Registration Opens March 1 for Coon Rapids’ 2026 Parks and Recreation Season

From youth safety camps to senior socials, the city rolls out a year of programming built on access, activity and long-term planning

COON RAPIDS, MN

On Sunday, March 1, online registration opens for the City of Coon Rapids’ 2026 Parks and Recreation programs, marking the official launch of a yearlong calendar that city officials describe as one of the most comprehensive in recent memory.

The 2026 Parks and Recreation Guide has already been mailed to homes and businesses across the city and is available in digital format through the City of Coon Rapids website. Registration is processed through the city’s online Class Sign-Up portal, which operates via the ActiveNet system.

The guide lays out a full slate of offerings for youth, adults and seniors, along with a preview of major community events and civic engagement opportunities tied to the city’s long-range parks planning.

Youth Programming Focuses on Safety, Access and Activity

A hallmark of the 2026 lineup is its continued emphasis on youth safety and skill-building.

At the Coon Rapids Ice Center, the city will host its two-day Safety Camp on June 16 and 17 for children entering fourth and fifth grades. The program, led by members of the Coon Rapids Police and Fire Departments, covers fire prevention, first aid and internet safety, culminating in a graduation ceremony that has become a local tradition.

For families seeking free summer programming, Rec on the Spot returns as a mobile recreation initiative serving children ages 5 to 14. The program runs Monday through Thursday from June 15 through August 13 at rotating neighborhood parks, including Woodcrest, Sand Creek, Prairie Oaks, Riverview and Lions parks. The model is simple: bring recreation directly into neighborhoods to reduce barriers to participation.

Athletic offerings expand further at Lions Coon Creek Park, where RevSports Flag Football will take the field, and at the Ice Center, where skating and hockey instruction remains a cornerstone of city recreation programming.

The popular Home Alone Safety class for ages 8 to 12 will be offered March 6 and October 15 at the Coon Rapids Civic Center, reinforcing practical emergency response skills and personal responsibility for children preparing for greater independence.

Adult and Senior Programs Reflect Changing Demand

The 2026 guide also mirrors demographic trends identified in the city’s long-term park planning updates, particularly the surging demand for pickleball.

Expanded pickleball lessons and court access are featured prominently, signaling continued growth of the sport among adult residents. Summer adult softball leagues are also open for registration, with games scheduled through August 13.

Senior programming remains anchored at the Civic Center, with social gatherings and special events such as the Senior Snowflake Party continuing to foster community connection among older residents.

Monthly Events Designed to Strengthen Neighborhood Ties

Beyond classes and leagues, the city is leaning into free, family-oriented gatherings intended to build neighborhood cohesion.

Rec & Roar at Lions Park will bring evening music, games and treats to the park on June 22, July 13 and August 10.

New in 2026 are Community Swap Meets, including a Puzzle and Game Swap at the Civic Center, offering residents a chance to exchange gently used items in a low-cost, community-driven format.

The North Suburban Home Show, scheduled for Saturday, March 7, also appears in the guide as part of the city’s broader calendar of civic and lifestyle events.

Public Input Shapes the Next Decade

Programming for 2026 unfolds alongside long-term planning.

Residents are invited to attend a Park and Recreation Master Plan Open House on Monday, March 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Center. The meeting will gather feedback on the city’s 10-year framework for park maintenance, trail enhancements and future facility updates.

City leaders have previously emphasized that the next decade will prioritize sustainability, infrastructure preservation and adapting amenities to serve a changing population.

How to Register

Online registration begins Sunday, March 1, through the City of Coon Rapids Class Sign-Up portal. First-time users must create an ActiveNet account, while returning users may need to reset passwords if their accounts were migrated.

The full 2026 Parks and Recreation Guide is available in digital form on the city’s website.

For many residents, the guide represents more than a catalog of activities. It is, in effect, a civic blueprint: a year mapped in swim lessons and safety drills, softball innings and summer concerts, stitched together by the simple promise that public space remains a shared investment.

As registration opens, the city’s message is direct: there is something here for every stage of life, and the season begins Sunday.

MinneapoliMedia