Saint Paul turns 176 years old this week, and at the heart of that legacy is a simple but revolutionary idea: parks and public spaces are essential.
Laid out in 1849, our earliest parks were spaces to gather, play, reflect, and build community. Today, our 184 green spaces and 26 rec centers are doing more than ever before – from providing thousands of hot meals to free arts programs and life skills classes. Parks are essential infrastructure—critical to downtown vitality, neighborhood livability, family wellness, and the healthy development of our children.
Thanks to strategic investment from city leaders, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation has eliminated youth sports fees and expanded free swimming lessons citywide. These steps removed barriers for low-income families, leading to skyrocketing participation and progress toward a shared goal: zero drowning deaths in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and one of the world’s greatest rivers.
At the Como Zoo and Conservatory, free admission welcomes nearly 2 million visitors each year. With support from Como Friends, families from every ZIP code experience nature-based learning, live animal encounters, and year-round access to joy and education.
The newly opened North End Community Center is a once-in-a-generation investment: a vibrant hub serving one of our most diverse, youth-filled neighborhoods. Likewise, the new Wakan Tipi Center at Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary will honor Dakota history, foster learning, healing and remind us that parks hold our collective stories.
The development of the Mississippi River Learning Center builds on Saint Paul’s long-standing effort to integrate the river into community life, reinforcing its role as the River Capital of the world.
Outdoor programs throughout the park system are connecting youth to nature with water safety, camping skills, and nature literacy—a vital counter to the alarming national trend of children spending less than 7 minutes daily in unstructured outdoor play. That time is essential to building emotional resilience, creativity, and social skills.
Volunteers—thousands strong—are also restoring habitats, mentoring youth, and keeping parks clean, safe, and welcoming.
Thanks to the voter-approved “Common Cent” sales tax, Saint Paul is addressing half of the $100 million backlog in deferred park maintenance. This fund also means the city can better maintain new community-led park improvements. And even though the average household pays less than $100 annually through property taxes for parks, the true value—when including public, private, and volunteer support—adds up to nearly $300 per resident each year.
This month on May 16 – ParksGiving Day – is the 176th birthday of Saint Paul Parks. If you’ve ever cheered at a youth game, relaxed along the river, or watched the Sparky Show at Como, you know the impact of our parks.
This ParksGiving Day, give back. Support a project that matters to you. Whether it’s a playground, trail, or youth program, your tax-deductible gift helps our parks thrive. Together, let’s grow the future of our parks—for every resident, every visitor, and every generation to come.
Visit parksgivingday.org to donate to our organizations, multiple parks “Friends groups” and special projects.