Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations

The City of Saint Paul deems it necessary to have Rules and Regulations adopted pursuant to Section 170.06 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, to allow all persons participating in park activities a safe and enjoyable environment. These rules are also intended to provide for the ongoing enjoyment and protection of the City’s natural resources. Any exceptions to these rules must be approved in writing by the Director of Parks and Recreation or designee.

 In conjunction with these Rules and Regulations, all persons must also follow existing City ordinances and state and federal laws. Visit library.municode.com/mn/st._paul for further information on the Saint Paul Legislative Code and Ordinances.

A law enforcement officer, Park Security Officer or park employee has authority to ask any person involved in conduct deemed to be disruptive, damaging or unsafe to stop the behavior or action. If they refuse to comply with the request, the officer or park employee may then order them to leave the park for the remainder of that calendar day. Serious or repeat violations may result in a longer period of expulsion from the park, pursuant to Saint Paul Legislative Code §170.10e.

The Director may remove any unauthorized or abandoned property found on park property at the expense of the owner, and if not claimed within 60 days, may sell or destroy such items.

"DIRECTOR" means the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation or designee.

"PARKS" means any park, parkway, zoological or horticultural garden, recreation open space, lake or other waters, golf course, swimming pool, athletic field, trails and pathways, or any other area owned, improved, maintained, operated or otherwise controlled by the City of Saint Paul for recreation and natural resource preservation purposes.

“FACILITIES” means any structures including, but not limited to recreation centers; maintenance buildings, garages or sheds; pools; playground equipment or recreation equipment; bridges; shelters; fences; and any other items that are built, installed or established on park property to serve a particular park or recreation purpose.

"PERSON" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or group.

“ALCOHOL” means any intoxicating or non-intoxicating malt liquor and includes beer, wine, hard seltzer or any other malt liquor beverage.

“WEAPON” means those items defined in Saint Paul Legislative Code 225.

“WATERCRAFT” means any device used for navigation on water.

“MISSISSIPPI RIVER” – That part of the Mississippi River within the City of Saint Paul or abutting land owned by the City of Saint Paul.

“LAKES” means any body of water, including but not limited to lakes, ponds, storm water holding areas, streams, rivers, or marsh areas located on park property.

“POOL” means any swimming pool, wading pool, decorative pool, fountain or any artificial water holding device located on park property.

“COMO CAMPUS” means the park property and all buildings of the Como Zoo, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, Japanese Garden, Como Town Amusement Area, Cafesjian’s Carousel, Frog Pond and Excedra, and bounded by Midway Parkway, Hamline Avenue, Como 18-hole golf course and Lexington Avenue to Estabrook.

"NATURAL RESOURCE" refers to any plant or plant product, geologic formation, body of water, or animal found in parks and open space maintained and managed by the City of Saint Paul.

a. Saint Paul Parks and Recreation facilities are open to everyone regardless of race, gender, gender identity, age, creed, national origin, sexual or affectional orientation, color, ancestry, disability, marital status, religion, familial status, or status with regard to public assistance.

b. Parks are open daylight to 11 P.M., unless otherwise posted, and shall be considered closed after 11 P.M. even if the park does not have gates or barriers which prevent access to the park. Some park facilities may only be open during times posted at the facility. No person should be in any park between the hours of 11 P.M. and daylight unless they’re driving through the park on a parkway, hold a permit issued for an afterhours rental at a facility, have been granted permitted parking connected to a contracted vendor, or have written permission from the Director.

c. Any park or section of park may be closed by the Director at any time. A notice will be posted in any area which is closed.

a. A permit is required if any person wants the exclusive use of a specific area, building, or other park facility or for special events of a cultural, educational, political, religious, or recreational nature. Any person with a permit must follow the RULES AND REGULATIONS listed in this document in addition to any special conditions listed on the permit. To obtain a park permit or rent a park facility, contact the Park Permit Office at 651-266-6400.

b. Permits are required for all caches placed in City of Saint Paul parks related to a geocaching program.

c. Permits are required for use of all remote-control watercraft and manned or unmanned flying devices (including drones). No unmanned flying device may take off or land on Parks property without the written approval of the Director. All permitted flying devices must be operated within the regulations established by the FAA.

d. For recreation center rentals, contact the specific recreation center directly. Rental permits for the Como Visitor’s Center or Marjorie McNeely Conservatory are available by calling 651-487-8250.

e. Any person with a permit is liable for any loss, damage or injuries to the park or to any person caused by or associated with the permit holder or invitees of the permit holder. Some permits may require additional insurance coverage with the City of Saint Paul listed as an additional insured.

f. The person granted a permit may not transfer that permit to another person without the prior written permission of the Director.

g. Any permit may be revoked for violation of these RULES AND REGULATIONS.

h. Disturbing, harassing, or interfering with any person in possession of a valid permit is prohibited.

a. Selling merchandise or vending of any type on park property is not allowed. Exceptions are made for those concessionaires authorized by the Director when a clear public benefit is provided via a proposal.  

b. Commercial filming/photography of any kind is not allowed on park property without the proper permit and/or written permission from the Director.

c. Distributing fliers, leaflets or pamphlets to park visitors by placing them on vehicles parked within any park is banned.

d. Permits for commercial use are available by calling the Parks Permit Office at 651-266-6400. Permits for commercial or professional photography/filming at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory are available by contacting 651-487-8250.

a. The operation of any motor vehicle within a park is only allowed in designated areas.

b. Motor vehicle parking is only allowed in designated lots or parking areas. Parking of buses, RVs, campers, and trailers, except for boat trailers, is not allowed in park lots; boat trailers must remain connected to a vehicle and must be parked in a designated boat parking lot.

c. The practice of using a person or persons to stand in a parking space in order to reserve it for a vehicle that is not yet present is not allowed.

d. Motor vehicle parking is not allowed in any grass area or in any area designated “no parking” either by painted curb, signage or both.

e. Motor vehicles parked illegally on park property may be tagged or towed at owner’s expense.

f. Neither children nor pets may be left unattended in vehicles. Violations will be reported to the proper authorities.

Saint Paul Legislative Code §170.10(e) states that a person may be expelled from a park for a period of 24 hours or longer if there is reasonable cause to believe that person violated the following rules of general conduct by intentionally disrupting the orderly operation of a park, program or event. A person may also be expelled for an extended period (in no case longer than 6 months) and be reinstated when there is evidence that the person's presence will no longer threaten the orderly operation of the park.

a. The following conduct is not allowed on park property: fighting, offensive, abusive or obscene language, gestures or behavior; disturbing, harassing, or interfering with any park employee, another visitor, or their property; causing damage or harm to any park property or wildlife, blatant violation of posted park signage, intentionally disrupting the orderly operation of the park; and/or disregarding the rights or safety of others.

b. No person shall interfere with the orderly conduct of games or other recreational activity in a park or park facility.

c. The high volume use of loudspeakers, car stereos, boom boxes, or other loud or amplified sound systems is not allowed in and around parks, buildings or ball fields without an appropriate permit or written permission from the Director. All laws related to vehicle noise must be followed in and around all parks, buildings or ball fields.

The following rules pertain to conduct of all groups and/or individuals while in City of Saint Paul park facilities - see definition under CHAPTER 1, Section 3:

a. The use of roller skates, in-line skates, skateboards, scooters, bicycles or any other type of self-propelled recreational vehicle or equipment is not allowed in park facilities unless authorized by the Director.

b. Persons shall enter park facilities only at designated public entrances, and no person shall enter park facilities where a "No Admittance" or "Employees Only" sign is posted.

The following rules pertain to conduct of all groups and/or individuals while on City of Saint Paul park property - see definition under CHAPTER 1, Section 3:

a. The use of roller skates, in-line skates, skateboards, scooters, bicycles or any other type of self-propelled vehicle or equipment is allowed on paved trails and in designated skateboard parks. The lawful use of motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters is allowed. Lawful use of other motor assisted recreational equipment that abides by existing rules and posted speed limits is permitted. 

b. Entering into any pond, fountain, or cave is not allowed.

c. Placing any foreign object, solid or liquid into the water of any lake, pond, pool or fountain is not allowed.

d. Tossing coins into and removing coins from fountains, lakes or ponds on any park property is not allowed.

e. Digging holes, cutting trees or plants, attaching signs to trees or damaging any park property is not allowed.

f. Disturbing, damaging or destroying any planted areas is prohibited.

e. All garbage, and recyclables must be placed in designated trash or recycling receptacles.

f. Glass containers are not allowed in any park, except where designated, or where the use is specifically permitted by the Director.

g. Community Gardens and Orchards require Department approval. Interested parties must submit a proposal to department staff for consideration prior to initiating a gardening program.

h. The use of metal detectors is permitted on parks property as a recreational activity. However, digging or causing damage to parks property while retrieving items located with a detector is not allowed –

a. The possession and consumption of alcohol is prohibited in City parks except as follows:

• The possession and consumption of non-intoxicating and intoxicating malt liquor (containing not more than 5.5% alcohol by weight) is allowed from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and only within the designated areas of Cherokee Park, Como Park, Harriet Island Park, Raspberry Island, Upper Landing Park, City House, Highland Park, Phalen Park, and at Rice and Arlington, McMurray and Dunning ball fields. No glass beverage containers are allowed.
• City of Saint Paul ordinance prohibits the possession or consumption of alcohol in all other City parks. Temporary liquor licenses to sell and/or serve beer, wine or alcohol at park facilities may be obtained from the Department of Safety and Inspections if the Director has given permission for such sale or service. Recreation Centers are allowed only eight such temporary licenses per year at the discretion of the Director.
• Alcohol may be served at Como Campus, Harriet Island and other large events and festivals in conjunction with special permits authorized by the Director - see “Permits” in CHAPTER 2, Section 2

b. The use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited in youth activity areas, including: playing areas, athletic fields, spectator viewing areas, and parent/supervisor resting areas.

a. Fireworks, model rockets or any other device with an explosive charge are not allowed without written permission from the Director.

b. Weapons are not allowed on any park property or in any park facility except as allowed by Minnesota State Statutes.

c. Open archery is ONLY allowed at the archery range located at 1200 Warner Road. The site includes an accessible lane for persons of all abilities. Range hours are seasonal and posted at the site. Permits for exclusive use of archery lanes may be made through the Parks Permits Office at 651-266-6400 or by visiting the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation website.

a. Picnicking is allowed in designated areas.

b. Assuming exclusive control of an enclosed picnic pavilion area without a permit is not allowed. If no person has secured a permit, non-locked picnic shelter areas may be used on a first come first served basis.

c. A permit is required for the use of tents, canopies, inflatables, large games and rides, dunk tanks, animal rides and volleyball nets, etc. in picnic areas.

a. Grilling and outdoor cooking is allowed in areas designated and equipped for that purpose. Grilling is not allowed on beach areas.

b. Outdoor grilling is not allowed without written permission from the Director in the following downtown parks: Landmark Plaza, Rice Park, Kellogg Mall Park, Mears Park, Irvine Park and Wacouta Commons.

c. McMurray, Rice and Arlington and Dunning ball fields allow grilling and outdoor cooking in designated areas.

d. Grilling of any kind is not allowed within 10 yards of an artificial turf surface.

e. Individuals are allowed to bring their own grill for outdoor cooking but must extinguish all charcoal before disposal, and charcoal ash must be disposed of in designated receptacles. Charcoal grilling at recreation centers is not allowed without prior approval from the facility manager.

a. Any recreational fire outside the designated area(s), including portable fire pits, requires a permit and/or written permission from the Director:

• All recreational bonfires shall be in designated fire rings only.
• Fuel area can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
• Only cut firewood is permitted. All other materials are prohibited.
• All laws related to transporting firewood into the parks must be followed.
• The harvesting of live or dead wood from any park area is not allowed.
• Any condition which could cause a fire to spread to within 25' of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
• A means shall be provided to extinguish the fire. This can include buckets, shovels, garden hoses (if a water source is available), or a minimum 4-A fire extinguisher.
• Fires must be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment provided.
• Fires must not be ignited if the wind speed is 10 mph or more.
• Fires must not be left unattended and must be extinguished no later than 11:00 PM.

b. The Saint Paul Fire Department, Police Department and/or the Department of Parks and Recreation may order the fire to be discontinued if, in their opinion, the fire constitutes a hazardous condition or produces obnoxious smoke or odors that may cause a public nuisance.

c. Fire dancing, twirling or throwing is not allowed.

d. Exceptions to bonfires other than in a designated fire ring and/or size of fuel area require the following:

• Requests must be submitted in writing through the Park Permit Office to the Director of Parks and Recreation for review and approval at least two weeks prior to the event date.
• After approval by the Director, any permits required by the Fire Department must be obtained and a copy submitted to the Park Permit Office prior to the event date.
• Bonfires must be completely extinguished and the site cleaned and returned to pre-existing conditions.

a. Bathing, wading, or swimming is only allowed in areas that are specifically designated for those activities. There are no designated public swimming areas bordering the Mississippi River within City of Saint Paul controlled parkland.

b. Bathing attire is required at all times.

c. Children under age 10 must be always accompanied by an adult.

d. Animals accompanied by people are not allowed to come closer than 100 yards from any swimming beach, and are not allowed to enter the water closer than 100 yards from a designated swimming area. Service dogs are allowed within the confines of a pool/beach, but are not allowed to enter the water.

e. Launching, docking, or operating any water craft within 150 yards of a designated swimming area is not allowed.

f. The rules, directions and instructions of the on-duty lifeguards must be followed at all times.

g. An admission fee is required before entering the Como Park, Highland Park and Great River Water Park aquatic facilities.

h. Bicycles, mopeds and alternative vehicles are not allowed on a beach or within a pool facility except at designated bicycle racks.

a. All inflatables are prohibited in swimming areas other than designated children’s pools.

b. Notwithstanding Chapter 4, Section 5 a., U.S. Coastguard approved personal floatation devices are allowed in designated areas. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

a. Minnesota licensed boats and life rafts approved by the U.S. Coast Guard are allowed on any lake or pond. One personal floatation device per occupant is required.

b. Gasoline powered motors may be on a boat but cannot be used on City lakes.

c. Electric trolling motors are allowed on City lakes.

d. Boats may only be launched at an authorized boat launch site.

e. Boating is not allowed before daylight or after 11:00 P.M.

f. Boat rental on City lakes may only be conducted by concessionaires authorized by the Director.

g. Each watercraft kept on park waters must be equipped as required by law and is subject to inspection; any watercraft which does not meet the requirements will not be allowed on a lake.

h. It is illegal to operate any watercraft in violation of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 361. All watercraft operators shall remove Eurasian Milfoil and/or other nuisance materials from their watercraft in accordance with Minnesota law.

i. Only car top-carried boats are allowed on Como Lake, and the parking of boat trailers is not allowed in any Como Park parking lots.

a. No person shall land any watercraft on park land or launch any watercraft there-from or dock, moor or anchor any watercraft in the water of the Mississippi River for a period more than seventy-two (72) hours except at locations designated by the Director.

b. No person shall in any manner secure any watercraft to any tree, shrub, post or other object in or on park or parkway.

a. The public dock at Harriet Island Park and all other public docks are available for public use from daylight to 11:00 PM.

b. Boaters may tie-up to the Public Dock at Harriet Island only during public hours. Overnight docking is not allowed.

c. Boaters are not allowed to dock at the Great Stairs on Harriet Island or at Raspberry Island and Upper Landing parks.

a. Path or trail users shall observe and obey all traffic laws, traffic signals, trail markings and directional signs. Where trails and roadways intersect, trail and roadway users shall yield right-of-way per all applicable city and state statutes. A person riding a bicycle shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian or other bicycle rider on a sidewalk, path, or trail.

b. Bicycle riders shall operate in a safe and controlled manner and in accordance with pathway speed limit where posted.

c. Designated pathways, trails and surfaces normally provided for vehicular traffic may be used by bicyclists, pedestrians, and other users.

d. Designated bicycle racks are provided for bike parking. Bikes should not be placed/parked where they may endanger other park patrons.

e. In-line skates, roller skates, roller skis and non-motorized scooters are allowed on paved pathways under the same stipulations as bicycles.

f. Permanent and/or temporary pathway or trail markings may not be placed on any City pathway or trail without written permission from the Director.

a. Golf play is only allowed on City golf courses during times when the course is open for business.

b. A valid greens fee receipt is required before entering the area of play, and that receipt must be carried by the player or group at all times during play.

c. Parents must accompany children between the ages of 7 - 11. Children under the age of 7 are not allowed on the course at any time. Children under 7 are allowed on the driving range and putting greens if accompanied by a parent.

d. Only persons 18 years of age and older, with a valid driver’s license may rent a motorized golf cart.

e. Persons 16 years of age and older, with a valid driver’s license may operate a motorized golf cart.

f. Practice play, including driving and putting, is only allowed in designated areas at courses. It is not allowed in general park areas.

g. Tampering with any irrigation system, tee marker, greens flag, or maintenance equipment is not allowed.

h. Entrance to or exit from any golf course is allowed only through designated access points.

a. Fishing is allowed on City lakes and ponds in designated areas and only in accordance with current Minnesota State fishing regulations.

b. Fishing is allowed from all public docks except the dock at the Como Pavilion. Fishing from the Public Dock at Harriet Island is allowed but should be kept at least 20 feet from moored vessels.

c. Fishing is not allowed from the Lake Phalen swimming beach.

d. Ice fishing houses or similar structures cannot be placed on any City lake before sunrise and must be removed no later than 11 P.M. each day.

e. An ice fishing hole on City lakes cannot be larger than 10 inches in diameter.

f. Ice fishing is not allowed in areas designated for ice skating.

g. Fishing is allowed only in designated areas.

Downhill skiing and snowboarding are only allowed at the Como Park Ski Center during designated hours of operation.

a. Groomed Cross Country ski trails are provided at Como Golf Course, Phalen Golf Course, and Highland 9-hole Golf Course.

b. Cross country skiing is not allowed on the grounds of Como Campus.

c. Skijoring is allowed in designated area(s) at Highland 9 -hole golf course. Call 651-266-6400 for information.

d. Skijoring dogs are not allowed on any other trails.

e. Skijoring dogs must be leashed at all times and are subject to the same control and clean-up rules and fines listed in CHAPTER 6, Section 2.

a. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles are not allowed in City parks, including on lakes.

a. Attempts to kill, injure, harass, remove or unnecessarily disturb fish, waterfowl, birds, deer or any wildlife creatures within park property is not allowed.

b. The feeding of any wildlife creatures within park property is not allowed without prior written permission from the Director

c. The abuse of any natural resource within the park system is not allowed, nor is the intentional digging of holes, excavating or otherwise initiating destruction or damage to any natural resource.

d. The intentional removal of any natural resource from within the park system without prior written permission from the Director is not allowed. This includes but is not limited to: trees, plants, shrubs, flowers, water, soil, wildlife, stones and turf.

e. The introduction of any plant or animal species or agent which could pose a threat to the existing park environment is not allowed.

f. The planting or cultivation of any natural resource is not allowed without prior written permission from the Director.

g. Planting within Parkways is prohibited unless approved by the Director.

a. Posted signs and instructions must be followed at all times. Inappropriate, disruptive, or unsafe behaviors may result in individuals and/or groups being evicted.

b. Feeding, teasing, disturbing, harassing, or throwing objects at zoo animals and crossing barriers or entering secured areas to gain access to animal or plant displays is not allowed.

c. The removal or disturbance of any type of plants, equipment, sculpture, benches, rocks, etc is not allowed.

d. Walking, standing, or posing in planted beds, areas behind plants, on decorative walls, rocks, benches and pools is not allowed.

e. Fenced areas are not available for picnicking.  Food and beverages, except for water, are not permitted within the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.

f. The tossing of coins or any other foreign object into any water or exhibit area that provides a habitat for zoo animals or plants is not allowed.

g. Balloons, and the use of music instruments or other devices which are audible to the general public are not allowed.

h. Bicycles, skis, in-line skates, skateboards, scooters or any other type of self propelled or motorized vehicle, scooter, or equipment are NOT allowed in the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory area. The lawful use of motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters is allowed.

i. Tripods, selfie sticks, easels, and other artistic or photographic paraphernalia besides sketch books and handheld cameras are not allowed.

j. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has a photo policy for all photographers. Commercial and Professional photography is strictly regulated. All photographers must have a permit and abide by the Conservatory’s Policy for Formal and/or commercial Posed Photography. Contact 651-487-8250 for additional information. Additional fees will apply and a permit may be revoked for violations of established policy.

k. Weddings and other ceremonies including processions are not allowed at the campus during public hours. Contact 651-487-8250 for information about after-hours rentals when such activities may be accommodated.

l. Pets are not allowed. Service animals are allowed but may be asked to leave if their presence causes undue stress on Zoo animals. Companion animals are not allowed.

m. Shirts and shoes or sandals must be worn at all times.

n. Tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited in all public areas of the Como  Zoo and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.

a. Service animals which are trained to assist persons with disabilities are allowed in all park facilities, with the exception of entering the designated swimming areas at aquatics facilities.

a. Dogs must be effectively restrained on a leash no longer than six feet.

b. Dogs and other domestic animals are not allowed in park buildings without written permission from the Director.

c. Dogs may only be “off-leash” in a designated City of Saint Paul Off-Leash Dog Area. See also: Dog Park Rules.

d. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on City golf courses, swimming areas or Como Park Zoo and Conservatory unless authorized by the Director.

e. Owners and/or handlers of dogs must prevent their animals from the pursuit or harassment of wildlife or wildlife nests, burrows or habitat in any park property.

f. An owner or person handling a dog is responsible for feces clean-up, and must carry a device for such clean-up. Failure to comply with the established leash ordinance including clean-up may result in a citation.

What are the hours that parks are open?

City-owned and operated parks are open from sunrise to 11:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted. For safety reasons, parks can be subject to early closings and delayed openings.

Is alcohol allowed in Saint Paul Parks?

No. The possession and consumption of alcohol is prohibited in City parks except as follows:

• The possession and consumption of non-intoxicating and intoxicating malt liquor (containing not more than 5.5% alcohol by weight) is allowed from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and only within the designated areas of Cherokee Park, Como Park, Harriet Island Park, Raspberry Island, Upper Landing Park, City House, Highland Park, Phalen Park, and at Rice and Arlington, McMurray and Dunning ball fields. No glass beverage containers are allowed.
• City of Saint Paul ordinance prohibits the possession or consumption of alcohol in all other City parks. Temporary liquor licenses to sell and/or serve beer, wine or alcohol at park facilities may be obtained from the Department of Safety and Inspections if the Director has given permission for such sale or service. 

Is skateboarding allowed in parks?

Skateboarding is only allowed within the designated areas of Front Park, Merriam Park Recreation Center, Palace Community Center, Gateway Park, and Arlington/Arkwright Park. Skateboarding within all other city parks is prohibited.

Can we have a bonfire at a park?

Yes, but only in a designated fire ring and certain requirements must be met. See our Bonfire webpage for a list of requirements and map of designated fire ring locations.

May I walk my dog in the park without a leash as long as they stay right next to me and are very well behaved?

No. All dogs, even the best trained dogs, are required to be restrained on a leash no more than six feet in length in all city parks except within designated off-leash dog parks. Owners must have in their possession a method of feces removal. Violation of these rules may result in a fine of $108.00.