Dear Friends,
I hope this note finds each of you safe and healthy. Thus far, 2020 has proved to be quite the year. We entered into 2020 with the hopes of marking our organization’s 35th year with celebrations throughout the year. Here we are entering August already and while parks and trails have proved invaluable during the pandemic (socially distancing and all) and we have yet to even check in.
The Board would like to provide a brief update, with promises of more to come. As you well know, the organization was started 35 years ago with Peggy Lynch’s dedication, vision, and gusto. Peggy’s tenure as Executive Director lasted many decades. Upon Peggy’s retirement, Shirley Erstad took the helm as Executive Director. At the end of 2019, Shirley opted not to renew her annual contract.
Without an Executive Director, the Board of Directors continued to meet in early 2020 to establish a path forward. Our collective work was stifled by the pandemic and orders to stay in place. However, we are collectively back at it, navigating the new realities of Zoom and socially distanced public spaces.
We’ll circle back with another update after our next scheduled meeting in mid-August. In the interim, please continue to find solace and joy in the parks and trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County. Thank you for your continued support and patience with us.
Stay safe and well,
Board members Richard Arey, Andy Capistrant, Dan Markel, Dan McGarry, Scott Ramsay, Raintry Salk
