Midway Peace Park

A Fresh Community Oasis

Located in Saint Paul's Midway neighborhood, Midway Peace Park is a relatively new gem that opened its gates in 2021. Spanning 3 acres, this park is part of outdoor spaces developed along the Green Line light rail corridor.

The park was developed through collaboration between Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, the Trust for Public Land, and community groups including Union Park District Council, Gordon Parks High School, and several others from the neighborhood.

Play Areas That Wow

The park features a multi-level playground setup that accommodates families with kids of all ages. Up top, you'll discover a PlayBooster playground structure that's great for the little ones between 2 and 5 years old.

As you wander down the slope (and yes, this park has some cool elevation changes), you'll encounter hillside net climbers, a hillside slide, and over-under rings that'll tempt visitors of any age to play. These climbing features provide both entertainment and opportunities for kids to develop strength and coordination.

At the bottom level, there's a Netplex playstructure that connects to another PlayBooster setup, creating a continuous play experience. While you won't find traditional swings here, the unique two-story playground design offers enough excitement that you probably won't miss them.

Green by Design

The park combines aesthetic and functional design elements. The design includes two rain gardens and a creative stormwater channel that work together to manage runoff.

These features actually clean polluted water from the nearby parking lot before it cycles through the water channel and eventually makes its way to the lower raingarden. It's a small but meaningful contribution to protecting both the local environment and the Mississippi River downstream.

Places to Rest and Refuel

When you need a break, you can settle in at one of the metal picnic tables scattered across the park. There's also a drinking fountain where you can refill your water bottle or grab a quick drink.

One thing to note: the trees here are still young, so shade is limited. On hot summer days, the park - especially the picnic areas - can get pretty warm, so you might want to bring a hat and sunscreen.

Getting There and Getting Around

The designers thought carefully about making this park accessible and community-friendly. It's right near the Green Line light rail, making it easy to reach without a car. The park represents an important green space for the neighborhood, nearby schools, and residents of the adjacent Skyline Tower.

You'll generally find the park clean, well-maintained, and not too crowded - perfect if you're looking for a peaceful outdoor escape. Just keep in mind that the park is built on a hillside, which adds character but might mean keeping a closer eye on very young children as they explore.