Neighborhood Initiatives
Union Park's neighborhoods are known for their connectedness. Making an effort to get to know your neighbors will increase the safety of your block. Participating in -- or hosting -- a block party on National Night Out, on the first Tuesday of August, is a great way to start. If you are willing organize the communication and activities on your block, or if you already consider yourself to be a block leader, please consider participating in our Block Ambassador program.
Barricade Rental
Union Park has street barricades that community members can use for block parties, neighborhood, or family events. The street barricades are required by the city when you block off your street or alley -- but ours are a more-affordable option than getting them from Public Works.
- Barricades only cost $40 and also require a $80 deposit which you will get back after returning the barricades.
- Reservations are first-come, first-served.
- To borrow our barricades, you must have an event permit from the city.
To reserve this equipment, download and return the reservation form to Alexa@unionparkdc.org.
Block Party Tent Rental
In 2019, UPDC will begin a block party tent rental program thanks to a micro-grant application from the Laurel Block Party. Check back for more information in the Spring of 2019!
Crime and safety information
There are many ways to stay in informed and be proactive about crime and safety in Union Park. Our community is part of Saint Paul’s Western District. You can follow the Western District on Facebook, and join them for monthly community meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at both 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at 389 North Hamline Avenue. The City of St. Paul provides useful resources, like crime reporting and crime prevention tips.
Read an interview with former Crime Prevention Specialist, Pam McCreary about how to better protect your house and neighborhood. In the interview Pam shares tips from her many years in service.
To receive weekly crime updates specific to Union Park, email alexa@unionparkdc.org. Below you can review some of the most recent crime reports.
Crime and safety services
Vacation Watch
Vacation Watch is a free service provided by the Saint Paul Police Department. If you are going to be away from home for 2-30 days, you can register to have Reserve Officers check on your home. If there is any evidence that your home has been tampered with, it will be treated as a possible burglary in progress. Call the Community Services Unit at (651) 266-5485 to sign up.
Premises check
Another free program provides residents with a security premise evaluation. A Reserve Officer will evaluate your home and discuss lighting, locks, security systems, windows, and other security measures you could take to improve your home’s safety. Some insurance companies provide premium discounts to residents participating in the security audit. Call the Community Services Unit at (651) 266-5485 for more information.
Online police reporting
You should always call 911 in an emergency or if you are observing suspicious activity in process. However, the Saint Paul Police Department also offers an online police reporting system that allows you to file online police reports for certain incidents that:
- are non-emergencies
- occurred within the city of St. Paul
- have no known suspects
- did not occur on an interstate freeway
- are not motivated by bias
Burglary of a detached garage, damage to property, fraud and forgery, harassing phone calls, illegal dumping, lost property and theft from automobiles are examples of crimes that can be reported. Once you submit the information, it is reviewed by a police officer, entered into the records management system and assigned a case number. You’ll be emailed a copy of the police report, which can be used for insurance purposes.
College student conduct issues
We appreciate the diversity of our neighbors -- families with children, retirees, young professionals, and college students. However, at times, college student conduct issues become distruptive. The University of Saint Thomas's Neighborhood Relations department has advice on how to handle neighborhood disturbances. If you're dealing with a problem on your block, please feel free to contact us as well.