Hayden Heights Play Area

In summer 2024, hundreds of volunteers came together to build a new playground at Hayden Heights Recreation Center, located in Saint Paul’s East Side. The old playground  was about 25 years old and in need of some major updates to make it a more inclusive space for all ages and abilities.

From design to installation, community members led the creation of the new updated playground. As part of the design process, neighborhood youth shared drawings of what their dream playground would look like. Those ideas were integrated into the new playground design. 

The rec center is a vital hub for the area, offering free and low-cost programs to over 16,000 participants annually. It serves a wide age range, hosting youth sports, open gym time, seasonal festivals, and more.

The Hayden Heights neighborhood is home to more than 18,000 residents, with 41% of households including children. The neighborhood’s diverse population, where 59% are people of color and 33% live at or below the poverty level, relies heavily on the community’s recreational spaces. 

The new playground is part of the Conservancy’s EQUAL PLAY SAINT PAUL initiative to increase access to great play spaces, courts, fields, rec and nature programs in high need neighborhoods.

Learn more and become an Equal Play partner here.