The wait is over! The North End Community Center has officially opened its doors, welcoming neighbors into a truly transformative space in the heart of the North End. This brand-new, state-of-the-art facility stands as a bold symbol of equity, sustainability, and community pride—a true “palace for the people.”
Replacing the tiny Rice Recreation Center, the 25,000 square-foot building and 5.9-acre campus were shaped by years of community input, planning, and partnership. The result? A facility that reflects what neighbors asked for most: inclusive, inspiring spaces to learn, gather, play, and grow—together.
🧑🍳 Top community request? A teaching kitchen, now proudly situated next to a flexible multipurpose room ready for cooking classes, celebrations, and community meals.
🏃♀️ Other features include:
- A full gym
- Teen Room and Town Hall seating
- Fitness and dance rooms
- Sepak Takraw and badminton courts
- Meeting rooms and outdoor courtyard
- Lighted walking path connecting to the school
Phase two of the project includes a new playground, multi-purpose fields, and additional park features—stay tuned for the official ribbon cutting celebration later this spring!
💚 Special thanks to the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings for their generous support of the new turf multi-purpose fields, helping expand access to active recreation for youth and families in the neighborhood.
“This isn’t just a building,” said Mayor Melvin Carter. “It’s a home for connection, a source of pride, and a long-overdue investment in one of our most vibrant neighborhoods.”
The $30.9 million project was made possible through a combination of public and private funding, including Capital Improvement and Sales Tax funds, federal grants, and major support from partners like the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, Community Development Block Grant, Saint Paul Parks Conservancy and NFL Foundation.
Beyond its incredible programming, the North End Community Center is now the most sustainable facility of its kind in Saint Paul. Designed to use 70% less energy than standard buildings, it features:
- A geothermal heating and cooling system beneath the park
- Rainwater capture infrastructure capable of holding the equivalent of 1.4 Olympic swimming pools
- Window glazing and low-carbon materials throughout
- Rooftop solar panels (coming later this year through the MN Solar on Public Buildings Program)
Even indoors, the connection to nature is strong—90% of interior spaces have outdoor views.
🎨 Local artists including Payton Scott Russell, Rana E., Jayana D., and student contributors have added vibrant murals and art installations across the building and courtyard, reflecting the neighborhood’s rich diversity and creativity.
As Parks Director Andy Rodriguez said, “This is more than a rec center—it’s a reflection of what’s possible when we build with, not just for, community.”
📍 Visit the North End Community Center:
✅ Open year-round
✅ Mon–Thurs: 9am–9pm | Fri: 9am–6pm | Sat: 10am–6pm | Sun: 12pm–5pm
📅 Explore programs: stpaul.gov/NorthEndCC
