They also serve as the community's gathering spot - the focus of Saint Paul's famously strong neighborhoods. The hours recreation centers are open vary with the needs of the community and available staffing, as well as increases and decreases in use due to holidays and changes of sessions. Typical hours when school is in session are 3-8 p.m., Mon. Community Centers are open Mon. Call your local recreation center for specifics.
Centers typically expand summer hours to include weekday mornings and early afternoons.
Today's modern recreation center looks very little like Como Avenue Playground - the first area specifically dedicated to many recreation center goals. The six acre playground was established in 1903 at the corner of Thomas and Marion Streets, bordering the soon to be completed Como Boulevard. An estimated 26,000 children played there in its first year, often interrupting their play as stray horses and cows wandered through the area. A shelter was added in 1904. Arlington, Palace, Lafayette, Langford Park, Margaret and Colorado Playgrounds opened soon after.