playground – West St. Paul Reader

McDonald's playland (photo courtesy John Ramsay)

McDonald’s Playland in West St. Paul

The McDonald’s playland came to West St. Paul in 1975, drawing children from all over the metro. The iconic playground created memories for a generation of children before disappearing by the early 2000s.

Then & Now: Kennedy Park

With the reopening of Kennedy Park, here’s a look back at the park in 1988 and today.

Thompson Park construction work for pollinator promenade and restored stream.

Pollinator Promenade and Stream Restoration Coming to Thompson Park

Dakota County is bringing more updates to Thompson Park with a pollinator promenade, sensory garden, and stream restoration coming to the southern section of the park.

Sept. 8, 2025 ISD 197 School Board meeting

ISD 197 School Board Recap: Sept. 8, 2025

Fundraising efforts for an accessible playground at Pilot Knob Elementary took center stage at last night’s school board meeting, which also included a statement on the shooting at Annunciation Church and first-day attendance numbers.

Then & Now: Marthaler Park

A look at Marthaler Park in 1996 and 2025 as the city celebrates a grand re-opening of the park.

Natural playground at Garlough Environemental Magnet School.

Natural Playground Brings Imaginative Play to Garlough

“The wide-eyed grins on the students’ faces said it all,” said kindergarten teacher Abby Foss when the natural playground opened at Garlough.

Somerset’s Inclusive Playground to be Fifth in Minnesota

Somerset Elementary School is building an inclusive playground this summer, thanks to a $200,000 anonymous donation.

June 3, 2024 ISD 197 School Board meeting

ISD 197 School Board Recap: June 3, 2024

The ISD 197 School Board approved the budget, long-term maintenance needs, and more, while also recognizing a number of students before a packed audience.

Thompson Park playground with a view of the lake in the distance.

New Fence Coming to Thompson Park Playground

Dakota County is installing a fence around the new playground in Thompson Park after pushback from park users.

Marthaler Park Improvements Finally Move Forward

Improvements to West St. Paul’s Marthaler Park include a new playground, trailhead with restrooms, picnic shelter, and fishing pier.