Concerns over safety and behavior at Jackson Playground in the Frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul have sparked heated discussion online after a resident described repeated incidents involving groups of children allegedly harassing families and park visitors.
The conversation began after Shell Oliveraz shared a post in the Frogtown Neighbors Group on Facebook, describing what she said happened while visiting the playground with her children.
According to Oliveraz, she brought her children, ages six, nine, and 11, to the park to play basketball and spend time outdoors when a group of older children arrived and began causing problems.
Oliveraz claimed the group included boys and girls ranging from about seven or eight years old to teenagers around 14 or 15. She described the language used by the kids as inappropriate and said both adults and children at the park were being targeted.
“We left,” Oliveraz wrote in her post. “The things they say to the adults and the kids is so messed up.”
Shell Oliveraz
She added that she has lived in Frogtown for around 50 years and said she had never experienced problems like this at the park before.
Oliveraz also questioned whether the parents of the children involved were aware of the alleged behavior.
Community Members Debate Possible Solutions
The post quickly gained attention, with many residents sharing their own opinions and experiences regarding youth behavior in the neighborhood.
Mercedes Yarbrough encouraged neighbors to approach the issue with compassion and positivity.
“It takes a village,” she commented. “We’re all sharing the same space together. ENERGY is real, next time try leading with love.”
Mercedes Yarbrough
Her response drew criticism from Nathaniel Ray Davis, who argued that the issue was much more serious than simply changing attitudes. “These are very vague responses to a very real crisis,” Davis replied.
Oliveraz also pushed back against the idea, responding directly to Yarbrough by saying,“What is your suggestion in leading with so-called love? They’re badass kids.”
As the discussion continued, Davis repeatedly described the situation as a growing community problem that needed immediate attention. He stated that public spaces in St. Paul were changing and claimed the behavior had become increasingly common.
“This is becoming an irritating trend and more than a nuisance,” Davis wrote. “It has gotten worse and it definitely has to be addressed because it’s unacceptable.”
Residents Share Similar Experiences
Several commenters said they had witnessed or experienced similar incidents at Jackson Playground and nearby areas.
Aleo Green shared a story involving an autistic child who was allegedly harassed by the same group of youths. According to Green, the child had an accident on himself before the kids began verbally attacking both the child and his mother.
“My child’s dad stepped in,” Green wrote. “It’s so sad and I won’t take my little there alone.”
Aleo Green
Others blamed poor parenting and lack of accountability for the behavior. Jen Har commented that problems like this often begin at home, while another commenter, BronzeLobster7372, argued that broader social and economic issues were contributing to worsening conditions in neighborhoods across Minnesota.
At one point, Leticia Rosalez asked whether there were community programs or increased patrols that could help address the situation.
Patrick Scott responded by saying local authorities and city departments already offer various youth programs and resources, but participation depends on whether the juveniles are willing to cooperate.
Leticia Rosalez The city and police department have a wealth of programs and resources if the kids are willing to at least try. Call your council person. Call the Western District SPPD office.
Patrick Scott
The current political climate is tying a lot of hands when it comes to dealing with juveniles.
Scott also advised residents to contact their city council representative or the St. Paul Police Department’s Western District office regarding concerns at the park.
The online discussion reflects growing frustration among some Frogtown residents who say neighborhood parks and public spaces no longer feel as safe or welcoming as they once did.
