Waterfront Park Safety Update

The City of Ramsey is aware of the serious incident that occurred on July 19, 2026, at the stormwater pond adjacent to the splash pad at The Waterfront Park. 

At approximately 2:15 p.m., Ramsey Police, Ramsey Fire, and Allina EMS responded to a report of a child experiencing a life-threatening water emergency. Community members immediately began providing lifesaving aid before first responders arrived, and officers were on scene within 60 seconds of dispatch.

Upon EMS arrival, the child was alert and able to communicate with emergency responders before being transported with a parent to a local hospital for further evaluation. We are grateful for the efforts of everyone who responded and continue to keep the child, the child’s family, and everyone affected by this incident in our thoughts.

City’s Response:

The City of Ramsey has installed temporary fencing and signage around the stormwater pond until permanent signage and safety measures can be implemented.

The City asks for your help in reminding residents and visitors that the stormwater pond is not a swimming area and is not intended for recreational use. If you visit The Waterfront Park, please stay out of the ponds, follow all posted signage, and closely supervise children at all times. The splash pad is the designated area for water play.

This incident is an important reminder that water emergencies often happen quickly and quietly. They may not involve yelling, splashing, or an obvious call for help. If you see a child alone in the water – anywhere, don’t assume someone else is watching. Take immediate action: call out to the child, locate a parent or guardian, notify any officials present, and call 911 whenever there may be an imminent danger. 

If you see someone entering the stormwater pond, please encourage them to leave the area. If additional assistance is needed, contact Police Dispatch at 763-427-1212 or dial 911.

The City is reviewing the circumstances surrounding this incident and evaluating additional safety measures to help prevent similar incidents in the future. We know many of you have questions or concerns, and we are committed to keeping our community informed while respecting the privacy of the child and family involved. We have prepared a few FAQs below.

The safety of our residents and visitors remains a priority, and we appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we continue this review.

Acknowledgement:

The City of Ramsey extends its sincere appreciation to the Ramsey Police Department, Ramsey Fire Department, Allina EMS, dispatch personnel, and the community members who responded during this emergency. Calls involving children are among the most difficult emergencies that responders face. We are deeply grateful for the professionalism, compassion, teamwork, and care demonstrated by everyone who responded.

The City of Ramsey would also like to extend its sincerest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the community members who immediately stepped forward to provide lifesaving assistance before emergency personnel arrived. Your willingness to act in a moment of crisis reflects the compassion and care that define our community.

Q: Can people swim in the stormwater pond or the large pond at The Waterfront?

A: No. The stormwater pond and larger 7-acre pond at The Waterfront areas are not designated swimming areas. They are not designed for swimming, wading, or play. Both the stormwater pond and the large 7-acre pond contain very steep, slippery slopes into the water. Please stay within designated recreation areas.

Fishing from the fishing pier or shoreline on the larger 7-acre pond without entering the water is okay. 

Q: What safety measures has the City implemented?

A: Following Sunday’s incident, the City installed temporary fencing and signage around the stormwater pond. Permanent signage was ordered before the incident occurred, and may be delivered for installation as soon as this week. City staff is monitoring the site all week to ensure visitors are complying with the “No Swimming” signs and remaining out of the stormwater pond.
 

Q: Why is the stormwater pond immediately next to the splash pad/why does it have the waterfall if it’s not intended for swimming?

A: The small stormwater pond was excavated as part of the mass grading of the downtown area in 2024, and was intended to intercept stormwater associated with a proposed, future, large community park building. The waterfall includes water discharged from the splash pad, which is released into the ponds, then recirculated and reused to irrigate the entire 16-acre park.

Q: Is the splash pad still open?

A: Yes. The splash pad remains open. We ask all visitors to stay within the designated recreation areas, follow posted signage, closely supervise children, and help look out for others’ safe behavior while visiting the park.

Q: Why wasn’t the stormwater pond fenced sooner, and what is the City doing to prevent children from playing in the area in the future?

A: It was not anticipated that people would want to swim in the muddy stormwater pond, and it was believed the rock and landscaping around the pond would further deter entry to this area. The City will be installing solid “NO SWIMMING” signs all the way around the stormwater pond, evaluating fencing options and educating park visitors to enjoy The Waterfront safely while also helping look after their friends and neighbors.