Parks & Recreation

  • McQuillan Splash Pad at McQuillan Park featuring colorful water play elements, including spraying arches, ground jets, a tipping bucket, and frog-themed features. Water is running throughout the splash pad, with a playground and basketball court visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
    Splash Pad Updates: McQuillan Opens This Weekend, Silver Lake Reopens

    The McQuillan Splash Pad will open Saturday, July 25. Final inspections have been completed, and the City looks forward to welcoming residents and visitors to Rochester's newest splash pad.

  • Splash Pad at Silver Lake Pool with water turned on but nobody using it.
    Silver Lake Splash Pad Temporarily Closed

    The Silver Lake Splash Pad is temporarily closed due to a maintenance issue that requires a replacement part. The replacement part is being ordered, and the splash pad will reopen once repairs are complete. 

  • A person spreads dark wood mulch around the base of a newly planted tree in a grassy park on a sunny day, with a large black planter and blurred volunteers visible in the background.
    City of Rochester to Plant More Than 1,000 Trees and Expand Urban Forest Through State Grants

    The City of Rochester has received more than $928,000 in grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to support tree planting and maintenance projects that will strengthen Rochester's urban forest, improve neighborhood resilience and expand access to the benefits trees provide throughout the community. 

  • City of Rochester logo
    Statement Regarding Townies at Soldiers Field Golf Course

    The City of Rochester is aware of a recent social media video posted by the owner of Townies regarding the air conditioning system at the Soldiers Field Golf Course clubhouse. City staff had been actively working to address issues with the aging air conditioning system and coordinating repairs to keep it operational. Early last week, the system experienced a major failure, and it was determined that the system must be replaced rather than repaired.

  • Silver Lake Pool Temporarily Closed 7/11

    The Silver Lake Pool is closed for the remainder of today, Saturday, July 11, due to a water contamination incident. The pool will remain closed while staff complete all required disinfection procedures to ensure the water meets public health and safety standards.

  • Cascade Lake Beach
    Cascade Lake Beach Reopens Following Water Testing

    Cascade Lake Beach has reopened after follow-up water testing confirmed bacteria levels have returned to a safe range for swimming. 

    The City routinely tests water quality at Cascade Lake Beach and Foster Arend Beach each week to help provide a safe swimming experience. Last week's testing found elevated bacteria levels at Cascade Lake Beach, requiring a temporary closure. Follow-up testing has confirmed the beach is safe to reopen. 

    Bacteria levels in natural bodies of water can fluctuate for a variety of reasons, including runoff after heavy rainfall, wildlife in the area and hot weather. 

    The City will continue its regular weekly water quality monitoring at both beaches throughout the summer. 

    The City thanks residents for their patience and cooperation while the temporary closure was in place.

  • Three City of Rochester Parks & Recreation staff members stand together holding Red Cross National Lifesaving Awards during a recognition ceremony at City Hall.
    City of Rochester Parks & Recreation Lifeguards Receive National Lifesaving Award

    The City of Rochester Parks & Recreation Department recognized two lifeguards, Matias Vega and Eoin Porrata, for their lifesaving actions. Sam Sonnabend, Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and former City of Rochester Outdoor Pools Manager was also  recognized for his role in lifeguard training. Vega, Porrata and Sonnabend were honored with a Red Cross National Lifesaving Award during a recognition event on July 7 at City Hall.

  • Cascade Lake Beach
    Cascade Lake Beach Temporarily Closed Following Routine Water Testing

    As part of the City's routine summer water quality monitoring, this week's testing found elevated bacteria levels at Cascade Lake Beach that require a temporary beach closure. 

    Foster Arend Beach and Cascade Lake Beach are tested weekly throughout the summer to help provide a safe swimming experience. Bacteria levels can increase for a variety of reasons, including runoff after heavy rainfall, wildlife in the area and hot weather. 

    Cascade Lake Beach will be retested next week. Updates will be shared on the City's website and Facebook page. 

    Foster Arend Beach remains open daily from noon to 8 p.m. 

    The City thanks residents for their patience and understanding as staff work to protect the health and safety of the community. 

  • Wide view of the playground at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Rochester, featuring multiple play structures with slides and climbing equipment surrounded by wood chips, with basketball courts, mature trees and open green space in the background.
    Temporary Closures Begin July 6 at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park

    Beginning Monday, July 6, the playground and basketball courts at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park will be fenced off and closed through the fall as construction gets underway. 

  • New McQuillan splash pad while it was still under construction.
    McQuillan Splash Pad Opening Delayed Pending State Inspection

    Final construction work at the McQuillan Splash Pad is complete, but the facility's opening will be delayed approximately two to three more weeks while awaiting a required final inspection by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). 

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