“Where rivers, culture and perhaps life itself begin.” That’s what the fountain in Rice Park represents. Today, we find ourselves in Rice Park. This public park graces downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. Imagine, if you will, that it is 1849. Senator Henry Mower Rice and banker John Irvine donate this land to the city.
Initially, settlers used Rice Park to dry laundry. Sheep grazed here too. Later, a German florist cultivated flowers and vegetables. He maintained the grounds in exchange. In 1862, Mayor John S. Prince donated trees. A fountain and bandstand were added in 1872. Electric lights arrived in 1883. Rice Park became a meeting place. People from all walks of life gathered here. After dark, it even became a place for gay men seeking companionship.
Fast forward to 1965. The Women’s Institute of Saint Paul spearheaded a renovation. Wisconsin artist Alonzo Hauser created a statue of a girl. It became the park’s centerpiece. The statue may have been inspired by Hauser’s wife Nancy. She founded the renowned Nancy Hauser Dance Company and School.
During the early 1980s, Rice Park got new lighting and benches. Statues of Peanuts cartoon figures appeared. These were inspired by Charles Schulz, a Saint Paul native. A bronze figure of F. Scott Fitzgerald also joined the park. The Saint Paul Women’s Institute funded these additions. In 1985, workers paved the streets around the park with brick. Linden trees were planted along the walkways. In 2000, the fountain steps were paved over. This created a larger plaza. A renovation in the 2010s cost $2.3 million. It included a new power grid and stormwater collection system. Wider pathways, new benches, and café tables were added.
During warm weather, office workers come to Rice Park for lunch. Visitors stroll the walkways. Street life bustles as people wait for buses. Nighttime brings a different charm. People stroll under twinkling lights scattered in the trees.
Rice Park is a park for all seasons. Tiny green sprigs appear in springtime. Summer promises lush greenery. Autumn leaves enrich the landscape. Winter snow covers the ground. It clings to the tree branches adorned with lights.
During the Winter Carnival, theatergoers at the Ordway Theater enjoy an extra treat. They view ice sculptures that cast gleaming light. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival’s ice sculpture contest adds special grace to Rice Park. The park also connects several parades throughout the year. In winter, an ice-skating rink with a warming house is popular. Sometimes, a romantic moment unfolds. A couple sits close. A ring appears. A proposal is made. A treasured memory begins in Rice Park.