District 12

Updates—South St. Anthony Park play area

The St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department recently presented improvement plans for the South St. Anthony Park Play Area to the Council.

Anne Gardner and Meredith Ver Steeg shared progress on the Play Area Improvements Project, addressing the park’s needs based on age, accessibility and distance.

The 30-year-old play area is due for an update. The engagement process began in the spring and will continue through design and development. Bidding is set for winter, with construction planned for the spring of 2025, aiming to reopen by summer 2025.

The team analyzed the current state of the park, noting features like mature canopy trees and drainage issues. An exciting opportunity identified is creating a cozy nature play area under the high spruce trees.

A survey conducted from April to June drew 91 responses, most from people who live nearby and visit the park frequently. The community expressed a need for more equipment for younger kids, a desire for more inclusive equipment and concerns about sand cleanliness. Themes of nature and environmental awareness were highlighted.

Currently, the park features two areas for ages 2 to 5, one for ages 5 to 12, a swing set area and a basketball court. Preliminary designs propose options like enlarging the basketball area, consolidating age-specific play areas and adding plazas with seating and shade. Another option focuses on organic shapes for the play areas, with circuitous walks connecting them.

The project design will be revealed at the end of summer. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting transformation of the South St. Anthony Park Play Area, aiming to create a more inclusive and engaging space for all community members to enjoy. Learn more at: bit.ly/southsap.

Highway 280 walk and talk tour

The St. Anthony Park Community Council hosted the Highway 280 Walk and Talk Tour on June 25.

The event drew a significant group of neighbors, including St. Paul Council President Mitre Jalani, Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter, officials from the state Department of Transportation and representatives from Our Streets MN.

Led by Pat Thompson and Scott Jensen from the District 12 Transportation Committee, the tour explored the area’s history, focusing on what once occupied the location of Highway 280. Attendees learned about the highway’s impact on nearby residents and the environment.

As MnDOT “Rethinks I-94,” the tour raised the question: Should more of Highway 280 be part of this rethinking? The community engagement and discussions along the tour emphasized the importance of considering Highway 280’s future in urban planning and neighborhood development.

District 12 continues to advocate for community-driven changes to a transportation network that enhance residents’ quality of life and improve connections in the neighborhood. Watch for upcoming events and initiatives as District 12 works together to shape a better future for the neighborhood. View the tour handout at: bit.ly/280Tour.

Upcoming Meetings

District 12 committee meetings are open to the public. If you’re interested in attending, please RSVP at bit.ly/sapccvolunteer to receive an agenda and Zoom link before the meeting.

•  Land Use Committee, 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 1

•  District 12 Council, 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 8

•  Transportation Committee, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 27

•  Environmental Committee, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28

•  Equity Committee, 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 29

Submitted by District 12 outreach and communications.