Pershing Park and Recreation Center050

Pershing Park offers wide open spaces - great for kite-flying, when the wind is right - and a colorful wading pool between two playground areas with updated equipment.

The pool and playground never seem to get as crowded as the ones at nearby Linden Hills park - perhaps because of the lack of shade - but the park itself attracts more high school students, given its proximity to Southwest High School, which has its track and stadium on the east side of the park. The park also has fields for baseball, softball, and soccer, tennis courts, and a basketball court.

The Pershing Park Recreation Center hosts an extensive array of classes and community and holiday events throughout the year - including the annual Fulton neighborhood festival each September - in addition to a summer full of camps and activities. It's also a Rec Plus site, providing afterschool care for kids ages six to 12. Call the park for current offerings, or get information from the Minneapolis Park Board, which offers online registration for some programs.

A small seating area inside the center, with air hockey and other games, is open to the public. The craft rooms and gym can be rented for parties, and there's a full kitchen on-site. The center also has restrooms accessible from inside and out.