McColl Pond Environmental Learning & Event Center (ELC)

Set among 10 acres of native prairie, rain gardens, butterfly gardens and mature trees, the McColl Pond Environmental Learning and Event Center (ELC) is a picture-perfect location for hosting graduation parties, anniversary celebrations, holiday gatherings, business meetings, and many other private occasions. Located within the vibrant Community Park, this popular and central spot offers a dynamic setting, ideal for any event.

If you would like to receive more information about hosting a gathering at the McColl Pond ELC, fill out the Facility Rental Inquiry Form.

Hosting a wedding? View our Wedding Package.

Aspen Room

The Aspen Room offers panoramic views of the serene McColl Pond and fishing pier as well as the surrounding landscape, gardens, and walking trails. In addition to the natural areas, the ELC provides convenient access to a playground area and picnic shelter, as well as the 53-acre Savage Community Park and its athletic complex.

The Aspen Room can accommodate up to 100 guests with seating for an additional 75 on the outdoor covered patio.

Included with the Aspen Room:

Large prep kitchen
15 - 60" round tables with chairs (7-person standard seating) (indoor use only)
4 - 29" x 144" buffet tables (indoor use only)
100+ chairs (indoor use only)
Full video and audio sound system
Podium and wireless microphone
Wifi
Outdoor covered patio
11 - 48" octagon picnic tables (outdoor patio use only)
1 - 6' picnic table (outdoor patio use only)

Available upon request: easels, coat racks, 3 - 30" high-top tables

View Aspen Room Sample Floorplan >

View Aspen Room availability >

Birch & Cottonwood Classrooms

In addition to the large Aspen Room, the McColl Pond ELC also has two classrooms that each have seating capacity of 15 people or can be used as one large room with seating capacity of 30. Perfect for business meetings, school field trips, or small gatherings.

Seats approximately 15 adults, per classroom
- If more than 15 adults are attending your meeting, both classrooms will be required to be reserved
Whiteboard (Cottonwood)
Monitor Screen (Birch)
Classrooms do not allow food beyond a bag lunch

View Birch & Cottonwood Classroom Floorplan >

View classroom availability >

Pricing

Rental Rates	Monday - Thursday Aspen Room	Friday-Sunday & Holidays Aspen Room	All Day Rate Aspen Room	Reservation Fee Non-refundable	Classroom Rate Cottonwood or Birch
Resident	$70/hr +tax	$90/hr +tax	$900/day +tax	$100 +tax	$15/hr +tax
Non-resident	$110/hr +tax	$130/hr +tax	$1,300/day + tax	$100 +tax	$25 +tax
Non-Profit Groups*	Monday - Thursday Aspen Room	Friday-Sunday & Holidays Aspen Room		Reservation Fee Non-refundable	Classroom Rate Cottonwood or Birch
Resident	$35/hr +tax	$55/hr +tax		$100 +tax	$15/hr +tax
Non-resident	$70/hr +tax	$90/hr +tax		$100 +tax	$25/hr + tax
Business Package (Monday-Friday)	All Day (7 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Aspen Room	4-Hour Block Aspen Room	Hourly Aspen Room		Classroom Rate Cottonwood or Birch
Resident	$450 +tax	$250 +tax	$75		$15/hr +tax
Non-resident	$450 +tax	$250 +tax	$75		$25/hr + tax

*Non-profit groups are required to show proof of tax exemption status or will be subject to tax.
2-hour minimum is required for all Aspen Room rentals.
Hosting a wedding? View our Wedding Package .

Make a Reservation

We honor all reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis. To secure your event space for a standard reservation, we require a signed contract and a $100+ tax ($108.38) deposit at the time of booking. For Weddings the deposit is $250+ tax ($270.94). Your deposit will be applied to your balance due but is non-refundable if you cancel your reservation. Final payments for all events, with the exceptions of weddings, are due 30 days prior to the event.

Reservation dates may be rescheduled based on availability. McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center hours available for reservation are between 7 a.m. -11 p.m. All reservations need to be cleaned up and out of the building by 11 p.m.

*Please Note: reservations cannot be made more than 365 days in advance.

Reserve Now >

McColl Pond ELC Reservation Form (PDF)

McColl Pond ELC Terms and Conditions (PDF)

Contact Us

McColl Pond ELC Reservations/Appointments | 952-224-3420
Email | elcinfo@savagemn.gov

McColl Pond ELC
13550 Dakota Ave.
Savage, MN 55378

FAQs

Am I able to bring in my own wine, beer, or liquor?

Yes, you may bring in alcoholic beverages, including kegs of beer, but you cannot sell it unless you have a valid temporary on-sale license for beer and/or wine. You can apply for this type of license from the City of Savage. No glass is allowed on the outdoor patio.
Are there cooking facilities on site at the ELC?

The facility is set up for catered or potluck type of events. There is no cooking equipment at the ELC. There is a small refrigerator onsite.
Can I bring in outside entertainment?

Yes, however please note that if they are playing music outside, they must conclude by 10 p.m.
Can I bring my own food?

Anything from family potluck to full catering is allowed at the McColl Pond ELC. All caterers must be registered with the MN Department of Health. If you hire a caterer, please make sure they fill out this form and return it to Savage Parks and Recreation. Call 952-224-3420 with questions.
Does my reservation time include set-up and clean-up time?

As of January 1, 2025: set-up time and clean-up time must be included in the billable reservation time. McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center hours available for reservation are between 7 a.m. -11 p.m. All reservations need to be cleaned up and out of the building by 11 p.m.

Wedding Package Only: Your reservation does include two additional hours (7-9 p.m.) for set up or a groom’s dinner the night before your event, or you can use this time to clean up the next morning (8-10 a.m.). All subject to availability. Some restrictions may apply.
How do I pay my balance?

In-person:
Savage Parks & Recreation
Public Works, 13770 Dakota Ave., Savage
Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

24-hour Drop Box:
Public Works, 13770 Dakota Ave., Savage

Pay Online >

Payments cannot be taken over the phone.
How far in advance can I make a reservation for the McColl Pond ELC?

Reservations are taken one year out to the date. Please call our office at 952-224-3420 if you are interested in a specific date.
Is smoking or vaping allowed on site?

No. All City facilities are tobacco and eCigarette free.
Is smoking tobacco allowed on site?

All City facilities are tobacco-free. There is a designated smoking area at the east side of the back parking lot, identified by signage.
Is there a staff person at the facility during my event?

May - October: One to two staff members may be on site for assistance during your event.

November - April: there are no staff members on site for your reservation. Any needs will have to be discussed prior to your reservation.
What are renters clean-up responsibilities?
- You will be given a Check-out List when you pick up your key for your reservation (week of your reservation).
- All garbage needs to be gathered and taken out to the garbage shed structure on the north side of the facility. Renter does not need to do anything with outdoor patio trash.
- Clean tables and chairs and return to storage closet.
- Sweep and mop floors as needed. Cleaning supplies are included and are on site.
- Bathrooms should be wiped down and garbage removed.
What are the dimensions of the Aspen room?

The Aspen room is 39' x 43', 1677 square feet, with vaulted ceilings.
What can I decorate?

Table top decorations, floor and window accents, and flameless candles are encouraged. Fog/smoke machines are prohibited.
Where do I pick up/drop off the key?

The renter is responsible for picking up the key from the Parks and Recreation office at the Public Works building at 13770 Dakota Ave., during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. For weekend events, keys will need to be picked up the Friday before unless other arrangements are made.
Will there be any other events going on during my event?

McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center is located within Savage Community Park, a thriving hub for activities in the city. There may be other activities or events happening within the Savage Community Park during your reservation. We will do our best to ensure that these events will not interfere with your event. There is a designated parking area directly in front of the ELC for guests to park, with signage available for use to detour other park users. During the summer months we recommend renters ask their guests to park by the Savage Sports Dome. See the attached parking map for guests.

Hourly Reservations Only: There may be other reservations in the classroom area.

Wedding Package Only: There will not be anyone else using space at the McColl Pond ELC.

More FAQs

McColl Pond ELC

McColl Pond ELC

McColl Pond ELC

Aspen Room

Birch & Cottonwood Classrooms

Pricing

Rental Rates

Non-Profit Groups*

Business Package

Make a Reservation

Contact Us

FAQs