North End Community Center: Hours, Programs, Rentals & Map

North End Community Center Hours

Important: these are regular building hours. Open gym, fitness classes, Tot Time, Rec Check, teen activities and room rentals can follow different schedules.

The City also posts holiday hours and special closures. If your visit depends on a particular activity, confirm the schedule before leaving.

Facilities & Amenities

The City describes North End as a roughly 25,000-square-foot recreation building with approximately 5.9 acres of outdoor space.

Programs, Classes & Drop-In Activities

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation offers programs for children, teens, adults and older residents. Some activities are free, while paid camps, classes and special programs use separate registration fees.

How to Find a Current Program

1. Open the official North End Community Center page.
2. Select the current activities or activity registration link.
3. Filter by North End Community Center location.
4. Select a program and check the date range, participant age and fee.
5. Look for available spaces, waitlist status or drop-in instructions.
6. Register through the City’s recreation portal when registration is required.
7. Save your confirmation and verify the reporting time and room.

Free Rec Check: After-School & Summer Youth Program

Rec Check is one of Saint Paul’s principal youth recreation programs. It provides supervised activities for eligible children in grades 1–5 who live in or attend school in Saint Paul.

What Rec Check Provides

• After-school recreational activities during the school year.
• Summer recreation programming.
• Structured and unstructured play.
• Sports, games, creative activities and opportunities to make friends.
• Additional activities on certain school-closure days.

Cost: Rec Check is free for eligible participants.

The City’s activity system has displayed North End Rec Check school-year sessions around 2–6 PM on weekdays, but exact times depend on the school calendar and current registration period.

Rec Check Registration Steps

1. Confirm the child lives or attends school in Saint Paul.
2. Check that the child meets the required grade level.
3. Open the City’s Rec Check program information.
4. Select the North End site, if available in the current session.
5. Complete guardian, emergency contact and other required details.
6. Check whether the program is open, full or waitlisted.
7. Follow the City’s instructions for enrollment confirmation.

Families comparing general youth recreation and indoor play elsewhere in Minnesota can also consult the Shakopee Community Center programs and family visitor guide. Shakopee follows its own admission and youth program rules.

Fitness Center Membership: $30 per Year

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation publishes an annual $30 fitness center membership for adults who live or work in Saint Paul.

The membership provides access to participating Saint Paul recreation center fitness rooms, rather than being limited to North End Community Center alone.

Before Purchasing

• Check that you qualify by residence or employment in Saint Paul.
• Ask what proof of address or employment is needed.
• Confirm fitness-room age requirements.
• Ask whether an orientation or waiver is required.
• Verify the current membership duration and renewal process.
• Check fitness-room hours separately from building hours.

North End Community Center Rental Fees

The City allows eligible rooms, gymnasium space, courts and athletic fields to be reserved for approved events. Pricing follows the Saint Paul recreation center rental schedule.

These are City category rates, not a guarantee that every category or room configuration is available on your selected date. Staff must determine the actual space classification and whether the event is approved.

Other Rental Charges

Illustrative Rental Costs

Examples above exclude applicable tax, staffing, deposits, equipment and other costs. The $15 administration fee is applied toward fees due; do not automatically add it twice.

For perspective on how facility types affect event rental pricing, our Eagan Community Center rental and gymnasium guide covers another Minnesota venue with its own banquet, meeting and recreational spaces.

How to Reserve a Room, Gym or Sports Field

Questions Worth Asking Before Booking

• Is the room available for the exact date and duration?
• What is the approved capacity for the requested layout?
• Can the teaching kitchen be used for the intended food activity?
• How many tables and chairs are included?
• Can the gym be used for a party or only for approved recreation?
• Will staff be required outside regular operating hours?
• Are music, outside vendors or decorations permitted?
• Is security or additional insurance required?
• What are the cancellation and deposit refund conditions?
• Will Rice Street construction affect guest access?

Party & Event Rules

Saint Paul recreation centers are alcohol-free and tobacco-free facilities. Exclusive use of rooms, courts or other space requires an approved rental permit.

• Events must follow the City recreation center permit terms.
• Any additional tables, chairs or supplies not available on-site may need to be rented from another provider.
• Food or merchandise sales can require City licensing.
• Renters are responsible for property damage and proper cleanup.
• Some events require additional insurance.
• Large events may require a specific security or police plan.
• Outdoor events with more than 100 participants can trigger additional permit requirements.
• Events outside building hours require staffing arrangements.

Outdoor Recreation & Field Reservations

The North End site includes a multi-use turf field, athletic courts, playground, courtyard and off-street parking.

Do not assume that a field is open for exclusive use merely because no team is playing. Organized practices, events and tournaments may need City or partner approval.

Field reservation contact: 651-558-2392. The City’s general athletics rental listing also identifies North End Community Center by its Lawson Avenue address.

Free Youth Meals & Community Services

Saint Paul recreation centers participate in free youth meal programs, subject to the location’s service schedule and seasonal funding arrangements.

The City’s stated eligibility includes youth age 18 and under, as well as certain older participants enrolled in qualifying public or nonprofit private school programs for individuals with disabilities.

Meal times and distribution formats vary by season and location. To avoid a wasted trip, check whether North End is serving meals during the exact school-year or summer dates you need.

North End also provides opportunities for adult and youth volunteers to support recreation programs, events, coaching and mentoring.

Map, Parking & 2026–27 Road Detour

North End Community Center
145 Lawson Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55117
Main: 651-558-2391
Rentals: 651-558-2392

Rice Street Construction

Ramsey County’s Rice Street reconstruction project runs through the 2026–27 period, covering the Maryland Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue corridor.

Recommended access during the closure: approach the center using Galtier Street or Lawson Avenue, then follow posted traffic and parking instructions.

• Allow extra driving time for weekend events or tournaments.
• Tell invited guests about the current road detour.
• Use the center’s designated off-street parking area.
• Check pedestrian routes if arriving from nearby transit stops.
• Ask about accessible drop-off arrangements if needed.

Before-You-Go Checklist

• Use the new location at 145 Lawson Avenue West, not the former Rice Recreation Center address.
• Confirm regular hours and any holiday changes.
• For open gym, check the specific session schedule and age restrictions.
• For Rec Check, verify eligibility and enrollment availability.
• For fitness, check membership qualifications and current access rules.
• For a class, verify the correct age, date and registration status.
• For a private event, request space and receive approval before planning vendors.
• Include taxes, permits, deposits and staffing when comparing rental costs.
• Check Rice Street traffic detours.
• Call the center if your visit depends on a particular room or activity.

If you are comparing different types of recreation facilities before deciding where to go, our community recreation center planning guide explains the differences between building hours, gym sessions, membership access, recreation classes and private rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Information & Booking Resources

After checking the hours, amenities, programs and rental costs above, use the relevant official City of Saint Paul resource to complete registration or request a reservation.

• North End Community Center official hours, amenities and construction notices
• Saint Paul recreation centers and fitness memberships
• Official recreation programs and activity registration
• Rental application, hourly rates, deposits and event policies
• Athletic field and court reservation information

Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Rental rates, recreation programs, road access and activity availability can change. This is an independent visitor guide, not a City of Saint Paul registration or payment website.