Highland Park Aquatic Center

1840 Edgcumbe Rd, St Paul, MN 55116, USA

Address:	1840 Edgcumbe Rd, St Paul, MN 55116, USA
Phone:	+1 651-695-3773
Site:	stpaul.gov
Rating:	4.5
Working:	12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Colleen Brennan

The pool facilities are excellent at the Highland Park Aquatic Center, and its a very entertaining destination for kids of all ages and adults too, but the way its run leaves a lot to be desired unfortunately. There was plenty of free parking and lots of shade available on the pool deck, but during the 4+ hours we spent there (2 adults, 3 kids under age 10) I didnt see one adult worker anywhere-just lots of teen life guards and workers. Also, the pool and deck rules are very unclear, sparsely posted and inconsistently enforced, so we found ourselves breaking all kinds of secret, nonsensical rules only the lifeguards seemed to know about (and we definitely werent alone). Then, when asked to clarify how what we were doing was wrong, we could never get a clear answer and the lifeguards were often rude and dismissive. We were also given contradictory information from 3 different lifeguards about the same rule! We figured things out for ourselves quick enough and learned which lifeguards really could be consistent, so in the end we had a really good time, just be aware when you go that its on you to figure it all out, not many of the staff will be helpful (even in matters of safety) at all. Lastly, the admission cost is a little steep ($6 per adult, $5 per kid under 48" tall), and even though they give a little break to families, its not like youre getting all that much bang for your buck. Also be aware that no outside food or drinks are technically allowed--which I understand to a point, but this is also not listed online or posted officially anywhere on site which is annoying and inconvenient, especially since the concessions are mainly very overpriced junk food. So it would be nice if they offered some healthy alternatives like fruits and veggies rather than more processed, packaged, sugary junk for sale. If thats not possible then just let us bring at least those things with us? With little kids its not easy to drag them out of the pool, back to the car for a healthy snack--which we ultimately did only to be harassed exiting AND re-entering by the overly enthusiastic little "teen bouncer" at the front gate even though re-admission is permitted as long as youre wearing your wristband. Like I said earlier though; ALL the rules at this facility and how theyre communicated and enforced are very inconsistent to say the least! We resolved that if we return well just smuggle our own snacks in since they thats what we observed most people doing anyways! The bottom line: you can have a great time in the pool and the facilities have a lot to offer people of all ages if you take some of these tips to heart, learn how to work the ill-managed "system" of rules and their teen army of enforcers, advocate (and think) for yourself a little, and just basically ignore the incredible inconsistency that truly rules here!

Lee Witte

We were looking for a water park that was kid friendly. To be fair, these do not profess to be a water park, but they show up as one in on-line searches and from the outside when you look at the place it looks like one. So we paid to get in. We should have read the reviews. We arrived just as they started a mandatory 20 minute break, where staff had took to the pools and we stood around with nothing to do. No one bothered to tell us this as we got our tickets. It took us a bit to figure it out as there were hardly any staff around. I asked the one life guard I spotted at the far end of the park, who seemed annoyed that I had asked him question. It was as if I was asking him to do manual labor. We, or at least I was still fine up to this moment. Now Im annoyed, nothing to do for us and the only person on duty is a rude teen. I wanted to report him but as I looked around I did not see one adult worker anywhere-just lots of teen life guards and workers. The food options were very poor, limited options and all junk food. The door to the family rest room was in need of repair, wouldn’t close all the way, so you couldnt lock it. I could go on, but will jump to the end of our poor experience as it was the most disappointing. It turns out that they end the open swim at 5:00, meaning they boot all the kids out and covert it to a lap pool. I tried to make the best of it and do some laps, but there are some locals that seem to feel they own the place, rude territorial, who make it clear they want the p[lace to themselves. So we left. On the way out we looked at the ticket counter and there was not any sign that warned the pool basically closed for the day at 5:00 and the kids working the sales counter didnt really know what to say, how to be apologetic, or offer any compensation or even a comment card etc.

Teresa Rogers

The experience was terrible! The kiddie pool was closed when we arrived at 3:28. I was not told this. We quickly changed, jumped in the big pool and they blew the whistle s 6 minutes later because someone pooped in the Big pool. So basically it was shut down. My grandson was disappointed, so I decided to get a refund and go to my house and turn on the sprinkler. When I asked for a refund , not just 1 , but 2 supervisors had NO idea the pools were even closed! That is our Tax payer money at work once again. Incompetent to say the least. I was able to get a rain ticket after pleading my case of paying $13 to swim for 6 minutes. Also I have been going to HP for years but was completely grossed out at how filthy the bathroom and changing rooms were. 2 Supervisors obviously not doing their jobs on our Tax payer dime.

Caitlyn Leimbach

Monday-Friday the entire open swim pool closes from 5-6:30 for lap swim & then from 6:30-8 (closing) they reopen half of the pool while the swim team practices on the other half. There is no discounted rate after 5pm, even though youre not able to utilize the pool for open swim. The concessions stand is operated by teenagers who goof around, so expect to wait 40 minutes for a pizza.

Lindsey Foley

Took my 3 and 5 year old kids here. The 5 year old was bored after about an hour. The 3 year old loved it and probably would have stayed all day. It was very busy even on a weekday. Prices werent bad. I wish they had a clock somewhere. We had to stash our stuff because there were no available chairs and keeping track of time was difficult.

Charles Marks

The lines at to food stand was too long you expect for it to be a 90-degree day that they would have have lots of food on hand they ran out of food at 1 p.m. . It took 35 to 45 minutes to get a slice of pizza period they was giving out the wrong order to people. But the pool was fun

Caron Wills

This place is great! It has shared areas for parents to sit at, a splash pad and a wading pool, a lap pool, and a diving pool. Concessions are reasonable. And, before you park in the sunny parking lot, head for the "additional parking", its all shaded!

Jessica L.

Very fun and nice atmosphere. Great life guards and swimming teachers. Real sweet spot! Kiddie pools, waterslides, diving boards in separate pool, laps. Food is good and reasonably priced.