Frogtown Park and Farm

St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood is home to a diverse population, including large contingents of Vietnamese and Hmong residents. Though its residents come from all around the world, they share strong farming traditions and the desire for a place where families can celebrate their roots and children can enjoy a safe place to play.

In 2013, Trust for Public Land helped protect 12.7 acres in the heart of the Frogtown neighborhood. The park serves as a hub for health, recreation, and local food, and a connection to nature for a neighborhood once known for having the lowest amount of green space per child and the highest concentration of children within the St. Paul area.

Five acres of the park operate as one of the nation’s largest contiguous organic urban demonstration farms. Thousands rely on Frogtown farm as a steady food source, including community partners, local food pantries, farmers’ markets, grocery stores, and restaurants.

Food grows year-round at Frogtown Farm with the help of both a hoop house and a greenhouse. The farm increases access to locally grown food and strengthens the community by providing farming education, nature-based play areas, and a nearby outdoor escape.

“Frogtown Park and Farm is unlike any other park in Minnesota and a model for cities across America looking to make parks work to benefit the communities they serve,” says Susan Schmidt, Minnesota director for TPL, adding that it provides “a place to play, sled, learn about farming and healthy eating, and to be inspired.”