Maple Grove Central Park is only the second community park in the Maple Grove and it’s a doozy. It includes a huge and beautifully designed playground, a garden, a splash pad, space to rent for birthday parties, a big outdoor skating loop and trails and green space. Note that dogs are not allowed in the green spaces or in the playground. This is probably a park to come to with the purpose of dog walking or leave the dog at home. There are public restrooms in the park building – open from 6:30 am to 9pm. There are two parking lots available — one off of Kirkwood and the other off Central Park Way. There is more parking at the Community Center and Government Center, both with trail access to the park The Fountain is free to play for people of all ages. Adults are asked to actively supervise their children. In the evening, the park lights the water sprays, making it both beautiful and fun. Changing rooms and restrooms are available inside the park building. The splash pad boasts 49 jet sprays and 18 arching sprays, and uses recycled water filtration system. The garden, designed by Lisa Gidlow Moriorty, is designed as a labyrinth. We consider it as much an art installation as a garden. It would be a beautiful place to just walk and talk as a family or this may be a perfect one-on-one outing. Before visiting, it may be a good time to remind kids that others come to the labyrinth to find quiet. If they need to run, a visit to the playground may help. This park has three rental options for private events, such as birthday parties. Families can rent the Phenow Pavilion (an indoor facility that seats 120 and has public restrooms), the Perennial and annual gardens, which are surrounded by trees and shrubs or the Great Lawn, which provides open space for spreading out a picnic and playing yard games. Call 763-494-5958 for rental requests. During the winter months, take a serpentine spin on an LED-lit, refrigerated ice loop through the park. The ice designed for leisure skating; no hockey sticks or pucks are allowed. There is no charge to skate. Bring your own skates or rent from the Phenow Pavilion – which also has a fireplace for warming up.7 Ideas for Family Fun at Maple Grove Central Park
Central Park Playground
The Splash Pad – Central Park Interactive Fountain
Maple Grove Central Park Garden
Birthday Parties at Central Park
Central Park Ice Skating Loop
Useful Links:
The Family Fun Twin Cities Directory is the most extensive collection of companies, organizations, activities and places to find things to do with kids in the Twin Cities.