St. Croix Recreation | Minnesota Playground Equipment Suppliers

St. Croix Recreation is a family-owned business that has been selling playground and park supplies in the state of Minnesota for over 40 years. We are consultants that provide friendly, honest customer service and advice to build parks and playgrounds in Minnesota.  Our park and commercial playground equipment is manufactured in America’s Heartland, the Midwest.

We are a responsible company that communicates with our customers on a personal level with honesty, respect and professionalism. At the end of the day, we want you to feel included and proud of your new playground or park vision but most of all have a fun time doing it. Give us a call at any time.  We will always be happy to answer your questions!

Christopher Johnsen

Christopher has been working for St. Croix Recreation since 2006. He joined the family business after 4 years of service with the 173rd Army Airborne Brigade. Christopher graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in Entrepreneurship in 2010 and joined St. Croix Recreation full time doing every job from installation, volunteer installations, project coordination and marketing. Christopher enjoys working in the playground and park industry and has been exposed to it his whole life. He enjoys working with people and is proud to be a part of the St. Croix Recreation team.

Chris lives in Stillwater with his wife Hannah and daughters Eliza, Abigail & Olivia. He enjoys the outdoors, reading and most importantly spending time with Family and Friends. 

President | cj@stcroixrec.com  | 1-800-525-5914

Johnnie Johnsen

Johnnie started St. Croix Recreation in 1981 in Stillwater Minnesota.  He is a 1978 graduate of Cal State Northridge with a degree in Park & Recreation Management. Johnnie worked for Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation for 4 years before moving to Minnesota to get away from the urban sprawl.  Johnnie takes pride in the many projects he has been associated with over the years and the culture of customer service he created within St. Croix Recreation.  He has had a lot of experience and has been recognized for many achievements in the playground and park supply business.  He continues to cultivate positive and long-standing relationships with customers and is an overall joy in the industry.

Johnnie lives in Stillwater with his wife Linda and has 3 children. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, playing sports and staying active.

Founder | jj@stcroixrec.com | 1-800-525-5914

Mike Basich

Mike has been working with St. Croix Recreation since 1997, but his experience in the playground industry precedes that with several years as a playground installation contractor. Mike enjoys working with customers to plan and execute unique play environments and is not afraid to get his hands dirty to see a project through to its conclusion, having supervised well over 150 volunteer community-build playground installations. Whether working with a school PTO or a municipal board, Mike enjoys the personal interaction which he believes is essential in bringing play opportunities to our communities.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Minnesota and resides in White Bear Lake with his wife Cheryl and three children. Outside interests include recreational sports, reading and more than a passing interest in the sport of hockey.

Project Manager | mb@stcroixrec.com | 1-800-525-5914

Hannah Johnsen

Hannah started with St Croix Recreation in 2015, joining her husband Christopher. She holds a BA from the University of St Thomas with a degree in French & Education. Her background includes experience in the travel and education industry. She also grew up in a family-owned business and is looking forward to keeping St Croix Recreation as truly a family owned operation. Currently she manages both Accounts Receivable & Payable and Vendor Relations.

Hannah enjoys spending time in her community, practicing yoga, playing tennis and doing crossword puzzles. She loves to travel, enjoys helping people and making them smile.

Office Manager | hannah@stcroixrec.com | 1-800-525-5914

Keegan Hartwick

A longtime family friend, Keegan grew up in Stillwater, MN and studied at both Century College & UW – River Falls. After a lengthy career in customer service; specializing in health, wellness & nutrition, Keegan joined the business of play in 2019! Keegan will most likely be your first introduction to our company over the phone and will provide you exemplary and timely service should you need a quote, a catalog or a replacement part.

Keegan currently lives in New Richmond with her husband Nick and their two daughters. Interests include environmental & sustainable activities and keeping in the know with health and wellness.

Customer Service Manager/Inside Sales | keegan@stcroixrec.com | 1-800-525-5914

Chris Armitage

St Croix Recreation is proud to announce its newest family member: Chris Armitage to the team! Chris brings a unique set of business skills to Northern Minnesota for St. Croix Recreation. His considerable experience affords him the ability to work well with people and manage projects while getting to know his customers and helping them achieve their goals. Chris is very exited to be a part of this industry. Even if you don’t need something today, he would love to hear from you to discuss your play space and parks should there be something he can assist you with in the future.

After a fulfilling career at 3M, Chris moved to his home in the Brainerd Lakes area with his wife. They have two grown children and a Border Collie. He enjoys golfing, fishing, and volunteering in his spare time.

Project Manager | ca@stcroixrec.com | 1-800-525-5914