Carty Park

A Neighborhood Green

Tucked between Iglehart Avenue and St. Albans Street, Carty Park spreads across 3.6 acres of Saint Paul, Minnesota. This modest green space is a popular spot for local recreation, with longtime residents affectionately dubbing it "People's Park" - a name that reflects its community-centered atmosphere.

Playground and Picnic Areas

On the eastern side, you'll find two playground areas with modern play structures where neighborhood kids can climb, slide, and let their imaginations run wild. The equipment gets the job done, but it's not exactly cutting-edge - a little TLC might be in its future.

Nearby, several picnic tables and BBQ grills create an excellent backdrop for everything from impromptu family lunches to full-blown community cookouts. If you're planning a picnic, consider bringing your own tablecloth - it's a small touch that makes those well-loved tables feel a bit more homey.

Sports Facilities

The western half of the park is dedicated to sports facilities. A half-court basketball court invites pickup games, while two tennis courts - freshly resurfaced in 2019 - offer some of the smoothest playing surfaces in the area according to local tennis enthusiasts.

While these dedicated sports areas thrive, the park doesn't offer much open space for casual frisbee tossing or catch. Most of the real estate here is committed to specific activities, so plan accordingly if you're hoping for wide-open spaces.

Amenities and Facilities

During summer months, portable toilets appear to compensate for the lack of permanent facilities - a practical if not glamorous solution. Dog lovers can bring their four-legged friends along, although you'll need to bring your own waste bags as there aren't designated dog areas or pet stations.

A heads-up for sun-sensitive visitors: most of the park's trees line the perimeter along the streets, leaving the interior pretty exposed. On blazing summer days, you might want to bring a hat or seek refuge under one of the boundary trees for some natural shade.

Location and Community Impact

Carty Park sits comfortably in a residential pocket of Saint Paul, making it an easy stroll for neighbors looking for a breath of fresh air. Not far away, you can find the historic Victorian mansions along Summit Avenue to the south, while the majestic Cathedral of Saint Paul rises to the east.

As one among Saint Paul's 184 parks, Carty plays a vital role in the city's green network. It's used by many young people in the surrounding area, offering space for play, exercise, and social connection in the neighborhood. The park occasionally hosts community celebrations like Unity Fest, where food, games, art, and mental health resources bring neighbors together.