The playgrounds, sport courts and fields at our neighborhood parks are where tens of thousands of Saint Paul young people grow up. Play develops social and physical skills, resilience, communication and the ability to collaborate. The Conservancy is committed to expanding equitable access to park amenities across the city, especially in areas of high need. Saint Paul’s new “Common Cent” sales tax, which will dedicate nearly $250M to park maintenance over the next 20 years, has given Saint Paul Parks and Rec the tools it needs to partner on more improvement projects than ever before.
This summer Conservancy has been delighted to partner with Kaboom!, Greater East Side Community Council, Equitable Advisors, Canopy Financial Group and Saint Paul Parks and Rec to rebuild playgrounds like the one at Hayden Heights Park. Neighborhood youth and families gathered this summer to imagine, describe and draw their perfect play space. Volunteers came together on a hot day to install equipment. Landscaping and final improvements will continue to create a new destination for young people on the East Side. Data shows that community designed and built play spaces attract more youth for longer visits. This park already serves 16,000 young people during the year. When the new Heights development is completed, the playground will see a surge of new families discovering the park. Upcoming playground projects include Taylor Park, Carty Park and Linwood Rec Center.
We were also honored to participate in the groundbreaking for the new turf fields at Victoria Park. This week Toro Foundation and MN United Football Club continued their partnership to rebuild the soccer pitch at Highwood Hills Rec Center in St. Paul. Construction has started on the new multi-use fields at North End Community Center, a Conservancy partnership with MN Vikings and the NFL. Over the next five years, the Conservancy will partner on at least 10 new playgrounds and 10 new fields in key neighborhoods.
Please join us in the effort to create Equal Play with your gift today.