Baker Park

Recreation Facilities

Set in Saint Paul's Annapolis neighborhood, Baker Park spans 6.5 acres. This local spot is where neighbors connect and you can find space to play and relax.

At the heart of the park sits a recreation center with indoor activities for everyone from toddlers to seniors. Step outside, and you can find yourself surrounded by various sports facilities where both organized leagues and impromptu games unfold throughout the seasons.

Sports and Play Areas

The tennis courts here are well-maintained - something local players seem to appreciate. There's also a basketball half court for pickup games and three softball fields where you can hear the crack of the bat throughout summer evenings.

If you're visiting with kids, the park features two distinct playgrounds catering to different age groups. Parents of little ones will appreciate the fenced-in smaller playground that keeps adventurous toddlers contained. Both play areas feature standard tubular equipment with deep sand underneath - because safety matters when you're having fun.

Winter Activities

In winter, the steep sledding hill becomes popular with locals and visitors. In years past, hockey and ice skating rinks have also been part of the winter landscape, though you'll want to check what's currently offered before bundling up and heading out.

Amenities and Facilities

Need a breather? Several benches near the tennis courts offer perfect resting spots, while a picnic table by the basketball court invites you to enjoy lunch in the fresh air. Nature calls? A portable toilet typically appears during softball season in summer and football in fall. For more permanent facilities, restrooms are located near the ball fields at the hill's bottom.

Dog parents, your leashed furry friends are welcome here too! Just remember to use the conveniently placed trash cans for waste disposal.

Upcoming Improvements

2024 marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Baker Park. The City of Saint Paul has kickstarted a redesign project funded by the Common Cent Sales Tax that promises to make this beloved space even better.

The plans include installing a new synthetic turf field, creating accessible parking, improving walkways, adding fresh plantings, and potentially building permanent restroom facilities. They're also updating the electrical infrastructure, which might temporarily affect some areas of the park.

Community Involvement

The city is gathering resident input for the redesign process, with local voices contributing to what Baker Park will become.

Many longtime residents still refer to it as "Baker Playground." The transformation is scheduled to unfold from fall 2024 through fall 2025, with construction wrapping up by year's end in 2025.