Carty Park Play Area

Carty Park is a treasured neighborhood gathering space in the heart of Saint Paul’s historic Rondo community. Its well-loved but aging play area served generations of children—and in June 2025, thanks to an extraordinary outpouring of community and corporate volunteerism, it received a vibrant new life.

Over three hot days in June 2025, more than 150 dedicated volunteers from Delta Air Lines rolled up their sleeves to build a brand-new playground for Carty Park—bringing energy, generosity, and major funding to make this project possible. Their hard work created a joyful, modern play space that honors the spirit of the neighborhood.

The new playground was designed in the bold, meaningful colors of the African Excellence Drill Team, a beloved Rondo institution whose performers have inspired, guided, and mentored youth for decades. This thoughtful design pays tribute to the team’s legacy of leadership, discipline, pride, and cultural celebration—ensuring that its influence continues to shape young lives right in the heart of the park.

This project is part of the Conservancy’s Equal Play Saint Paul initiative to increase access to high-quality play spaces, courts, fields, recreation, and nature programs in under-resourced neighborhoods. By creating beautiful, inclusive, community-centered play areas like Carty Park, we help ensure that every child has a place to explore, belong, and thrive.

Our deepest thanks to Delta Air Lines and Equal Play partner Kaboom! for their remarkable partnership, generosity, and commitment to the families of Rondo. Their investment has created a vibrant new play space that will bring joy to children for years to come.