Upcoming Events

Tuesday, May 12
9-11 a.m.
Virtual

Rachel Thiemann is the founder of Lead Like It Matters™, a human-centered leadership approach that strengthens communication, psychological safety, and inclusive leadership practices. With over 20 years of experience, she supports leaders and organizations in navigating complexity, conflict, and cultural change. Her work blends leadership psychology, adult development, and the Capacity-Based Leadership™ Framework to help teams build trust, clarity, and belonging. Rachel partners with organizations nationwide to advance equity-centered leadership, improve team dynamics, and strengthen community engagement. Based in Minneapolis.

Click here for the flyer - $40 for the one remaining workshop

Click here to pay online

MRPF Annual Golf Outing 

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Check in time: 7:30 - 8:15 a.m.

8:15 a.m. announcements and hole assignments

8:30 a.m. shotgun start

Four-person team scramble event

River Oaks Golf Course

11099 South Highway 61, Cottage Grove

Cost: $95/golfer - includes 18 holes of golf, cart, boxed lunch, and prizes

Click here to register   *Deadline extended until Friday, May 8

More Than ChatGPT: How Can AI Help Rec Departments Deliver Exceptional Experiences?

Tuesday, May 26
12 - 1 p.m.
Virtual
0.1 CEUs

Presenters: Jay Hatch, Recreation Director, Madeira Beach Recreation and Jessi Pak Barrnett, Rec Technologies

AI is everywhere—but how can parks & rec actually use it? Join to explore practical AI applications beyond ChatGPT or Canva, featuring insights from OpenAI and real case studies. Learn how AI can boost efficiency, inclusion, and personalization—no software engineering degree required.

• Understand foundational AI concepts in the context of parks & rec, like Large Language Models, data security, and the concept of AI agents.    
• Evaluate actual use cases of AI in action such as live translation for customer support, natural language based reporting, and personalized marketing and community engagement.    
• Create a roadmap for implementing AI within your department’s policy environment, whether your city has adopted official AI guidelines or not.    

Click here to register

Vibe Check: Discovering what works in Teen Programming

Tuesday, June 2
12 - 1 p.m.
Virtual
0.1 CEUs

Presenters: Tierro Hampton, Recreation Services Manager, Plantation Parks and Recreation and Anthony Thomas, Superintendent of Recreation and Facility Services, Plantation Parks and Recreation

Explore effective needs assessment tools, discover engagement strategies, and collaborate on creative programming ideas for teens. This session will equip recreational professionals to design impactful, inclusive programs that inspire and empower young people in their communities. Join us for an innovative journey! 

• Discover needs assessment tools for teen programming.    
• Learn engagement strategies for teens.    
• Explore ideas on building innovative teen programming.

Click here to register

33rd Annual MRPA / Minnesota USSSA Hall of Fame Benefit Golf Tournament

Thursday, June 11, 2026
Edinburgh USA
8700 Edinbrook Crossing
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443

Register as a team of your friends, colleagues, and/or softball buddies. The $125 tournament entry fee (per person) includes: green fees, cart, driving range, meal, tee gift, door prizes, and on-course games. Registration form and payment must be received in advance. Golf tournament proceeds support the Minnesota Hall of Fame program and induction banquet.

Click here for the registration form

Click here to pay online

MRPA Aquatic Manager Bootcamp
June 17, June 24 and July 8
8 - 9 a.m.
Virtual

The goal of this “bootcamp” is to give an opportunity for seasonal and part-time lead aquatic staff to receive quick educational sessions on aquatics operations. 

*Deadline to register is two days before each workshop.  A Zoom link will be sent to the email on the registration.

Click here for the registration form

Click here to pay online

MRPA Lifeguard Competition
Sunday, July 26, 2026
New Hope Aquatic Center

Click here to view the flyer

Click here to register a team for the competition

Playground Maintenance Course
September 10, 2026
8:30 - 4 p.m.
Brooklyn Park Activity Center
5600 85th Ave. North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443

Click here for the registration form

Click here to pay online

*This one-day course is different than the three-day course and exam to become certified (see event below).  A minimum of 25 participants is needed to hold this one-day course.  Thank you!

Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course & Exam
September 23-25, 2026

New Brighton Community Center
400 10th Street NW
New Brighton, MN 55112

Click here for the registration form

Click here to register online

*There is a minimum of 25 participants needed to hold this course and a maximum of 32.  Thank you!

MRPA Annual Conference 2026
October 20 - 23, 2026
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
Duluth, MN 

The Conference Committee is looking forward to providing diverse educational opportunities that will engage professionals from all backgrounds. If you have a new, fresh, or even off-the-cuff idea, we would love to connect and explore how we can help bring it to life — please reach out to Chelsea Swenhaugen or Ross Demant to start the conversation. It is important to us that the members we serve gain meaningful experiences that truly “Lifts” their education, expand their knowledge, and strengthen engagement within their own communities.

If you have questions, the Conference Committee members would be happy to assist you:

Alicia Watts, Conference Committee Co-Chair - awatts@duluthmn.gov

Sam Werle, Conference Committee Co-Chair - swerle@duluthmn.gov

Ross Demant, Program Committee Co-Chair - ross.demant@wrightcountymn.gov

Chelsea Swenhaugen, Program Committee Co-Chair  - cswenhaugen@ighmn.gov                       

This year’s conference theme is Lifted. The 2026 conference team is devoted to delivering a conference that will explore all aspects of parks and recreation!

SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBIT HALL

Click here to view the sponsorship and exhibit hall brochure (Registration form is on page 11)

Interested in paying for a booth online? Click here for the MRPA member registration link.

Click here for the non-member booth payment link. (Not a member of MRPA and would like to join? Visit the MRPA membership page for more information.)

Please contact our exhibit hall chairs or MRPA staff with any exhibit hall questions.  Thank you!

Exhibit Hall Contacts:

Mike Bauer, email: mbauer@rogersmn.gov

Zac Dockter, email: zdockter@cottagegrovemn.gov

SAVE-THE-DATE

MRPA Annual Conference 2027
November 2027
RiverCentre
Saint Paul, MN