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. Ready to make a reservation? Click on Reservation Next Steps.

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 110 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 16 people. The classrooms can also be combined to create one large room with seating capacity of 32. Perfect for business meetings, school field trips, or small gatherings.

Seats approximately 16 adults, per classroom
- If more than 16 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 >

NEW! 2026 Pricing

50% non-refundable, reservation fee is due at the time of reservation.

Reservation fee will be applied towards the final balance due. Final Balances are due 60 days prior to the event, or reservation may be cancelled.

Standard Reservations	ASPEN ROOM				CLASSROOMS: BIRCH & COTTONWOOD
	Monday - Thursday		Friday - Sunday & Holidays		Same Rate Monday - Sunday
	Hourly Rate	All Day Rate	Hourly Rate	All Day Rate	Price is per classroom.
Resident Rate	$80/hr +tax	$1,100/day +tax	$103/hr +tax	$1,400/day +tax	$25/hr +tax
Non-Resident Rate	$127/hr +tax	$1,500/day +tax	$150/hr +tax	$1,800/day +tax	$50/hr + tax
Non-Profit Rates*	Hourly Rate		Hourly Rate		Classroom rates do not change. Schools located within the boundaries of 191, 719, 720, Jeffers Foundation and approved Environmental Education Organizations may use the classrooms free of charge with a reservation.
Resident Rate	$40/hr +tax		$63/hr +tax
Non-Resident Rate	$80/hr +tax		$103/hr +tax
Business Package (Monday - Thursday)	Hourly Rate	All Day Rate	4-Hour Block
	$86/hr +tax	$517 +tax	$287 +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. Rentals includes adjacent covered patio, sound and video system, wi-fi, podium, wireless microphone, 15 round tables (seat 6-8), 4 buffet tables, 100+ chairs, prep kitchen, and refrigerator. Bar height table, easels, and coat racks are available upon request.
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 50% reservation down payment at the time of reservation. Your down payment is non-refundable but will be applied to your final balance. Final payments for all events, with the exceptions of weddings, will be due 60 days prior to the event. Wedding Package final payments will remain due 90 days before the event.

McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center hours available for reservation are between 7 a.m. -11 p.m. Events should conclude by 10 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. Alcoholic beverages may be served to, and consumed by, guests aged twenty-one (21) years of age or older in compliance with state laws, regulations and city ordinances, but shall not be sold without a valid temporary on-sale license for beer and/or wine issued by the City. 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 licensed with the Minnesota Department of Health and abide by all applicable laws and regulations. Renter is required to provide contact information for all professional or commercial caterers/restaurants to the City of Savage. If you hire a caterer, please make sure they fill out this form and return it to Savage Parks and Recreation 30 days prior to the Date of Use. Caterers who will be supplying or selling alcohol must abide by all state laws, regulations and city ordinances.
Does my reservation time include set-up and clean-up time?

All 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 do I secure my reservation?

To secure a reservation at the McColl Pond ELC, the appropriate Reservation Application and the Reservation Fee of 50% of the total balance is required to hold the rental. The reservation fee is non-refundable but is applied toward the final balance due. Reservation applications can be found on the Reserve Now tab.

For Standard Reservations & Business Reservations, final payments are due 60 days prior to the Date of Use. For Wedding Package Reservations, final payments are due 90 days prior to the Date of Use. Renter may lose use of the facility, and rental agreement may be voided, if balance due is not received when due prior to Date of Use.
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?

The ELC is a TOBACCO-FREE FACILITY and the use of tobacco products of any kind are prohibited throughout the ELC building, patio, and surrounding area except only as permitted in the designated areas of the ELC parking lot.
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 are encouraged.
- Candles are permitted when used in a fire-safe, enclosed container.
- Affixing items to the walls, ceilings, windows or other building elements is strictly prohibited.
- Fog/smoke machines are prohibited.
- No confetti, streamers, birdseed, rice, glitter, sand, silly string, or fresh flower petals are allowed in the ELC or outside on the grounds.
- Tables, chairs, and furniture of any kind from inside the building is not allowed to be moved outdoors for any reason. Moving these items outside could result in damage to the floor of the ELC. The renter could be liable for covering the cost of such damage if this policy is not followed.
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.

More FAQs

McColl Pond ELC

McColl Pond ELC

McColl Pond ELC

Aspen Room

Birch & Cottonwood Classrooms

NEW! 2026 Pricing

Standard Reservations

Non-Profit Rates*

Business Package

Make a Reservation

Contact Us

FAQs