Brand new field facilities will support surrounding community through expanded amenities and increased field space.
SAINT PAUL – The City of Saint Paul today celebrated the grand opening of brand-new field spaces outside the Frogtown Community Center, the latest edition to Saint Paul’s 26 recreation center locations. Located in the Frogtown neighborhood, the Frogtown Community Center opened in September 2019, replacing the former Scheffer Recreation Center. Rounding out phase two of this project that began in 2016, the center now boasts a $2.1 million upgrade to the outdoor amenities including an artificial turf field striped for soccer, football, baseball, and lacrosse, a basketball court, Kato court, and a playground. The new fields are named for General Vang Pao, a key U.S. ally during the Vietnam War and leader of Hmong resettlement efforts in Saint Paul and the United States.
“Offering safe outdoors spaces at our parks and recreation centers amid this enduring pandemic is vital,” said Mayor Melvin Carter. "This new expansion at our Frogtown Community Center helps us meet this need for our children and families.”
The initial design, testing, and community engagement aspects for both the building and field space projects began in 2016. City designers and engineers used feedback directly from the community to incorporate preferred amenities into the plan, including Kato Courts which are growing in popularity, and is now Saint Paul's fourth site. The addition of these amenities is an important aspect of utilizing community feedback and resources to showcase the beauty and vibrancy of the neighborhood.
“We must provide equitable programs and amenities the communities want,” said Council member Dai Thao, who represents the area. “Park spaces are a reflection of the community, and I’m honored to have had a role in securing these new facilities in Frogtown for everyone to access and enjoy.”
Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, the Frogtown Community Center is not currently open for regular business hours but is offering limited programming for registered participants. At this time, the turf field will have limited hours available for permitted programming. The remaining outdoor amenities are available for the public to use during regular park hours and when programming is not scheduled. Visit www.stpaul.gov/FrogtownCC for updates.
About Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is a nationally accredited and gold medal award-winning organization that manages 179 parks and open spaces, AZA-accredited Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, 26 city-operated recreation centers, more than 100 miles of trails, an indoor and two outdoor aquatic facilities, a public beach, a variety of premium sports facilities, municipal golf courses, and Great River Passage – which is the new identity for all proposed public development along Saint Paul’s more than 17 miles of Mississippi riverfront. For more information about Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, visit www.stpaul.gov/parks.
###
Watch highlights from the grand opening event below or watch the full presentation and ribbon cutting.