Every year, Party for the Parks shines a light on the incredible people, volunteers, coaches, and community champions who help make Saint Paul parks stronger, more welcoming, and more connected.
The 2026 honorees represent the very best of our city — people whose leadership, service, and dedication continue to create thriving parks, stronger neighborhoods, and meaningful opportunities for the community.
This year’s honorees are being recognized for an extraordinary range of contributions, from transforming parks and protecting natural spaces, to mentoring young athletes, preserving cultural traditions, organizing neighborhood events, and supporting families across Saint Paul.
Honorees include Julie Printz, recipient of the Changemaker Award for helping guide Pedro Park from vision to reality, and the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance Street Team, recognized with the Changemaker Award for boosting safety, cleanliness, and a sense of welcome in downtown parks and public spaces.
We are proud to celebrate the 2026 Party for the Parks honorees:
- Julie Printz — Changemaker Award
- Saint Paul Downtown Alliance Street Team — Changemaker Award
- Jennifer Flaherty — Community Spirit Volunteer Award
- Mee and Joe Vang — Rec Services Volunteers of the Year
- Mark Hove — Natural Resources Volunteer of the Year
- Jermaine Thomas — Coach of the Year – Basketball
- Steph Briggs — Coach of the Year – Softball
- Gregory Smith — Coach of the Year
- Dona Vu — Culture Bearer Award
- Northwest Como Booster Club — Booster Club of the Year
- Pig’s Eye Park Friends — Commitment to Conservation Award
- Alfred Chan — Community Spirit Volunteer Award
- Mercedes Yarbrough — Community Spirit Volunteer Award
- Lori Hanley — Mears Park Volunteer of the Year
- Mary Elizabeth Cullen — Rice Park Volunteer of the Year
- Annie Huidekoper — Parks Volunteer of the Year
- Barbara Bobrowitz — Como Friends Volunteer of the Year
Their stories remind us that parks are more than green spaces — they are places built through community, care, and connection.
Join us at Party for the Parks 2026 as we celebrate the people helping Saint Paul grow stronger together.
Tickets are available now. Get yours today and help support the parks, programs, and community spaces that make Saint Paul special.
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