Big things are happening in Saint Paul's public spaces, including a major overhaul of Downtown's Osborn Plaza. Starting November 10, Sheehy Construction Company will tackle the project, which promises a redesigned plaza sans stairs for smoother ADA access, upgraded lighting, and a fresh set of diverse trees replacing the old ones. Not satisfied with just upgrading the physical space, the Saint Paul's Parks and Recreation Department is also calling for public input to rename the plaza—a move reflecting a broader trend of reflecting community identity in local landmarks.
The city isn't just focusing on sprucing up green spots for the adults, though. The kiddos of Highwood Hills can now shoot hoops at their newly renovated basketball court—a project just wrapped up with a celebratory ribbon cutting. And for the community members in the Greater East Side, there's talk about naming a new park within The Heights development. The city's naming game is strong, inviting suggestions until November 15, because, well, what's a park without a proper name?
Meanwhile, over at Victoria Park, inclusivity is key. The universally accessible play area is a caucus of city planning and citizen feedback, featuring amenities for all abilities. And back by the river, the Mississippi River Learning Center continues churning through design phases, with a public event in 2026 to showcase its progress. This development draws attention with engagement events that include the talents of local artists such as Wasima Farah and Graci Horne.
In terms of green initiatives, don't miss the urban forest. The Department of Parks & Recreation received a cool $2 million to plant trees all over the place, like near Como Park's outdoor classroom and the iconic Harriet Island. And for the artsy types, the Como Regional Park Mural offers a splash of color along Lexington Ave, thanks to Elissa Cedarleaf Dahl and a team of Right Track interns.
And let's not forget the promise of a new park that could be the perfect picnic spot. Construction at Linwood Park has already begun, with anticipated completion by the summer of 2026, thanks to LOST funding and Parkland Dedication. The park will not only offer new play areas and accessibility upgrades, but also potentially boasts an amphitheater—because, you know, Saint Paulites might want to get their Shakespeare in the park fix.
For those who may have missed it, Pedro Park is now open for business—or relaxation, really. A former luggage center site has given way to a park with all the trimmings: a play area, a dog run, and a pavilion to chill in. All these projects are part of the city's Common Cent 1% sales tax boon, a funding initiative that's going to pour $246 million into streets, parks, and rec facilities around town. You can track the progress of these projects and check out what's been completed on the Parks and Recreation 1% Sales Tax webpage.
