John Ward Park is a 14-acre City of Anoka recreation park at 2400 Forest Ave, Anoka, MN 55303, known locally as Rocket Park for the oversized rocket-themed playground that has defined the site since the 1960s. Families come for the landmark play structure, picnic shelter and open grass; local players use its busy adult-softball playfields, while skaters head to the concrete skatepark.
What to Expect at John Ward Park
The park’s identity begins with its rocket. A rocket-themed play structure has stood here for decades, making it a familiar Anoka childhood landmark rather than a generic neighborhood playground. The current rocket playground design was installed in 2004 as part of 2003–04 improvements that also added a large shelter and updated the irrigation system. It is the natural first stop for families, with open lawn around it for supervising children, informal games and spreading out a picnic.
Beyond the playground, John Ward Park functions as an active community sports and recreation space. Its softball fields are among Anoka’s heavily used adult-playfield facilities, so summer evenings can bring the sound and activity of league games. The on-site skatepark adds a separate draw for older children and teens, with a handrail, spine, ledge, banked ramp and manual pad. The layout rewards a flexible visit: make the playground the main event, bring food for the shelter, then allow time to watch a game or skate session.
- Rocket playground: The park’s signature space, continuing a rocket-playground tradition that dates to the 1960s; the present design was installed in 2004.
- Large picnic shelter: A covered gathering point added during the 2003–04 park upgrades, useful for family lunches and group meetups.
- Adult softball fields: Active community playfields that give the park a distinctly local, sports-centered character during league seasons.
- Concrete skatepark: A compact riding area with a handrail, spine, ledge, banked ramp and manual pad for skateboard practice.
- Fourteen-acre grounds: Room for unstructured lawn play, short walks between facilities and a relaxed stop in residential Anoka.
John Ward Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2400 Forest Ave, Anoka, MN 55303 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Residential west Anoka |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 10am–10pm |
| Admission / Price Range | Free public-park admission |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 90 minutes; longer for a picnic, softball game or skate session |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Drive or cycle via Forest Avenue; on-site park-area parking is the practical option |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Anoka parks information; 763-576-2980 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For the calmest family visit, arrive in the morning or early afternoon before softball activity builds later in the day. Bring water, sunscreen and a picnic if you plan to linger; the large shelter is the logical base for a group. Check the City of Anoka’s parks information before organizing a larger gathering, especially during ball season. The park is free to enter, and driving or cycling along Forest Avenue is the most straightforward way to arrive; use the park-area parking rather than blocking nearby residential access.
John Ward Park is principally an outdoor recreation site, with lawn, play-surface and sports-area transitions rather than an indoor visitor facility. The large shelter offers a place to pause, but visitors using wheelchairs or strollers should assess surface conditions and the route from parking on arrival, particularly after rain or snow. For a nearby food stop, EL Tacazo is about 0.3 km away. Rudy Johnson Park lies about 1.8 km away for travelers building an Anoka park outing, while downtown Anoka’s riverfront and historic commercial core are a short drive away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are John Ward Park’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
John Ward Park is open daily from 10am to 10pm. Morning and early afternoon are best for families wanting time around the rocket playground before evening softball games and skate sessions add activity.
Does John Ward Park charge admission or require reservations?
Admission to this public City of Anoka park is free, and a casual playground, lawn or skatepark visit does not require a reservation. Contact the city at 763-576-2980 before planning a large shelter gathering or organized event.
How much time should I allow for Rocket Park?
Allow 45 to 90 minutes for the playground and a walk around the grounds. Budget two hours or more if bringing a picnic, watching a softball game or combining the stop with the skatepark.
Is John Ward Park suitable for young children, strollers and skaters?
Yes: the rocket playground is the central family attraction, while the separate skatepark gives older children and teens their own space. Strollers can use the park approach and open grounds, though outdoor surfaces vary around lawns, play areas and athletic facilities; close supervision is essential near active skating and ballfields.
When planning your Anoka travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Anoka, pair this stop with standout local spots including Nucky's Speakeasy, Mississippi Point Park, Rudy Johnson Park, and EL Tacazo (0.3 km away).
