Coon Rapids Ice Center — Local services in Coon Rapids

PLAYGROUND & SPLASHPAD REVIEW ONLY Here's what you need to know: Parking: Lot Age range (playground): 1+ Sidewalks: Paved to and around park Seating: Benches around play area Bathrooms: Portable bathrooms en route to play area; bathrooms inside ice arena Picnic tables: Several around play area Grills: None Sports field: See website for complete listing

Boulevard Park offers both playgrounds and splash pad. There are two mulch-laid playgrounds, one for mini tots and one for kids five and up. The playground for minis is tucked in the far corner of the park. The other playground sits right next to the splash pad at the front of the park.

Zoey (18 months) was able to navigate half of the mini tots' playground. There's an easier climbing wall, monkey bars, and balance beam she wasn't able to do on her own. Titus (3) and Madi (4.5), however, were able to maneuver those without any issue.

One of my kiddos' favorite pieces of the minis' playground are slats of colored plastic hoisted above the play equipment. Under the light of the sun, they cover the ground in a rainbow of colors. Titus and Madi made a game of jumping in the colors.

Right next to the minis' playground is a play "house" of sorts where kiddos can hone creative play skills (it kinda looks like a bus stop shelter). Next to that is a swing set with swings for little kiddos. There's also this cool double-seater swing my kiddos loved (see picture).

The big playground is a mix of slides, ladders, stairs, steps, tunnels, and webs. There is so much for climbing lovers to do. I promise if you stay long enough, your monkeys will have sore arms and be unable to climb for a while.

This playground is taller than most, which means several of the slides are pretty steep. Titus tried out the smaller ones but didn't dare take the big ones for a spin. Madi especially enjoyed a park version of the swing carousel that sits at one end of the park.

A swing set with high back, baby, and regular swings is also included at Boulevard Park.

The splash pad is little-kid friendly. This really means there are no teetering buckets of water waiting to catch the next ignorant tot walking underneath. To name just a few features, there are a variety of ground and standing fountains that shoot water; pivoting water "guns"; and "rain" that slides off of fauna-looking structures.

One of the aspects I appreciated were the number of tables, benches, and shade umbrellas set up around the park. They aren't all in one corner (because, really, what kid only stays in one place?!) or nonexistent (snack time without a table is a recipe for disaster?). I'd believe it if a mama or two sat on this park's planning committee.

At the back of the play area are trails and open field for picnicking or lounging around in the grass. Some of the area is shaded and perfect for napping while some of it sits in the sun for sun bathers.

There was plenty of park traffic during our morning visit. Surprisingly, the park didn't feel crowded and there was almost no waiting to use play equipment. Park grounds are impressively clean and all park amenities are in mint condition.

As a mama of four four and under, my biggest issue with Boulevard Park is the location of its parking lot. We had to cross the main road into the park to get to the play area. Although we didn't run into any trouble, it's definitely not ideal.

Aside from the parking location, my only other negative review of Boulevard Park is the temperature of the water. It's freezing. We visited on a sticky Minnesota morning and my kids, who usually don't get out of a bath until they're all pruned up, spent very little time at the splash pad...

We had a wonderful day at this park right behind the ice center And I wouldn’t have even known about the Ice Center had I not left my Kindle and somebody found it and returned it to the Ice Center. I called looking for my Kindle and they identified it for me and I was able to keep on reading all the books I was reading. The people were kind and professional and helpful what more could you want. Best of all they have a wonderful splash pad behind them so the kids were not on the ice can be entertained as well. They also have a farmers market on Wednesdays till five good food and I found kind people there as well. Who knew? The park is well patrolled by the police and there is a senior citizen high-rise nearby. All in all a nice part of...

Our first time here and it was great. The facility is very modern and warm. And inviting entryway opens up nice so that people can get to the many areas very well. As a parent there too watch youth hockey, the stands we're very comfortable and the heat was welcomed. The locker rooms are some of the largest and we'll keep I've seen, and a great addition is that they locker rooms have both a bathroom and shower facility in them. Wish more arenas had them!!! Staff was welcoming and informational. Players benches were large and gave plenty of room as well....