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Ramsey County Parks and Recreation to conduct prescribed burns this spring
Prescribed burns are a vital land management tool used annually to promote the growth of native vegetation, including shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers, while controlling invasive weeds and undesirable plants.
Get Involved: Volunteer with Ramsey County Parks and Recreation
If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community while enjoying the outdoors, Ramsey County offers year-round volunteer opportunities at our parks and trails. Whether you are passionate about preserving natural spaces, maintaining scenic trails, or simply spending time outside, we provide flexible scheduling to accommodate your availability.
Battle Creek Waterworks to Remain Closed for 2025 Season Amid Major Renovations
As part of a comprehensive remodel and improvement project, Battle Creek Waterworks will remain closed for the 2025 season. Originally constructed in 2000, this beloved family water park within the Ramsey County regional park system is undergoing significant upgrades to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall visitor experience.
Winter Recreational Area: Early Closure for Ski Rental Season
While we had hoped for a longer season, the warm weather has made it difficult to maintain suitable skiing conditions. We appreciate all the skiers who visited and enjoyed our facilities this winter.
Encroachment inspections to continue year-round
With minimal snowfall this season, encroachments on park property have been occurring throughout the winter and will continue to be addressed throughout the year. Parks & Recreation staff are actively inspecting parkland to identify unauthorized use, which can include dumping yard waste, mowing or clearing vegetation, storing personal belongings, or placing structures on county property.
Ramsey County Parks partners up with New Brighton Parks and Rec on lifeguard certifications and re-certifications
Certification courses will be held April 17-19 in New Brighton and June 5-7 in Arden Hills. A re-certification course is available on May 17 in Mounds View.
Oak reforestation project helps restore Rice Creek North Regional Trail
Ongoing conservation efforts are providing valuable insights into seedling survival rates.
Warm up this Winter with mobile saunas at Ramsey County Parks
This winter, Ramsey County Parks & Recreation invites you to experience the ultimate combination of relaxation and nature with mobile saunas! In collaboration with Driftwood Sauna and Saunice, we’re bringing cozy, mobile outdoor saunas to Tamarack Nature Center and Lake Johanna at Tony Schmidt Regional Park.
Enjoy winter at Ramsey County parks
Ramsey County Parks & Recreation offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for all ages all year round! Head to the park and embrace the fun of winter – go sledding, skiing, snowshoeing and more.
Ramsey County Golf 2024: A season of growth and community engagement
This year, Mark Foley and Foley Professional Golf Services brought a renewed focus on enhancing the golfing experience. A significant partnership with Keller Golf Course and the Solomon Hughes Foundation was established, expanding youth access to the sport. Major facility upgrades were also completed, and the course celebrated its 15-year Audubon re-certification for environmental sustainability. These efforts reflect our continued commitment to providing exceptional service while fostering community engagement and responsible environmental stewardship.
Beginner to advanced: Which Ramsey County golf course is right for you
Residents are encouraged to visit Ramsey County's premier golf courses, three driving ranges and one mini-golf course.
Bridging communities: Phoebe McGowan joins Ramsey County Parks as Cultural Liaison
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation is proud to announce the appointment of Phoebe McGowan as the department’s new Cultural Liaison. McGowan's role is dedicated to bridging the gap between the county's parks and its Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities, advocating for their values, interests, and needs within the park system.
Join Ramsey County at Pride events this June
Celebrating Pride Month is part of the county's dedication to inclusivity and the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering a diverse and resilient community. The county will be at the following events throughout the month.
Efforts underway to mitigate swan deaths at Sucker Lake
Lead sinkers used in fishing have caused the deaths of dozens of swans in the channel on the north side of Sucker Lake in Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park. Park staff have attempted various methods to address the issue, but stronger measures are necessary. Feedback from surveys and a community meeting have been critical in understanding how the area is used and what potential solutions might look like.
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation wins innovation in equity award
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation has been honored with the Innovation in Equity Award for its "Signs of Belonging" project. The award, announced by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), will be presented at the NRPA Annual Conference in October, where the Best in Innovation Award will also be revealed.
Minnesota leaders unite to combat aquatic invasive species at Phalen Lake event
Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen were among the notable figures who gathered at Phalen Lake today, along with zebra mussel sniffing dogs and Parks & Recreation staff from Saint Paul and Ramsey County. The event aimed to emphasize the importance of controlling, managing, and preventing the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Minnesota's lakes and waterways.
Board proclaims April 21-27 as Volunteer Week at Mississippi River cleanup event
Dog park stewards and Tamarack Nature Center volunteers were honored during the proclamation.
Celebrating APIDA Heritage Month: Tuj Lub, a Traditional Hmong Game in Keller Regional Park
In the idyllic setting of Keller Regional Park, nestled amid its verdant expanses and tranquil ambiance, lies a cultural treasure waiting to be uncovered: Tuj Lub, the traditional Hmong top-spinning game. Serving as a poignant reminder of Hmong heritage, this pastime embodies a fusion of skill, strategy, and community spirit.
Cultivating Resilience: Transforming Our Soil from Dirt to Gold
At the heart of every flourishing ecosystem lies the often-underappreciated foundation—healthy soil. Healthy soil isn’t just a medium for plants to grow in. It is a dynamic and interconnected system that influences water quality, biodiversity, and even climate stability. To help keep water clean, healthy soil acts as a natural filter, preventing pollutants from entering water bodies. Soil is important for biological diversity (or biodiversity) to grow plants, which are the basis of the food chain that sustains animals and humans. Soil plays a multifaceted and crucial role in reducing climate change, too.
Preserving Lakes: Ramsey County's Vigilance Against Invasive Rusty Crayfish
In a forward-looking initiative, Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division (RCSWCD) forged a crucial partnership with the University of Minnesota in 2023 to tackle the growing threat of invasive rusty crayfish in Ramsey County lakes. Utilizing cutting-edge DNA detection techniques, the University played a pivotal role in confirming the presence of these invasive crayfish species. RCSWCD then verified the infestation in Lake McCarron through the examination of a live sample.