Highland Park Community Center: Hours, Gym, Library & Rentals
Highland Park Community Center is a City of Saint Paul recreation and library complex at 1978 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55116. It combines the former Hillcrest Recreation Center with Highland Park Library and provides a gym, indoor walking track, fitness room, youth and adult activities, childcare programs, meeting rooms and outdoor athletic fields.
Reviewed October 29, 2026. Library hours, recreation sessions and rental availability may differ.
Highland Park Community Center Hours
| Day | Recreation Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 1 PM–5 PM |
| Holidays | Check City closure notices |
These hours appear in Saint Paul’s current recreation center directory and fitness center schedule.
Check the City recreation hours and closure notices before traveling.
What’s Inside the Community Center?
| Facility | Visitor Use |
|---|---|
| Large gymnasium | Scheduled open gym, youth sports, adult athletics and approved rentals |
| Fitness center | Cardio and strength equipment under the City membership program |
| Indoor walking track | Indoor walking and exercise; ask about applicable access requirements |
| Auditorium | Approved performances, gatherings and meetings |
| Five meeting rooms | Classes, community meetings and reservable activities |
| Craft room and kitchen | Instructional programs and approved reservations |
| Library | Books, computers, holds, study areas and library events |
| Teen and study areas | Teen activities, five study rooms and computer workstations |
| Outdoor facilities | Playground, baseball/softball fields, soccer fields and sledding hill |
The center also includes a reading garden, warming room and other community gathering spaces. An equipment or room listing does not guarantee unrestricted walk-in access.
Fitness Membership: $30 Per Year
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation publishes an annual fitness membership rate of $30 for adults who live or work in Saint Paul. The membership provides access to participating City recreation-center fitness rooms.
| Question | Published Information |
|---|---|
| Eligible resident/worker annual price | $30 |
| Participating facilities | City recreation-center fitness rooms, including Highland Park |
| Highland Park fitness hours | Monday–Thursday 9 AM–9 PM; Friday 9 AM–6 PM; Saturday 10 AM–5:30 PM; Sunday 1 PM–5 PM |
| Nonresident eligibility/price | Ask staff for the current applicable category |
| Other recreation programs | Separate activity fees or registration may apply |
How to Get a Fitness Membership
- Open the official Fitness Center Memberships page.
- Review the current membership eligibility and fee information.
- Choose Highland Park as your preferred recreation facility.
- Call 651-695-3706 to ask what identification or proof of employment is accepted.
- Complete the registration and payment requirements.
- Ask about equipment rules, fitness access and any required orientation.
For comparison with a newer Saint Paul fitness and recreation facility, see our North End Community Center visitor guide. Its building and activity hours are different.
Open Gym, Pickleball & Youth Sports
Highland Park offers scheduled open gym, tot time, pickleball and youth/adult sports. These activities do not all operate throughout regular building hours.
Choose Your Activity
| Activity | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Open gym | Current drop-in session time, age requirements and capacity |
| Pickleball | Current court schedule, player level and equipment requirements |
| Tot time | Preschool-age session times and adult supervision rules |
| Youth basketball | Age bracket, registration dates, practice location and game schedule |
| Adult athletics | League availability, fees and team enrollment requirements |
For the 2026–27 youth basketball season, the City’s registration system lists a $0 standard rate for Saint Paul residents and a $75 nonresident rate for certain age divisions. The published fall registration and winter season dates depend on the age group and team.
Those basketball fees are specific to the listed programs, not a universal price for every open-gym visit.
How to Register for Sports
- Open the Highland Park facility page.
- Choose Current Activities or Youth & Adult Sports Registration.
- Select the age bracket and season.
- Check residence-based eligibility and current fees.
- Review practice and game locations; games may take place at other City facilities.
- Complete registration through the official City activity system.
- Save the confirmation and await team or coach instructions.
Childcare, Preschool & Free Youth Programs
Saint Paul offers several child-focused services, but eligibility differs between them.
| Program | What Families Should Know |
|---|---|
| S’more Fun | Recreational childcare with structured and free-choice activities, subject to enrollment |
| Recreation for Preschoolers | Age-appropriate play, socialization and educational activities |
| Youth sports | Seasonal registration by sport and age division |
| Library children’s programs | Story times, reading activities and other library events |
| Rec Check | Free after-school and summer program for eligible Saint Paul children in grades 1–5, but not offered at Highland Park |
How to Find Childcare or Preschool Availability
- Open the official Highland Park Community Center page.
- Choose S’more Fun or Recreation for Preschoolers.
- Review the child’s age eligibility, session dates, hours and fees.
- Check whether registration is open and space is available.
- Complete enrollment through Saint Paul Parks and Recreation.
- Ask staff about pickup, supervision and required forms.
For a comparison of other public recreation services and registration approaches, use our community recreation center guide.
Highland Park Library: Same Building, Separate Hours
The center shares a building with Highland Park Library, part of Saint Paul Public Library.
After the renovation that brought the facilities under one shared name, the complex added a dedicated teen zone, more study and meeting rooms, an expanded children’s area, public art, more computer stations and additional public space.
Library services include books and materials, computer access, pickup of reserved items, children’s activities and study space.
How to Plan a Library Visit
- Open the Saint Paul Public Library locations directory.
- Select Highland Park Library.
- Check its current operating hours and upcoming closures.
- For a computer, study space or event, check specific availability.
- For reserved books, verify that your hold is ready before pickup.
Do not assume library hours match the recreation center’s 9 AM opening or Sunday timetable.
Room, Gym & Kitchen Rentals: Published Fees
Saint Paul publishes a citywide hourly rental schedule for recreation-center spaces. These rates apply to available facility categories; confirm the specific Highland Park room and any required extras with its staff.
| Space Type | City Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Small meeting, craft or multipurpose room | $15 |
| Large meeting, craft or multipurpose room | $30 |
| Kitchen | $20 |
| Teaching kitchen | $40 |
| Large gymnasium | $55 |
| Theater for large group meetings | $70 |
| Warming room | $30 |
Other City recreation facilities have small/medium gym and dance studio categories, but that does not mean every category is available at Highland Park.
Other Rental Charges
| Item | Published Amount / Rule |
|---|---|
| Application / administrative fee | $15, generally applied to fees due |
| Cleanup deposit | $300, where required |
| Staffing | $35 per staff member per hour |
| Outside normal hours | At least two staff members and a two-hour rental minimum |
| Opening/closing | Additional half-hour staffing charge for outside-hours rentals |
| Repeat bookings, 3–10 dates | 10% discount under the published policy |
| Repeat bookings, 11+ dates | 25% discount under the published policy |
| Sales tax | Generally applies except to tax-exempt organizations |
City recreation facilities are alcohol- and tobacco-free. Rentals must comply with the current permitted-use, insurance and cleanup rules.
For more help comparing rental minimums, deposits and total costs, see our community center rental planning guide.
How to Reserve a Room, Gym or Field
- Choose your event type: meeting, celebration, class, athletic practice or outdoor sports.
- Estimate the expected number of attendees.
- Check that Highland Park offers the space you need.
- Call 651-695-3706 to ask about available dates and permitted uses.
- Open the official recreation rental rules and rates.
- Confirm the required application, insurance, staffing and any deposit.
- Include setup and cleanup in your requested time.
- Submit the rental application through the approved City process.
- Pay the applicable fees after the City provides instructions.
- Retain the approved permit and event-access confirmation.
Outdoor Sports Fields & Park Facilities
The Highland Park Community Center grounds include outdoor recreation areas and spaces that may be available for approved use.
| Outdoor Facility | City Rate Category |
|---|---|
| Baseball field | $25/hour |
| Softball field | $15/hour |
| Soccer/football and similar fields | $35/hour |
| Large group event, 100–500 people | $75/hour; contact facility for details |
These are published City outdoor facility categories, not confirmation that a particular field is available at your desired time. Special preparation, lighting, permits or additional services can increase the cost.
Highland Park also has a playground, reading garden and sledding hill. Outdoor availability is weather-dependent and subject to City maintenance or programmed activities.
Free Youth Meals & Community Support
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation provides free meals through qualifying youth meal programs. The City’s Highland Park page includes information about free meal access for eligible youth age 18 and younger and qualifying older students in disability-related school programs.
Meal dates and locations can change by season. Not every recreation-center meal schedule applies daily at Highland Park.
How to Check Meal Availability
- Open the Highland Park Community Center official page.
- Find the Free Meals section.
- Follow the City’s current meal program information.
- Check participating locations and serving times.
- Confirm eligibility and whether registration is necessary.
- Contact the front desk if the schedule is unclear.
Location, Directions & Parking
Highland Park Community Center: 1978 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55116.
The facility is in Saint Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood. The library and recreation center occupy the same complex, so visitors should confirm the appropriate entrance for their activity.
The City reports that the renovation increased parking availability, but a verified exact parking-space count and event-specific parking arrangement were not available. Ask the center about accessible parking, room entrances and accommodation requests when necessary.
If you are considering a suburban Minnesota recreation complex with different facilities and admission policies, our Shakopee Community Center guide explains that separate option. Its rates do not apply to Highland Park.
Not the Highland Park, New Jersey Community Center
Another facility with the exact name Highland Park Community Center is operated by the Borough of Highland Park, New Jersey.
| Facility | Address / Phone |
|---|---|
| Saint Paul, Minnesota | 1978 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55116 651-695-3706 |
| Highland Park, New Jersey | 220 South 6th Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904 732-819-0052 |
The New Jersey center has different programs, office hours and reservation forms. Its official listing is available at Highland Park NJ Recreation.
Before You Go: Quick Checklist
- Confirm whether you need the Saint Paul or New Jersey facility.
- Check the correct recreation hours for the day.
- For library visits, check separate library hours.
- For open gym or pickleball, check the exact session schedule.
- Ask about the $30 annual fitness membership if eligible.
- Verify sports registration and age-group deadlines.
- For childcare, confirm enrollment, dates and availability.
- Do not travel to Highland Park expecting a Rec Check program.
- For rentals, confirm a complete quote including staffing and tax.
- Keep the approved permit for any reserved room or field.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Highland Park Community Center in Saint Paul?
It is located at 1978 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55116.
2. What are Highland Park Community Center’s hours?
Recreation hours are Monday–Thursday 9 AM–9 PM, Friday 9 AM–6 PM, Saturday 10 AM–5:30 PM and Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. Holiday and activity hours may differ.
3. What is the Highland Park Community Center phone number?
Call 651-695-3706 for recreation, programs, fitness access and room rental inquiries.
4. Does the center have a gym and fitness room?
Yes. The Saint Paul facility includes a large gymnasium, fitness center and indoor walking track, with activity-specific access requirements.
5. How much does the fitness membership cost?
The City lists a $30 annual membership for eligible adults who live or work in Saint Paul, with access to participating recreation-center fitness rooms.
6. Is Highland Park Library in the same building?
Yes. Highland Park Community Center combines the former Hillcrest Recreation Center and Highland Park Library. Library hours must be checked separately.
7. Does the center offer childcare or preschool activities?
Yes. Programs include S’more Fun recreational childcare and Recreation for Preschoolers, subject to registration, age eligibility and space availability.
8. Is the free Rec Check program available at Highland Park?
No. The City explicitly states that Rec Check is not offered at Highland Park Community Center. Eligible families should choose another participating site.
9. Can I rent a meeting room or gym at Highland Park?
Yes. The City offers reservable meeting rooms, kitchen, gym, auditorium and athletic facilities. Call 651-695-3706 to confirm the available space and permit process.
10. How much does a community center room rental cost?
Saint Paul’s published citywide rate is $15/hour for a small meeting room, $30/hour for a large meeting room and $55/hour for a large gymnasium. Application fees, sales tax, staffing and deposits may apply.
Official Sources & Visitor Actions
- Highland Park Community Center — Official Facility Details
- Saint Paul Recreation Hours and Closures
- Fitness Membership Prices and Participating Centers
- Room, Gym and Kitchen Rental Rates and Applications
- Outdoor Athletic Field Rental Information
- Saint Paul Public Library Locations and Hours
Highland Park Community Center: 1978 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55116. Telephone: 651-695-3706.
Independent visitor guide reviewed October 29, 2026. Not affiliated with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. The City controls operating hours, memberships, activities, facility availability and rental approvals.