Upcoming Events
MRPA hosts a variety of education opportunities throughout the year. Workshop information will be added to this page throughout the year.
Race and Equity Workshops with Presenter Rachel Thiemann
Tuesdays: March 31 and 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.
$40 for one workshop
or
$70 for both workshops
Click here for the flyer
Click here to pay online
Certified Playground Safety Inspector Exams
March 25 - 27, 2026
Rosemount Community Center
13885 Roberts Trail South
Rosemount, MN 55068
April 29 - May 1, 2026
SBM Fire station #3
11920 Ulysses Street NE
Blaine, MN 55434
*These classes are currently full. MRPA may hold another course in the fall of 2026. Thank you!
Upcoming Partner Events (not hosted by MRPA):
WILS Annual Luncheon
Tuesday, February 24
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Westwood Hills Nature Center
St. Louis Park, MN
Click here for further information about the workshop
Click here for the WILS website and membership questions
MASS Conference
Location: Grand View Lodge, Nisswa, Minnesota
Dates: April 16–17, 2026
Check-in: Evening of April 15
Click here to register for MASS conference 2026
Click here to book accommodations at Grand View Lodge under MASS block Room rate: $129/night + taxes and fees
Registration deadline is March 2, 2026
Click here for more information and registration form
Click here to register online
SAVE-THE-DATE
MRPA Lifeguard Competition
TBD July 2026
New Hope, MN
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.
To submit an Educational Session Proposal please visit: https://form.jotform.com/260223698221151
The deadline for Educational Session Proposals is Friday, March 27.
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!
SAVE-THE-DATE
MRPA Annual Conference 2027
November 2027
RiverCentre
Saint Paul, MN