A Pillar of the St. Paul Community. If you’ve spent any time in the St. Paul arts or civic world, you likely already know Peter Myers. A filmmaker, lifelong choral singer and dedicated advocate for the arts, Peter has long been a fixture at the Ordway. While many know him for his nonprofit work, he is also a key architect of the city’s green spaces. After six years with the Great River Passage Conservancy—serving as Board Chair for the last four—Peter recently helped lead the “thoughtful process” of bringing that river-focused mission under the St. Paul Parks Conservancy umbrella. As he puts it:
“I’ve always been a strong advocate for the river and also for parks.”
Why He Serves
For Peter, the magic of a board lies in the people. He notes that the best part is “meeting some really interesting, committed people who have some shared interests.” He speaks with particular pride about the team he worked with at the Great River Passage Conservancy, calling it “the most diverse board I’ve ever served on.” For Peter, it wasn’t just about representing different backgrounds; he deeply valued the “dedication and insights” that such a varied group brought to the mission. He is now championing that same inclusive energy to ensure our parks feel welcoming and accessible to every resident.
The Man with the River View
Peter’s dedication to the Mississippi is literal—he watches its pulse every day from his office window in downtown St. Paul. He is particularly energized by the Mississippi River Learning Center; a project he believes will finally allow neighbors to get on the water easily.
“I’m really excited… to make it possible for people to get on the river much more easily, use kayaks, and just improve access.”
Something You Never Knew…
Long before his work along the Mississippi, Peter developed a deep, personal connection to land and water that continues to guide him today. Since he was nine, he’s summered on MacMahan Island in Maine—a tiny, car-free island accessible only by boat. It has only 40 cottages and heavily wooded trails. It’s a place where the only “traffic jam” involves a sailboat and a stiff breeze. Today, his grandkids represent the fourth generation of the Myers family to roam those same wooded paths.
Peter’s St. Paul Favorites
Closer to home, Peter has a few St. Paul parks he returns to again and again:
Rice Park: A “very special” downtown anchor uniting four of the city’s signature institutions
Mears Park: A vibrant and inviting natural space in the heart of Lowertown
Crosby Farm Park: His regular walking spot. As Peter notes,
“It’s great that people in St. Paul all live fairly close to a park.”
The Park Bench Q&A
In our new recurring segment, we get to the heart of the people behind the parks with one quick-fire question.
The Question: Coffee or Tea?
Peter’s Take:
I may have put Peter on the spot with this one, but he navigated the interrogation like a true diplomat. While he admitted coffee is his “first preference,” he quickly offered a peace treaty: “Coffee in the morning and tea the rest of the day.” He survives to serve another day! It’s that same sense of balance he brings to our board—knowing exactly when to spark the engine and when to keep things moving with a steady, thoughtful brew.
Park Bench Perspectives is a recurring series highlighting the people behind St. Paul’s parks. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for future conversations.