It is with great sadness that the Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County announces that Peggy Lynch, visionary activist and supporter of parks and trails, passed away on Tuesday, August 20.
In 1984, Peggy organized a grassroots campaign to save Hidden Falls-Crosby Farm Park in Highland Park from development. That group became the Friends of the Parks and Trails in 1985 with the mission of advocating for and protecting parks and trails in St. Paul and Ramsey County for future generations to enjoy.
Peggy took on the role of executive director and served in that role for more than 30 years. She quickly earned a reputation as a tenacious champion of parks and trails, especially in St. Paul, her hometown. Although tenacious, she was always courteous, civil and respectful of everyone she met. One-time St. Paul City Councilmember Dave Thune called Lynch “the conscience” of St. Paul’s parks.
Among the many achievements during her tenure were the creation of the Saint Paul Parks Commission and the “no net loss of parks” clause in the St. Paul and Ramsey County charters.
In May 2024, the Friends partnered with Frogtown Green, the Lynch family and donors to plant 14 trees in Frogtown Farm Park with a bench in honor of Peggy’s 90th birthday. This planting, known as Peggy’s Grove, will endure as a tribute to the incredible advocacy of Peggy Lynch, who helped protect and enhance the beautiful parks and trails we all enjoy today. Peggy was 90 years old when she passed away, and she will be greatly missed. The Friends organization offers its condolences to the Lynch family.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday September 3, 2024 at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, in St. Paul, MN. Internment at Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County. https://friendsoftheparks.org/donate/ Even in her last hours, Peggy remained a fierce protector of Saint Paul and Ramsey County’s parks and trails. According to Peggy’s son Tim, “Her request for the Friends to be named on her memorial is her final way of trying to keep the parks in the hands of the people.”
