“We feel your special spark in our parks.”
One of the most loved elements of the Party for the Parks is the original song written and performed by local legend Thomasina Petrus. Now how you volunteer for parks, this song is for you. And it’s a great way to recognize this year’s outstanding parks and rec volunteers.
Celebrating Our 2025 Volunteer Award Honorees
Each year, we honor outstanding volunteers who help make Saint Paul parks and recreation programs vibrant, inclusive, and beautiful. Join us in celebrating the following individuals and groups whose time and talents continue to make a lasting difference: 🎨 Recreation Volunteers of the Year
Mary Jo Culbertson – A dedicated volunteer for over 20 years, Mary Jo brings warmth, organization, and a welcoming spirit to the craft show every year.
Tony Huss – From helping kids build Soap Box Derby cars to launching a new skateboarding program, Tony is a hands-on leader at Dayton’s Bluff and Duluth & Case. 🏈 Coaches of the Year
Malik Davis (Football) – Revitalized the Jimmy Lee football program and organized a free off-season basketball league, ensuring youth have access to safe, affordable, and meaningful play.
Leah Young (10U Volleyball) – Always positive and encouraging, Leah makes volleyball fun and inclusive for every child on her team.
Bernard Taylor (12U & 18U Baseball) – A long-time coach who creates a supportive, growth-focused environment. His players—and their families—truly value his consistent presence and care. 🏒 Booster Club of the Year
Groveland Ice Boosters – They create winter magic with two hockey rinks, free skate rentals, and hot cocoa. From late-night flooding to hosting FrostFest and supporting school skate days, their efforts make winter wonderful. 🌱 Golden Shovel Award
William White – As President of the Historic Irvine Park Association, William raised over $100,000 for park improvements, including the restoration of the park’s historic fountain. 🌟 Changemaker Award
Maggie Lorenz – As Executive Director of Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi, Maggie led efforts to restore sacred Dakota names and landscapes, co-creating a stewardship model rooted in Native leadership. 🏞️ Park Champions
- Kris Rose (Rice Park) – brings her amazing garden design skills to the beautiful urns in the park and manages the volunteers from the Saint Paul Garden Club that replant them four times each year.
- Richard Day (Como Park) – A steadfast steward of the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom, Richard brings dedication and horticultural know-how to every inch of the landscape.
- Kathy Sidles (Swede Hollow) – A tireless conservationist, Kathy volunteers hundreds of hours caring for Swede Hollow and nearby natural areas.
- Linda Mealey Lohmann (China Friendship Garden) – The heart behind Liu Ming Yuan at Phalen Park, Linda has nurtured the garden from vision to reality for over 20 years.
- Kate Clover (Wacouta Commons) – A neighborhood connector and green thumb who keeps the gardens blooming through collaboration and care.
- Paul Thomas (Upper Landing Park) – Whether creating new gardens or removing debris from the riverbank, Paul makes Upper Landing shine.
- Dave & Georgia Ziegler (Mears Park) – Longtime members of Friends of Mears Park, they lovingly maintain two garden plots and pitch in wherever needed.
🌻 Neighborhood Honorees
- Bruce Behrends (Ramsey Hill Association, posthumous) – A beloved volunteer who brought skill, spirit, and generosity to McQuillan Park and beyond.
- Lindsay Bothe Culverhouse (Dayton’s Bluff) – A leading voice in the Greenspace Equity Collaborative and a driving force behind the new Community Greenspace Guidebook.
🌿 Commitment to Conservation
Jackie Sticha – Under Jackie’s 25-year leadership, Como Friends has contributed more than $50 million to support the Como Zoo & Conservatory. Her legacy is blooming across the park. Thank you to all of our volunteers—past, present, and future—for making Saint Paul’s parks and recreation spaces so special. We are better because of you.