Dear Friends and Members,
As 2020 comes to a close, we are more aware than ever of the importance of parks and open space as areas of refuge from the challenges of the pandemic, where one can exercise, play and enjoy nature in relative safety. All St. Paul and Ramsey County parks are open for your enjoyment, however, check their websites for up-to-date information on facility and program availability.
The Friends of the Parks Board has been navigating the challenges of Covid-19 with virtual meetings, and a reorganization. Due to these challenges we had to suspend the Tribute Tree Program for 2020 and the Annual Tree Sale for 2020 and 2021. We continue to actively monitor current issues pertaining to parks and trails in St. Paul and Ramsey County.
Our organization has supported improvements to parks and are pleased that Battle Creek Regional Park, located in St. Paul and Maplewood, will receive $1.8 million from the Minnesota State Legislature bonding bill passed in October. We are monitoring the Battle Creek Master Plan and have provided input on it. The 45-day public comment period for the Pig’s Eye Master Plan Amendment closed on September 30, 2020. The 30-day public review period for the Battle Creek Regional Park Master Plan concepts is open through November 30, 2020. We encourage you to learn more about this project and provide your input at this website: https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/parks-recreation/parks-planning-projects/battle-creek-regional-park-master-plan
On behalf of the Board, I want to express our appreciation to our members, whose support allows us to advocate for St. Paul and Ramsey County Parks, for the management of these parks using Best Management Practices for natural resources, and to encourage appropriate and equitable use by people. Thank you for your part in making our work both possible and successful. To renew your membership, give a gift membership, or make a donation, please visit our website: https://friendsoftheparks.org/become-a-member/
Our Board wishes each of you a healthy rest of 2020 and continued enjoyment of parks and trails. We look forward to a new year supporting and advocating for parks.
Sincerely,
Scott Ramsay
President
