FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Nov. 18, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sara Swenson
Great River Passage Conservancy and Saint Paul Parks Conservancy Will Merge to Expand Impact
Strategic Move Will Strengthen Parks and River Access for Generations
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Big things are blooming for Saint Paul’s parks and river corridor. Two of Saint Paul’s leading park nonprofits — the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy and the Great River Passage Conservancy — will merge on January 1, 2026. This strategic move combines their passion, expertise, and community spirit to care for and invest in the places that make Saint Paul shine.
Together, under the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy name, the two organizations will bring even more energy and coordination to the city’s beloved parks and river projects—strengthening partnerships, simplifying fundraising, and making it easier than ever to create the vibrant, welcoming spaces Saint Paul is known for.
“This merger builds on years of partnership and shared purpose,” said Michael-jon Pease, Saint Paul Parks Conservancy president and chief parks champion. “By uniting our efforts – much the way our rivers come together in a confluence – we can mobilize greater resources, amplify reach, and accelerate impact. As one, we can help make every Saint Paul park and mile of river welcoming, vibrant, and accessible.”
A Natural Evolution for a Shared Mission
The two conservancies have long shared a common goal: connecting people to the beauty of Saint Paul’s outdoors. The Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, founded in 2008, has raised nearly $5 million for neighborhood park projects that bring people together and expand outdoor access across the city.
Since 2018, the Great River Passage Conservancy has been helping people experience Saint Paul’s 17 miles of the Mississippi River in new and more accessible ways—turning community input from the 2012 Great River Passage Master Plan into real-world projects and programming.
After the merger, the Great River Passage will continue as an initiative within the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, keeping its strong focus on connecting people to the river through signature projects and creative programs that celebrate this defining feature of our city.
“This merger isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about impact,” said Peter Myers, Board Chair of the Great River Passage Conservancy. “The Great River Passage Conservancy isn’t going away—it’s becoming even more effective. Together, we can do more for the river, for the parks, and for the people of Saint Paul.”
Rooted in Parks, Flowing with the River
Saint Paul’s love for the outdoors runs deep. With 184 parks citywide and 99% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of one, these green spaces are at the heart of community life. Nearly half of the city’s parkland lines the Mississippi River, making nature an everyday part of life in Saint Paul.
“Saint Paul’s identity is deeply rooted both in its parks and in the river,” said Andy Rodriguez, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Director. “This merger strengthens the public-private partnerships that make our park system one of the best in the nation—and ensures it stays that way for generations to come.”
Building on a Strong Foundation
Saint Paul’s parks thrive thanks to the powerful collaboration between the City and its nonprofit partners. While the City oversees operations and maintenance, organizations like the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy and Great River Passage Conservancy make it possible to dream bigger—raising private dollars for new projects, creative programming, and large-scale community improvements that wouldn’t happen otherwise.
The merged Conservancy will operate under a unified board of directors, led by President and Chief Parks Champion Michael-jon Pease. Jodi Massey, currently Interim Executive Director of the Great River Passage Conservancy, will serve as Director of the Great River Passage Initiative, and Shari Blindt will continue as Director of Parks and Play.
Together, they’re charting a joyful, community-centered path forward, where every park, trail, and stretch of river in Saint Paul continues to tell the story of a city that loves its parks, river, and people in equal measure.
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About the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy
The Saint Paul Parks Conservancy creates community vibrancy by making strong parks superb. As the official private 501c(3) champion of St Paul’s award-winning park system and of West St. Paul parks, the Conservancy partners with community to sustain and enhance park facilities and programs. Our vision is that all residents have access to truly great green spaces where they are welcomed, sustained and find joy. Learn more at stpaulparks.org
About the Great River Passage Conservancy
The Great River Passage Conservancy shepherds Saint Paul’s vision for river access, leading advocacy and private fundraising efforts for projects and programs along Saint Paul’s 17 miles of Mississippi River. These projects connect people to the river by building environmental stewardship, community health and economic development. Learn more at greatriverpassage.org.