Como Park Pool, Saint Paul, Minnesota

New in 2012, the Como Pool is here to say, "I am excellent, and you can suck it, private pools!" If you have never been to Como Park, you are missing out, and it will show up often on this blog because it is huge, has a lake, a zoo, an amusement park, and much, much more. Plus, it's close to my house. The pool is near the Humane Society and the railroad tracks, off of Lexington Ave on the south side. I mention these elements because they add to the attraction if you have a train crazy child or are in the market for a black dog or a middle-aged cat.

I kid because I love. The Best Cat Ever came from the Humane Society and so did Prozac Cat. And when it's time for us to get a puppy and subsequently lose what is left of our tiny minds, we will again head to the Humane Society.

Back to the pool, now that the BNSF freight train has passed. Not only is this pool easily accessed by bike, as Finn and Pete did today (I drove because I brought the stuff. I also lie because we could have carried backpacks. I'm hung over), but there is a parking lot. Highland Park Pool, while lovely and amazing itself, sucks in the parking area.

Other amenities include adjacent hills and fields, which can be convenient if your child needs to run and run. And run. Because we all know YOU CAN'T RUN AT A POOL!

It costs $16 for a family of up to five people. They take cash and cards but no checks. Lockers are $5 cash deposit, and you get back $4. We didn't bring cash, so we swam... er... swimmed... we took turns.

This is a nice pool and water park with pleasing architectural touches. Much like Pemberly Park, it is "little counteracted by an awkward taste." From the stone to the plantings and the curves of pools, it's rather a delight. There's a kids' area with sprayers, jets, contraptions, and slides; many lifeguards to encourage you to not have fun; a zip line, climbing wall, shaded tables, many beach lounges, a concession stand, and family changing rooms. There is a lap pool as well as a short diving board. The climbing wall makes up for the lack of a high dive.

The first thing we did was a ride or three on the Lazy River, which was nice and relaxing, aside from the blood curdling, sustained scream Finn let out when we went through the rain jets. Hilarious. Pete went off to enjoy the diving pool and climbing wall while Finn and I bundled ourselves in towels. At 73 degrees, breezy, and cloudy, it was not the ideal pool day. I imagine that on a hot day, this place would be a zoo.

Oh, and have I mentioned that Como Park has one of those, too? I believe I did.

My tax dollars, at good work.

Como Pool Facebook
Como Park Regional Pool
1151 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, MN

General Hours (Check their Facebook or webpage before you go): 12:00 pm - 8:00pm