Mattocks Park

A Hidden Park in Macalester-Groveland

Situated in Saint Paul's residential Macalester-Groveland neighborhood, Mattocks Park spans a modest 3.69 acres. This little pocket of green space fits perfectly into the local street grid, with James Avenue to the south, Palace Avenue to the north, and South Davern and Macalester Streets on the west and east sides.

What we love about this park is how the rows of tall pines create a natural border. These trees provide welcome shade on hot days and give the park a cozy, enclosed feeling while helping it blend with the surrounding neighborhood. There's something really peaceful about being under that full canopy of trees when the summer heat hits.

Playground Paradise

If you've got kids of different ages, you'll appreciate that Mattocks offers two distinct playground areas. The toddler playground features a rubber padded surface (goodbye skinned knees!) and equipment that's ideal for the littlest visitors - even one-year-olds can play safely here.

The larger playground caters to children up to about 10 years old, with climbers and slides set in a sandy surface. The playground features a shared toy collection. Local families have donated trucks, diggers, and various ride-on toys for everyone to use.

Recreational Areas

Despite not being huge, Mattocks Park makes smart use of its space. The eastern half near Macalester Street features a grassy field where you'll often spot neighbors playing fetch with their dogs or families spreading out picnic blankets.

This area also includes a baseball dugout for those more organized sports moments. Head to the western side by Davern Street, and you can find the playgrounds, a swing set, half-court basketball court, tennis court, and pickleball court - quite a lot packed into a small space!

Community Vibes

Mattocks Park has a strong community feel. The collection of shared toys isn't something you'll come across at just any city park - it shows a level of neighborhood trust.

Stop by on a nice weekday afternoon and you'll see the park come alive, mostly with local families. Kids who might be strangers quickly become playmates, creating that warm, neighborhood atmosphere that's so valuable in urban settings.

Amenities

Scattered across the park are several concrete picnic tables, many thoughtfully placed in shaded spots near pretty flower beds. These make perfect perches for snack breaks or casual family meals.

During summer, you'll discover a portable toilet provided by the City of Saint Paul - not glamorous, but practical since there aren't permanent restrooms on-site.

Parking and Access

As for parking, it's all street-side along the bordering roads. This usually works fine given the park's neighborhood focus - most visitors live within walking distance anyway.

While Mattocks doesn't have the extensive amenities of larger parks - no permanent restrooms or hiking trails here - it offers something perhaps more valuable: a clean, safe green space where the Macalester-Groveland community can gather, play, and enjoy a peaceful break from urban life. It's a pleasant green space where the Macalester-Groveland residents can gather and play.