This year, even more Saint Paul kids are discovering the joy of fishing, paddling, biking, hiking, campfire cooking, and exploring nature thanks to a $25,000 No Child Left Inside grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The funding will help expand our Saint Paul Outside program from a successful pilot serving nine recreation centers to youth from all 26 Saint Paul recreation centers.
For many of the young people, these experiences are true firsts. Many have never been in a kayak, cast a fishing line, ridden a trail bike, or spent meaningful time in one of our regional parks. By removing barriers like transportation, equipment, and program costs, we’re opening the door to lifelong connections with the outdoors.
The grant supports weekly transportation to Lake Phalen Regional Park and other outdoor destinations, along with supplies and equipment that make these adventures possible. Just as importantly, the program invests in training recreation center staff so they can continue leading outdoor experiences long after the grant period ends.
This investment builds on a proven model that helps young people gain confidence, develop new skills, and see themselves as active participants in Minnesota’s great outdoors. Together with Saint Paul Parks & Recreation and our community partners, we’re creating more opportunities for every child to experience the health, joy, and wonder that come from time spent outside.
We are deeply grateful to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for investing in Saint Paul’s young people and helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to build a lasting relationship with nature.
GRANT FUNDING DETAILS
Granting Agency: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Grant Program: No Child Left Inside
Grant Project Title: St. Paul Outdoors
Grant Award: $ 25,000
Grant Period: May 15, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Leadership: Michael-jon Pease, [email protected]
Grant Project Staff: Shari Blindt, [email protected]