Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County

Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation for the public support and appreciation of parks and trails.

Executive Director

Peggy Lynch, 651-689-3558; info@friendsoftheparks.org

The Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County
1621 Beechwood Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55116

Board Officers

President: Andy Holewa
Vice President: Mark Nolan
Treasurer: James R. Bricher

Board Members 2012

Duke Addicks
Richard Arey
Mary Bach
Tria Chang
Neil Franey
Steven Hauser
Pahoua Hoffman
Jon Kerr
Marilyn Lundberg
Kelly Mac Gregor
Scott Ramsay
Pierre Regnier
Timothy Seck
Jeanne Weigum

Director Emeritus

David Lilly
Truman W. Porter

Ex Offico

Mike Hahm, Director Parks and Recreation, St. Paul
Greg Mack, Director, Parks and Recreation, Ramsey County
Kevin Nelson, St. Paul Public Works
Terry Noonan, Environmental Services Manager, Ramsey Cty. Public Works
Jennifer Read, MN Dept. of Transportation

How the Friends of the Parks and Trails Began

In 1984 developers proposed building housing units in the middle of Hidden Falls - Crosby Lake Regional Park. A group of citizens banded together to protect this marvelous park. When the housing proposal was defeated, the group continued to meet. The St. Paul Foundation provided startup funding, via a grant, to establish a permanent organization in 1985.

Work and Accomplishments in 20 Years of Progress

1985 the Friends initiated a study of the St. Paul and Ramsey County park systems "A Plan for Parks, Trails, and Open Space" to educate the public on park policy.
This Parks Plan led to the establishment of Park Commissions in St. Paul and Ramsey County and the amendment of the City of St. Paul and Ramsey County charters for "no net loss" of parkland. This study continues to be a seminal visionary document in park, trail and open space planning and management.
The Friends of the Parks Annual Tree Sale has added over 6,000 trees to the parks in St. Paul, Ramsey County and the Ramsey County Suburbs as a way to donate trees.
Led efforts for the Gateway Trail connection to downtown St. Paul and many other trail connections throughout Ramsey County.
Restored five and one half miles of Mississippi River bluffs to ecological health by removing exotic plants.
Sponsored a City of St. Paul ordinance setting up a process if park lands or facilities are leased.
Study group in conjunction with McKnight Foundation on the Save Open Space project for the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) area which secured the Rice Creek Regional Park.
Led the effort to have MNDOT build a pedestrian/bicycle tunnel under the ramps for I-35E as the new I-35E bridge was built and continue to make sure pedestrian and bicycle connections are included in all bridges.
Worked with Metro Airport Commission to assure wetland mitigation was completed at Pickeral Lake to compensate for filling at the Downtown Airport.
Prepared and published a Park Directory for all public lands within Ramsey County.
Today the Friends of the Parks have grown to hundreds of members, please join us.

Vision of the Friends

The Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County are dedicated to being a key community voice in the environmentally responsible policy, development and use of local parks, trails and open space.

Mission of the Friends

To promote public support and appreciation for parks and open space
To educate the public and examine the goals and priorities of park development
To identify, protect and enhance environmentally significant areas
To promote establishment and development of quality parks, trails and bikeways
To provide a vehicle for citizens to examine public policies that affect parks, trails and open space