Columbia Heights Parks and Recreation

08/28/2026

Registration is open for fall Parks & Recreation programs!

The Activities Brochure is online now and will be delivered to homes next week.

View the Activities Brochure: cohi.mn/6425a5
Register for programs on RecDesk: cohi.mn/recdesk

Just a few of the programs and activities we have planned for this fall:
• Youth trips, including horseback riding and ValleyScare
• Friday Night Fun at Murzyn Hall for youth and teens
• Youth sports, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball
• Youth dance
• Youth enrichment, including D&D and 3D printing
• Youth theater and Puppet Wagon
• Family wreath-making and cookie decorating
• Adult fitness and art
• Senior Center 40th Anniversary Celebration
..and much more! Check out RecDesk or the Activities Brochure to see all options for this fall!

08/25/2026

Looking for a part-time role in the community?

We're hiring a building attendant to provide maintenance and staffing coverage for John P. Murzyn Hall. This position is open until filled.

Examples of Duties

• Serve as the city's primary on-site point of contact during assigned hours and provide courteous, informed assistance to renters, event hosts, program participants, guests, vendors, and other facility users.

• Act as the on-site liaison between facility users and the city by answering questions, helping resolve routine issues, communicating schedule or use concerns, and referring matters that require management action to the appropriate staff.

• Monitor activities throughout the building and grounds to promote safe, orderly, and appropriate use of the facility and to ensure compliance with rental agreements, posted rules, city policies, occupancy expectations, and scheduled use.

Apply: https://cohi.mn/ba

08/24/2026

The Parks and Recreation System Plan is underway, and the Case for Action has just been published on the project website!

This document outlines the existing conditions of parks and open spaces throughout Columbia Heights and highlights the opportunities and challenges facing the park system.

Take a moment to explore the document and learn more about what’s shaping the future of the City’s Parks and Recreation system!

https://engage.mendcollaborative.com/CHParksPlan

08/18/2026

Join us tomorrow, Aug 19, for the Art & Info Fair and Music in the Park!

Tomorrow, Aug 19, is the Columbia Heights Art & Info Fair and Music in the Park - Klash Drum Set Karaoke.

We hope to see you at Huset Park East (3965 Jefferson St NE) starting at 4 pm for an afternoon of community organizations, live music, art vendors, and more!

07/28/2026

Earlier today, July 28, Officer Wood met with the Dyno-Hites day camp at Huset Park to talk about policing and show the kids a squad car.

07/23/2026

Catch a puppet wagon performance at the Monarch Festival tonight!

Our puppet wagon puppeteers will be performing 'Mariposa Magical Migration' at 6:30 pm at Kordiak Park (1845 49th Ave NE).

We hope to see you there! 🦋

07/21/2026

Attending the 2026 City of Columbia Heights Monarch Festival on Thu, July 23?

HKGi and Mend Collaborative will be in attendance seeking community feedback on the City's 2050 Comprehensive Plan and Parks and Recreation System Plan.

Your input is vital to help shape these plans and ensure the City is moving in the right direction for the future.

Parks and Recreation System Plan ➡️ https://engage.mendcollaborative.com/chparksplan

Comprehensive Plan ➡️ https://www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/news_detail_T5_R65.php

07/21/2026

We're headed to Superior Shores Waterpark at Valleyfair next Wed, July 29!

Youth in grades 4-9 can join us for a day of fun in the sun at this newly expanded waterpark!

Wed, July 29, 9:45 am-5:30 pm
Grades 4-9, $35
Pick up and drop off at Murzyn Hall

Register by Thu, July 23, to reserve your spot: https://cohi.mn/superiorshores

07/20/2026

Congratulations to the 10U Frights Girls Fastpitch team on winning their state championship tournament this month!

This team worked incredibly hard and demonstrated perseverance throughout the season. For some, this was their first season playing softball and learning the game, making this accomplishment even more remarkable!

We are so proud of this achievement and can’t wait to see what you do at Nationals! Go Frights!

07/17/2026

Today, July 17, is Park and Recreation Professionals Day!

We’d like to officially welcome John Stutzman as the new Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Columbia Heights. John comes to Columbia Heights with roughly 20 years of experience in the recreation field serving both large and small communities across Minnesota.

Most recently, John was the Saint Peter Recreation and Leisure Services Director and oversaw the redevelopment of Gorman Park. In 2025, Saint Peter Recreation and Leisure Services was honored with two statewide awards for its Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and VolunTeen Programs and the 2024–2038 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

John joined the City of Columbia Heights back in April and he hit the ground running with a fresh perspective to the Parks and Recreation Department. Currently, he is overseeing the Sullivan Lake Park redevelopment project, assisting with the Parks and Recreation System Plan, and evaluating the Parks and Recreation Department services to best support the Columbia Heights community.

If you see John at Murzyn Hall or in the community, please introduce yourself!