Saint Paul Parks Conservancy

10/20/2026

We’ve got some news: We received a grant from Knight Foundation's Knight Cities Challenge! 🎉 29 projects were chosen from 3,000 submissions nationwide!

Our project creates a vibrant connection between the Mississippi River and Downtown Saint Paul to strengthen community identity, celebrate cultural expression, and expand access to the river.

We’re so excited to join this cohort of 29 organizations creating change in communities across the country.

We’re grateful to be selected and are looking forward to strengthening Saint Paul through community impact. Let’s get to work!

10/15/2026

One week later and we're still glowing after a splendid evening with community at The Longest Table on Raspberry Island! Here's a video "taste" of the evening featuring our President, Michael-jon Pease, Charlene Bradley of the Knight Foundation who was the vision and force behind the evening, and Mayor Kaohly Her. As they said that evening: "this is one time we gather, it can't be our last."

Until we gather at the river next time, friends!

10/14/2026

LET'S BUILD SOMETHING AMAZING, ST. PAUL!

A brand-new playground is coming to Newell Park, and we need YOUR help to bring it to life!

On October 20–22, we're bringing neighbors, friends, and community members together for the Newell Park Playground Build — three days of teamwork, community spirit, and creating something special for local kids and families.

And the best part? You don't need any building experience to help! Just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to roll up your sleeves.

HERE'S THE PLAN:

Where: Newell Park Center, 900 Fairview Ave N, St. Paul

When:

Tuesday, October 20: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Wednesday, October 21: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Thursday, October 22: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

A few things to know:

Volunteers must be 16 or older.

Come for a few hours or stay all day.

Lunch, snacks, water, and gloves will be provided.

No special skills or experience required!

EVERY HELPING HAND MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

Imagine driving past this playground in a few months and knowing you helped build a place where children will play, laugh, make friends, and create memories for years to come.

That's what community is all about.

READY TO JOIN US?

Sign up here:
https://volunteer.kaboom.org/opportunity/a7XPK0000001mtp2AA/help-build-a-new-playground-at-newell-park

Can't volunteer? Please share this post and help us spread the word!

10/13/2026

On Oct 9, 2026, nearly 200 neighbors from across the city sat at The Longest Table on Raspberry Island during a truly "Golden Hour." We shared amazing food from catering, an opening poem with and a spontaneous troubadour performance over dessert while kids playing touch football on the lawn. Old friends met for the first time and connections were made on the banks of the extraordinary Mississippi River. Thank you Knight Foundation for your generous hosting of the event, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation for bringing the tables, chairs and sound system, Mayor Kaohly Her for hosting a table, thank you Kurt and Edwige Moses for these stunning photographs.

10/09/2026

Another downtown public space redesigned! Come enjoy the design by Aune Fernandez Landscape Architects (the team who worked with us on ) Pedro Park) and stop in to Hepcat Coffee!

Join us for a ribbon cutting celebration on October 13 at 12pm in Downtown Saint Paul's freshly-renovated Wabasha Park!

Plus:
--Music from Will Effertz Collective
--Food for purchase from Ruam Mit Thai + Lao Cuisine and Hepcat Coffee
--Lawn games
--Remarks from community leaders
--A chance to win prizes from Ruam Mit and Hepcat courtesy of Saint Paul Downtown Alliance !

More details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/28601712509437651

This renovation was made possible though Saint Paul's Common Cent tax initiative.

10/07/2026

Enjoy the beautiful weather and thank the parks plumbing crew for maintaining our many fountains!

09/27/2026

What a great afternoon cutting the ribbon at the new Baker Park Field with Mayor Kaohly Her Andy Rodriguez Councilmember Rebecca Noecker, St. Paul City Council Ward 2 Minnesota Vikings West Side Community Organization (WSCO) and so many coaches, community leaders and youth.

Places like this are more than a place for play. We grown up learning negotiation, social skills, resilience, and teamwork in parks like this - especially with phenomenal coaches and mentors. And when you think of the Olympians and and Hall of Famers to come out of Saint Paul parks, you realize every field and court is a platform for the next generation of greatness.