O'Leary Park
O'Leary Park is East Grand Forks' largest and most versatile recreation complex. Covering approximately
42 acres, it serves as a year-round destination for athletics, recreation, and community gatherings. Located on "The Point" in the southern part of the city, the park sits just behind the
VFW Memorial Arena and is directly connected to the
Greater Grand Forks Greenway trail system. The park is located near
Highway 220 South and
4th Street SE, behind the VFW Memorial Arena, making it easily accessible from both East Grand Forks and Grand Forks.
The Park at a Glance
Unlike some neighborhood parks that focus on one or two amenities, O'Leary Park is designed to accommodate recreation throughout every season. It combines outdoor athletic facilities, indoor ice arenas, trails, picnic spaces, and open green areas into one large campus, making it one of the busiest parks managed by East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation. Within the complex, you'll find:
- Playground
- 8 pickleball courts
- Basketball courts
- Soccer field
- Two picnic shelters
- Picnic tables
- Charcoal grills
- Public restrooms
- Greenway trail access
- Parking
- Open lawn areas
- Close proximity to the VFW Memorial Arena and Blue Line Arena
Pickleball Courts
One of O'Leary Park's biggest recent additions is its dedicated pickleball complex.
The park features:
- 8 permanent outdoor pickleball courts
- Hard playing surface
- Permanent nets
- Free public access
- Club play throughout the summer
- Nearby restrooms and parking
Installed in 2021 through local funding efforts, these courts have quickly become one of the region's premier public pickleball destinations, drawing both casual players and organized leagues.
Basketball Court
Outdoor basketball courts provide opportunities for:
- Pickup games
- Youth recreation
- Individual practice
These courts are popular throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Soccer Fields
Two large open soccer fields accommodate:
- Youth recreation
- Practices
- Informal play
- Community events
The surrounding open space also allows room for field expansion and flexible programming.
Playgrounds
The complex includes two modern playsets designed for children of various ages.
Features include:
- Play structures
- Swings
- Slides
- Open grass nearby for free play
Picnic Shelters
O'Leary Park provides two reservable shelters.
The shelters are generally available from May through September and are among the most requested park rental locations in the city.
About Shelter #1 at O'Leary Park
Large round; located closest to restrooms and parking lot
Shelter includes:
- Electrical power
- Charcoal grills
- 8 tables (seats 48)
- Trash cans
- Bathrooms near shelter (open daily)
- Adjacent to Sherlock Forest Playground and East Grand Forks Swimming Pool
About Shelter #2 at Sherlock Park
Medium rectangle; located closest to playground and soccer field
Includes:
- Charcoal grill
- 6 tables (seats 36)
- Bathrooms near shelter (open daily)
- Near playground
- Access to Greenway Trail
Reserve a Shelter at O'Leary Park
East Grand Forks Park shelters are reserved on a first come, first served basis. All shelters and alcohol permits are free of charge in East Grand Forks.
Rental Availability
- Daily from May 1st through September 30th
- Parks open daily: 10 a.m. to Dusk
- No advanced reservations made until February 1st of the current year.
To Reserve a Park Shelter
- Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 218-773-8000 or visit the East Grand Forks Parks and Recreation office at City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to check for availability.
- Fill out a Park Shelter application form to set your date and time in stone, as well as an Alcohol Permit application if applicable.
- Pick up your shelter permit at the Parks and Recreation office in East Grand Forks City Hall. This must be hung up at the shelter during your event.
Call Us
(218) 399-3272
(218) 773-8000
Email Us
Please indicate the following in your email inquiry:
- Name of park
- Shelter number requested
- Requested date of event
- Requested times of event (beginning and end)
Meet Us at Our Office
600 Demers Ave
East Grand Forks, MN 56721
Main Floor, East Wing, Suite E102
