Parks and Recreation Play Area Improvement Projects
See below for current and completed Saint Paul Parks and Recreation play area improvement projects.
Current Play Area Projects
-
Project Overview
The South Saint Anthony Park Play Area will be renovated in 2025. Proposed work will focus on the replacement of the existing play equipment and surfacing, and will likely include improvements to the adjacent pavements, seating, and related site amenities. The most recent improvements to this play area were completed in 1994.
This project is funded by the Common Cent 1% Sales Tax. Read more about the Parks and Recreation 1% Sales Tax Projects.
Project Updates
March 2025
We are beginning the process of replacing the play area at the South Saint Anthony Park Play Area. The first step in this process is to collect site information about the existing play area, gather feedback from park users, and prepare an analysis of the existing play area. We will then be able to develop ideas and plans for a new play area. During this process we will be working with the community to obtain feedback about those ideas and plans. Once refined, we will develop construction documents and start the construction of the new play area.
Our preliminary schedule for this project is as follows:Schedule
Phase
Spring 2024 Project Start, Schematic Design & Community Engagement Summer 2024 Design Development & Community Engagement Fall 2024 Construction Documents & Bidding Spring 2025 Construction Summer 2025 Target Opening Date Community Engagement
Please take the South St. Anthony Park Play Area Survey to tell the project team what you would like to have included in the playground reconstruction.
Check back for more details on future engagement events.
Contact
Project Manager
Meredith Ver Steeg
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
meredith.ver.steeg@ci.stpaul.mn.us
P: (651) 266-6695Project Address
890 Cromwell Ave.
Saint Paul, MN 55114Project Funding
Parks and Recreation 1% Sales Tax -
Project Overview
A Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has been awarded to the City of Saint Paul for improvements to the Duluth and Case Recreation Center Play Area. Proposed work includes removal and replacement of existing play equipment and surfacing. Other enhancements may include new walks, site furnishings, signage, and landscaping as funding allows.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
None at this time.
Project Updates
November 29, 2023
A construction contract has been awarded and construction will begin Spring 2024! More details about construction start and duration will be available here next year. The image below shows the final Site Layout for the new play area:
August 22, 2023
Staff shared an update with the Payne-Phalen Community Council at their August meeting. The slides that were presented are linked below:
PPCC_Duluth and Case Play Area.pdf (23.24 MB)May 5, 2023
The design team attended Rec Check at Duluth and Case Recreation Center on April 18th to share play equipment ideas with kids, and ask for their feedback. Two play equipment concepts were shared. We heard lots of great feedback from students ranging in age from kindergarten to 5th grade! The feedback is summarized in a document below.
April 5, 2022
Thank you for your participation in the surveys! The feedback collected is summarized in this document:
We will be meeting with kids at the Duluth and Case Rec Center during Rec Check on April 18 where we will be sharing play equipment concepts and hearing feedback. Check back soon for play equipment concepts and project updates!
December 28, 2022
The design team has been developing site concepts for the new play area, these concepts are available for review and feedback.
Concept A (6.81 MB)
Concept B (6.82 MB)
Please take the survey below to share your feedback about the concepts, and any other thoughts you have about the play area.
The survey is now closed
December 12 2022
An online survey is now available to gather feedback about the existing play area at Duluth and Case. This information will help develop ideas for the play area improvements at the recreation center. You can access the survey at this link:
The survey is now closed
Preliminary Project Schedule
Date
Phase
Nov 2022 – Dec 2022 Project Start, Schematic Design, and Community Engagement Jan 2023 – Feb 2023 Design Development and Community Engagement Mar 2023 – Aug 2023 Construction Documents Aug 2023 - Sept 2023 Bidding Spring 2024 Construction Summer 2024 Target Opening Date Contact Us
Project Manager
Katie Hamerlinck
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
katie.hamerlinck@ci.stpaul.mn.us
P: (651) 266-6414Park Address
1020 Duluth St -
Harriet Island Regional Park Play Area Project Overview
Harriet Island Regional Park is a 62.96 acre regional park located across from downtown Saint Paul along the Mississippi River. City of Saint Paul, Parks and Recreation Department has secured funding from the state Legacy Grant to replace the Harriet Island play area. This will include a community engagement process to inform play area design, prepare play area concepts, final design, cost estimate, and construction documents.
Location: 200 Dr Justus Ohage Blvd, Saint Paul, MN
Ward 2: Councilmember Rebecca Noecker
District 3: West Side Community OrganizationTentative Timeline
May 2021: Project Kickoff
February 2022 - May 2023: Community Engagement & Design Concepts
May - August 2023: Construction Documents
September - October 2023: Bidding
Spring/Summer 2024: ConstructionCommunity Engagement
Thank you to all those who have provided feedback throughout the community engagement process! Project staff have received valuable input over the last year from residents through the West Side Community Organization, on-site events at the park, and the play area survey. View the online survey results and Community Feedback Summary below:
Online Survey Feedback Summary
April WSCO West Side Voices Feedback Summary
Please visit Engage Saint Paul - Harriet Island Play Area for updates on community engagement including access to the play area survey below.
Harriet Island Play Area Survey
The survey will close in May 2023 when construction document begin. Thank you to all those who have participated to help shape the future play area!
Project Updates
May 10, 2023:
WSCO West Side Voices Forum meeting
April 12, 2022:
WSCO West Side Voices Forum meeting
April WSCO West Side Voices Feedback Summary.pdf (127.59 KB)April 24, 2021:
Join Parks and Recreation at the Harriet Island Citywide Cleanup from 9:00 - 10:00am! This is an opportunity to ask Park and Rec staff about the play area process and to provide feedback.
Contact
Project Manager
Mary Norton
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
mary.norton@ci.stpaul.mn.us
P: (651) 266-6407Park Address
200 Dr Justus Ohage BlvdProject Funding
Legacy Parks and Trails Fund
Click here for more information -
Project Overview
A Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has been awarded to the City of Saint Paul for improvements to the Hazel Park Play Area. Proposed work includes removal and replacement of existing play equipment and surfacing. Other enhancements may include new walks, site furnishings, signage, and landscaping as funding allows.
More project information coming soon.
Project Updates
April 11, 2024
Construction is anticipated to begin on the new play area starting the week of April 15. Construction fencing will be installed around the play area and will remain in place through construction. Construction updates and closures will be posted and a more detailed schedule will be available soon!
November 29, 2023
We have received bids for construction and are in the process of awarding a contract for construction of the play area. Construction is anticipated to begin Spring 2024. More details will be available soon.
Preliminary Project Schedule
Schedule
Phase
December, 2022 - February, 2023 Project Start, Schematic Design & Community Engagement February, 2023 - September, 2023 Design Development & Community Engagement September 2023- November, 2023 Construction Documents May 2024 -July 2024 Construction Completion Date (TENTATIVE) July, 2024 Target Opening Date (TENTATIVE) Check back soon for more project updates!
Completed Play Area Projects
-
Overview
A Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has been awarded to the City of Saint Paul for improvements to the Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center Play Area. Proposed work includes removal and replacement of existing play equipment and surfacing. Other enhancements may include new walks, site furnishings, signage, and landscaping as funding allows.
Project Updates
September 2022
Join us from 5-6:30pm on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center for a grand opening celebration!
July 12, 2022
Construction is about to begin! This week, fencing will be installed around the construction site, followed by demolition of the existing equipment and concrete walks. Construction will continue for the next several weeks. A more detailed schedule will be available in the next week.
May 31, 2022
We have received bids for construction and are in the process of awarding a contract for construction of the improvements. As soon as a contract is awarded and a schedule identified, we'll provide more details for the construction process.
April 21, 2022
Construction documents have been prepared and advertised for bids. Bids will be opened May 18th if no delays are encountered. We anticipate reviewing and awarding a contract immediately so construction can begin when school has ended for the year.
March 11, 2022
Thank you for your participation in the survey. The survey is now closed and the data collected as been summarized in this file: Survey summary
We will be attending the Dayton's Bluff Community Council meeting on Monday March 21st at 6:30 p.m. to summarize our findings, present a final concept site plan, and equipment layout.
February 18, 2022
Over the past month, we have prepared site concepts and equipment options for the new play area. Two site concept plans can be reviewed here: Site Concepts Equipment options can be reviewed here: Equipment options
When you have had a chance to review these options, please feel free to use the comment form to share your feedback about the options. The survey can be accessed here:
The survey is now closed
January 12, 2022
Thank you for your participation in the survey. The survey is now closed and the data collected has been summarized in this file: Survey summary
Staff are currently using the feedback collected from the survey to develop schematic designs for the play area. In the next few weeks, staff will reach out to users once again for feedback on the plans.
December 9, 2021
A short survey has been published to gather information about the existing play area at Dayton's Bluff. This information will help us develop a new plan for playground improvements at the recreation center. You can access the survey at this link:
The survey is now closed.
We will keep the survey open until December 27th, at which time we'll analyze the results to incorporate into the next phase of the design process.
November 22, 2021
We are beginning the process of replacing the play area at Dayton's Bluff. The first step in this process is to collect site information about the existing play area, gather feedback from park users, and prepare an analysis of the existing play area. We will then be able to develop ideas and plans for a new play area. During this process we'll be working with the community to get feedback about those ideas and plans. Eventually, we'll develop construction documents and start construction of the new play area. The schedule below roughly outlines the timeline for the replacement of the play area.
Our preliminary schedule for this project is as follows:
Schedule
Phase
Nov 2021- Dec 2021
Project Start, Schematic Design & Community Engagement
Jan 2022- Feb 2022
Design Development & Community Engagement
March 2022- April 2022
Preparation of Construction Documents
June 2022 - Aug 2022
Construction
Sept 2022
Target Opening Date
Throughout the entire project, we'll keep this page updated with information about the project so check back often for updates and opportunities to provide feedback about the project.
Contact Us
Project Manager
Bryan Murphy
Saint Paul Parks & Recreation
bryan.murphy@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Ph: 651-266-6411 -
Project Overview
Hamline Play Area will be renovated in 2021. Proposed work will focus on removal and replacement of existing play equipment and surfacing. Other enhancements may include new walks, site furnishings, signage, and landscaping. The most recent improvements to the play area were 29 years ago, in 1992. Located alongside Snelling Avenue, Hamline Park contains a variety of amenities for visitors to use across four sections divided by trails. The northern section features a spacious playground, the eastern quarter features a recently-renovated futsal court, to the south is a basketball court as well as bike racks and additional fitness equipment, and adjacent to Snelling Avenue is open green space.
This project is funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
Project Updates
Construction, except for a few remaining touch-ups, is substantially complete as of early September 2021. We look forward to celebrating the park's reopening soon!
Construction began Monday June 28th, 2021. The previous playground equipment was removed.
The playground will be closed for two months (or longer, depending on weather) while new play equipment, pathways, and safety surfacing is installed. The basketball court, fitness area, and futsal/mini-pitch court will remain open. Please visit Hamline Elementary School/Hancock Recreation Center for a nearby playground, or view the construction notice poster (pdf) to help you find other parks nearby.
October 2020 - Virtual Community Meeting presentation (pdf)
Hamline Play Area-Playground Options.pdf (9.25 MB)
September 2020 - Virtual Community Meeting presentation (pdf)
Hamline Park-2021 Project Overview.pdf (6.89 MB)
View plans that illustrate project scope and site inventory (2mb pdf)
Hamline Play Area - SITE ANALYSIS-web.pdf (2.12 MB)
Community Engagement
The City held two virtual Open Houses, March 1st and 2nd 2021, to share information about the project.
- View the meeting presentation (11mb PDF)
- Minutes (pdf)
- Scroll down for meeting video
A survey was shared in late 2020 for Hamline Park's play equipment and on the park as a whole. Summary of feedback received: Hamline Park 2021 Survey Summary pdf.
A previous community survey was open to the public through August 2020. The Friends of Hamline Park and Hamline Midway Coalition organized this survey, and reached out to area summer camps, Recreation Centers, libraries, and nearby apartment buildings. Results will be shared by Hamline Midway Coalition.
Background Information
The Hamline Recreation Center building on the northwest corner of Snelling and Lafond Ave is a historic building (eligible but not registered) and will not be impacted by this project.
Open House Video
The City held two virtual Open Houses on March 1 and 2 2021 to share information about forthcoming improvements to Hamline Park . Construction will focus on the playground and surrounding paths. Watch this video to learn about the process and see images of the new play equipment.
Contact Us
Project Manager
Liz Hixson
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
liz.hixson@ci.stpaul.mn.us
P: 651-266-6427Park Address
1564 Lafond Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55104 -
Overview
Sylvan Park is a 3.18 acre neighborhood park in the City of Saint Paul in the North End district. Amenities at the park include an athletic field, play area, and restroom building.
The athletic field is unprogrammed and is currently used to play soccer, football, baseball, softball, rugby, Frisbee, and lacrosse. This heavy, overlapping use combined with poor drainage, exposed manholes, and compacted soils, have all contributed to the inadequate field conditions currently experienced at the park. The Play Area was installed in 1994. The tot lot replacement list ranks this park in the top 9 for replacement due to various factors including age, safety, accessibility, and condition of the play area.
This project will include a multi-use synthetic turf fields that are designed to meet today's recreational needs. Improvements to the play area include replacement of equipment and surfacing for compliance to current CPSC and ADA Guidelines. Additional site improvements may include walks benches and landscaping as necessary.
Total construction budget for Sylvan Park improvements is $1,500,000.00.
Project Updates
11/25/19: A grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new field. Thank you to all who attended the event and participated in the design process!
06/18/19: After a 6 month surcharge period to stabilize the underlying soils, construction on the artificial turf field will resume. During the construction period we expect the contractor to be operating heavy machinery, staging construction materials, and large trucks frequently entering and exiting the site. For safety purposes, the play area will remain closed until the project is completed.
Thank you for your understanding and patience throughout the process.
08/03/2018: During the construction a layer of suspected contaminated soils was discovered while excavating for the athletic field on the west side of the park. Upon this discovery we dug a series of test pits and sent samples from these pits to a lab for analysis. Test results from the samples taken confirmed that contaminants were present.
Due to this unfortunate event, the athletic field portion of the project will be put on hold while the City works with the MPCA to ensure the proper procedures are in place to continue construction.
However, because the contaminated soils appear to be limited to the west end of the park, play area construction on the east side will resume.
We still anticipate the play area to be completed this fall, however, the completion of the athletic fields are expected to be delayed until summer 2019.
We will continue to keep you informed as we gather more information on the next steps.
06/01/2018: Sylvan Park to be under construction from June 2018 until the end of September 2018. Due to the extent of the work, the park and restroom building will be closed and temporary fencing will surround the construction zone until construction is completed. More information to be posted when available.
02/15/2018: Sylvan Park Play Area and Field Improvements project is in the Site Plan Review process. Public art meeting is currently on hold. The date, time, and location will be updated once it is determined.
Meetings
Meeting 1: Community Meeting Kick-Off, September 14, 2017, Rice Recreation Center, 1021 Marion St. - from 6:30-8:00 PM
Meeting 2: Community Meeting #2, October 19, 2017, Rice Recreation Center, 1021 Marion St. - from 6:30-8:00 PM
Meeting 3: Community Meeting #3, November 16, 2017, Rice Recreation Center, 1021 Marion St. - from 6:30-8:00 PM
Meeting 4: Public Art Meeting, TBD
Contact Us
Project Manager
David Ronzani
Saint Paul Parks & Recreation
David.Ronzani@ci.stpaul.mn.us
(651) 266-6410Park Address
1185 Sylvan Ave -
Overview
Replacement of existing play area with an exciting playful environment reflective of the artistic character of the park and the culturally diverse surrounding communities. Improvements include the installation of distinctive features that are accessible and safe for children and adults to interact with in a playful setting. Other site improvements including walks and landscaping will be provided as part of the playscape design.
Public Art Saint Paul put together a team of artists (Aaron Dysart, Sieng Lee and Bianca Pettis) who have been assigned for the design and fabrication of the play features. As part of the design phase, a series of community creative workshops will be conducted by artists and landscape architects to obtain ideas and guidance from kids and parents for the conception and development of their place to play at Western Sculpture Park.
Community Workshops
Saturday, June 1, 2019, 2pm-4pm Pop Up Meeting Come celebrate International Children's Day and exchange ideas for the new playground at Western Sculpture Park. Free and all are welcome.
January 23, 2019 Open Community Workshop hosted by Artists: Aaron Dysart, Sieng Lee, Bianca Pettis. At Rondo Community Library. Drop in any time between 4 to 6pm. OpenWorkshop2_ Flyer3.pdf
November 29 - Open Workshop at Rondo Community Library - 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Project Updates
The project will be out for bidding in March 2020. Construction anticipated Summer 2020. (May-July).
Westerns Sculpture Park Play Area Improvements project was selected to receive a Grant of $26,000 for the implementation of the Connecting Communities Though Outdoor Play project. The grant agreement was made between National Recreation and Park Association and the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. Made possible through the support of the Target Corporation, NRPA is managing the administration of the Connecting Communities Through Outdoor Play grant program (Program). Grants made through this Program are intended to provide increased access to play and physical activity for kids and families through built environment enhancements.
Contact
Project Manager
David Ronzani
Saint Paul Parks & Recreation
David.Ronzani@ci.stpaul.mn.us
(651) 266-6410Park Address
1185 Sylvan Ave -
Project Overview
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is partnering with KABOOM! and the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy to build a new outdoor play area at Dunning Park. Learn more about the partnership in this news release.
Project Updates
October 11-13, 2023
We partnered with KABOOM!, the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, Sierra, United Healthcare and many community volunteers to build the new playground on October 11-13, 2023. The new Dunning Park play area is now open.
August 23, 2023
The play area will be closed for construction starting September 7, 2023. The trail on the east side of the park will also be closed during this time. The design survey is now closed.
August 3, 2023
A play area Design Day for youth and adults was held on August 3 at Dunning Park.