils, weather, animals, plants, and more through science experiments, games, and crafts with this free, drop-in program.

FEATURED SUMMER CAMP: Futsal Camp at Martin Luther King Recreation Center

Martin Luther King Recreation Center is hosting a free fundamental futsal camp, led by MLK coach Evan Johnson, Sr. The camp runs on Saturdays starting June 15 - August 13 (no camp on July 6). Two session options based on age:

• Session 1: 9-11 years old, 11:30am-1:00pm
• Session 2: 12-14 years old, 1:15-2:45pm

Aquatics Updates

• Splash Pads: Splash pads will be open daily, 9am-9pm from June 11 - September 2.
• Phalen Beach:Weather permitting, Phalen Beach be open on June 8-9, and daily starting June 11.
• Highland Park Aquatic Center: Weather permitting, Highland Park Aquatic Center will be open June 8-9, and daily starting June 11.
• Como Regional Park Pool: Weather permitting, Como Regional Park Pool will be open for the season starting June 11.
• Great River Water Park: Great River Water Park is closed for the summer.
• Aquatics memberships: Summer aquatics memberships are available for purchase online.

Get outdoors!

• Fitness in the Parks: This program offers free, drop-in outdoor exercise classes in many of Saint Paul’s beautiful parks.
• Fishing Nights: In partnership with Baztec, these free, drop-in events will take place on the NE side of Phalen Lake.
  • June 11, July 9, August 13; 6-8pm
• Restore! events:These events, hosted in partnership with, Wakaŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi, are intended for individual or small groups to help restore this park and be community stewards in the preservation of the Dakota sacred site, Wakáŋ Tipi. Dates available for pre-registration June - October.
• Saint Paul Natural Resources:Our Natural Resources team hosts a variety of activities for all ages to get you outside and exploring nature in your local parks. All activities are free but some do require pre-registration. Programs include:
  • ExploraTots and PreK Nature Adventure - Great for families with young children!
  • Community Science Meetup - Learn about our diverse and interconnected ecosystem.
  • Dragonfly Bonanza - Geared towards all ages!
  • Small Mammal Survey - Spend some time outside in a beautiful park, learn about our mammal neighbors, and contribute to scientific study.
  • Blooming Saint Paul nominating events - Wander through your neighborhood to look for community members and landmarks bringing life and color to our streets.

Get on the water!

Looking for a way to enjoy the water without swimming?

• Sailing lessons: Ahoy, matey! Learn to sail on Lake Phalen this summer! Classes are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and enjoyable recreational sailing. Skills include rigging, useful knots in sailing, terminology, "rules of the road" for sailors, and more.
• Watercraft Rentals and Boat Rides: No boat? No problem! Whether you are looking for a kayak, canoe, paddle board, swan boat, pontoon boat, fishing boat, or riverboat ride, our partners offer plenty of options to get you out on the water this season.

Saint Paul named #3 park system in the country

Saint Paul celebrates the 10th year as top three park system in the nation on the Trust for Public Land™ ParkScore® index! As we reflect on the last 10 years, we're reminded of the immense value our parks bring to our city's social fabric. From fostering community connections, to promoting physical activity and well-being, our parks enrich the lives of the residents and visitors who use them. Through continuous innovation and community engagement, we're committed to ensuring that our parks remain vibrant, inclusive spaces where all who visit them can find joy, connection, and belonging. We would not be where we are without the support of our dedicated staff, our incredible partner organizations, and our amazing community. Thank you for helping make Saint Paul a city that works for all of us! Watch our reel as we highlight as much as we could fit into 37 seconds!

Work outdoors this summer for Saint Paul Parks and Recreation! We have many full and part-time positions available at parks, rec centers, golf courses, athletic complexes, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory and more. Positions available for ages 16 and up.

• Horticulture Curator (Full Time) *NEW
• Zoo & Conservatory Attendant (Full Time)
• Parks Worker I (Seasonal/Temporary)
• Community Recreation Leader (Part Time/Full Time)
• Official/Umpire (Contract) *especially seeking help with baseball/softball this summer
• Harriet Island Event Staff (Seasonal/Temporary) - Email resume to harrietisland@ci.stpaul.mn.us

We are always looking for volunteers!