Saint Paul Parks & Recreation COVID-19 Updates

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In accordance with Governor Walz's executive orders and public health guidelines, we have made changes to our programs, services, and amenities to support the safe enjoyment of Saint Paul's outdoor public spaces during Stay Safe MN. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What recreational amenities are OPEN and what should I know before I visit? 

In accordance with CDC and MN Public Health guidelines, the following recreational amenities remain open, with restrictions: 

  • Parks, trails, and open spaces 
    • Stay at least six feet away from park users who are not part of your household. If this is not possible, find an alternate location or depart that space.
    • If it is not possible to maintain social distancing throughout an activity then you should only participate in that activity with members of your household. 
    • Follow current ‘Stay Safe MN’ guidelines for group activities. Avoid participating in unnecessary activities with people who aren't part of your household.
    • Masks are required to be worn inside all Saint Paul businesses including our park facilities, parks and outdoor public spaces when 6ft social distancing cannot be maintained.
    • Avoid contact with shared amenities such as picnic tables, play structures, and benches. Amenities are not sanitized and are available for use at your own risk. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if you do come in contact with shared amenities. 
    • Do not use parks or trails if you are sick or are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath.    
    • Do not use parks or trails if you are at a higher risk of illness.  
    • Follow all CDC and State of MN outdoor recreation guidelines.   
    • Regular park rules and regulations apply. 
    • Parks and trails are subject to regular closures for flooding, construction, or maintenance. 
  • Playgrounds 
    • All guidelines and restrictions above apply. 
    • Playground equipment is not sanitized. Play at your own risk.
  • Boat launches and fishing piers
    • All guidelines and restrictions above apply. 
  • Dog parks 
    • All guidelines and restrictions above apply. 
    • Regular dog park rules apply. 
  • Skate parks, tennis courts, basketball courts, and other sports courts
    • All guidelines and restrictions above apply. 
  • Athletic fields 
    • All guidelines and restrictions above apply. 
    • Field permits are available for some field locations. Please contact Municipal Athletics at 651-588-2255 for more information .  Permits will have priority use on the fields. 
    • Follow current ‘Stay Safe MN’ guidelines for group activities and ensure a 6ft distance is maintained from those who are not a part of your household
    • Fields will not be striped and goals will not be available for use, unless a permit is issued.
  • Highland Park disc golf course 
    • All guidelines and restrictions above apply. 
    • Use only your own discs.
    • Do not touch the baskets or other player's discs.
    • To help keep the course safe and open for all to use, members of our R.E.C (Rec Engagement Crew) will be visiting the course throughout the day to encourage players to follow the above guidelines.
  • Phalen, Como, Highland National, Highland 9 golf courses, and the Highland driving range
    • Golf courses will remain open as weather allows. All restrictions and guidelines above apply. Click here for additional restrictions and information. 
  • Watergate Marina
  • Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
    • The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory has reopened by reservation only. 

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What recreational amenities are CLOSED? 

  • Recreation and community center buildings
    • Facilities are accessible for pre-registered programs only; buildings are not open for regular business hours or rentals at this time. All programs will be in compliance with CDC and MN Department of Health guidelines. Please visit our Rec Reimagined webpage for programming options. 
  • Some aquatic facilities, water features and drinking fountains
    • Great River Water Park will reopen to the public starting Saturday, October 3. Advance reservations are required and CDC and MN Public Health guidelines will be in place. Some programs, activities, amenities, and features may not be available at this time. See the Great River Water Park webpage for more information. 
    • Phalen Beach and splash pads are closed for the season. Como Regional Park Pool and Highland Park Aquatic Center will not open this summer.
    • Decorative fountains and ornamental water features will not be turned on this summer.
    • Public drinking fountains will not be turned on until further notice.
      • We recommend filling a reusable water bottle and bringing it with you to the park. 
  • Restrooms
    • ​​​​Restroom buildings will remain closed until further notice. 
  • Seasonal facilities and rentals
    • Some seasonal facitlies and rental services are closed for the season, such as Mississippi Paddle Share,  City House, and Wheel of Fun Rentals. 

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What programming and activities are you offering at this time?

  • In order to help you stay connected, healthy, and active during this time, we have launched a new webpage where you can stay up-to-date with all of our digital and in-person programming options. Visit Rec Reimagined page often for the latest virtual programs, activity ideas, and other ways to live an active lifestyle and stay connected to nature in our parks, at home, and in your own back yard. We will continue to update this page as new programs and activities are introduced.

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Are any roads closed to vehicle traffic for expanded social distancing?

No. Beginning Tuesday, September 8, the City of Saint Paul will reopen three temporary road closures around Como Regional Park, Phalen Regional Park, and Cherokee Regional Park as scheduled. At this time, there are no resources, funding, or plans for the City of Saint Paul to explore or change the existing roadways from their current traffic use or continue the temporary closures.

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Is Saint Paul providing free meal service to families in need?

Yes, to address growing food insecurity in Saint Paul due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is partnering with Youthprise, Arts-Us, and the Sanneh Foundation to provide free meal service to Saint Paul families at park facilities and libraries across the city. 

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What is your process for refunds and rescheduling of events and activities? 

Recreation, Aquatics, and Community Centers:

  • Events, rentals, programs, and activities which have already met prior to our cancellation will be issued a prorated refund for the remaining dates.  
  • Full refunds will be granted for events, rentals, programs, and activities which have not yet met.
  • All refunds will be automatically issued as credits on your ActiveNet account.
  • Aquatics memberships will be extended for a time period equal to the length of time in which our facility and programming was unavailable. We are not renewing or selling new memberships at this time. Any unused punches on a punch card can be used or saved for use at a later date. For more information, contact parkscustomerservice@ci.stpaul.mn.us or 651-642-0650.
  • Field permits are available for some field locations. Please contact Municipal Athletics at 651-588-2255 for more information.  Permits will have priority use on the fields. 

Permit Office (Parks, Walk/Runs, Pavilions, Shelters):

  • Permit holders will be contacted and full refunds will be granted for event canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
  • Visit www.stpaul.gov/parkpermits for information on permits and reservations after July 6. 

Harriet Island & Citywide (events booked out of the Harriet Island office): 

  • All private events through July 6 are canceled. Clients have been contacted. At this time, if a client chooses to cancel an event after July 6 they may reschedule the event within one year or receive a refund of 50% of their deposit. 

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory:  

  • All private events, permits, programs through July 6 have been canceled and refunded for the room or space rental.  Lancer Hospitality will work directly with clients that have catering contracts.  If a client chooses to cancel an event scheduled after July 6 due to a COVID-19 reason, they may reschedule the event within one year with no date change fee or receive a refund of 50% of their deposit.  

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Contact Us

Saint Paul Parks & Recreation Department
ParksCustomerService@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Ph: 651-266-6400

Monday – Friday
​7:30am – 4:30pm 

Language Translation Resources

  • English: If you have questions about the City's response to COVID-19, call 651-266-6000 or email LanguageResources@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Translators are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions in Hmong, Somali, Oromo, Karen, and Spanish.
  • Hmong: Muaj neeg txhais lus Hmoob Monday – Friday thaum 8:30 am – 5 pm los teb koj cov lus noog. Yog koj xav tau kev pab hu 1-651-266-5774 lossis xa email tuaj rau LanguageResource@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
  • Spanish: Tenemos traductores disponibles de lunes a viernes, desde las 8:30 AM y hasta las 5:00 PM para contestar sus preguntas en Español. Para recibir ayuda marqué 1-651-266-574 o envié un correo electrónico a la dirección LanguageResources@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
  • Somali: Tarjubaan ayaa la heli karaa Isniinta - Jimcaha 8:30 a.m.-5: 00 p.m.to si looga jawaabo su'aalaha af-soomaaliga. Caawimaad wac wac 1-651-266-5786 ama emayl ku soo qor LanguageResources@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
  • Karen: Translators are available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.to answer questions in Karen. For assistance call 1-651-266-5778 or email LanguageResources@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
  • Oromo: Translators are available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.to answer questions in Oromo. For assistance call 1-651-266-5793 or email LanguageResources@ci.stpaul.mn.us. 

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