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 Course
March 25 - 27, 2026
Rosemount Community Center
13885 Roberts Trail South
Rosemount, MN 55068

DAY ONE / March 25

• Check-In........................................... 7:30 – 8 a.m. central time
• Course Time..................................... 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. central time

DAY TWO / March 26

• Course Time..................................... 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. central time

DAY THREE / March 27 / EXAM SCHEDULE

• Check-In........................................... 8:30 – 9 a.m. central time
• Exam Instructions and Exam.............9 – 11:30 a.m. central time

April 29 - May 1, 2026
SBM Fire station #3
11920 Ulysses Street NE
Blaine, MN 55434

DAY ONE / April 29

• Check-In........................................... 7:30 – 8 a.m. central time
• Course Time..................................... 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. central time

DAY TWO / April 30

• Course Time..................................... 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. central time

DAY THREE / May 1 / EXAM SCHEDULE

• Check-In........................................... 8:30 – 9 a.m. central time
• Exam Instructions and Exam.............9 – 11:30 a.m. central time

*These classes are currently full. Cancellation / Substitution Policy: Cancellations must be submitted in writing and received prior to one month before the course date in order to receive a refund of the registration fee (less $250 for manuals, plus a $125 service charge). No transfers to future courses are allowed. Alternate attendees may be sent by calling MRPA at 763-571-1305 ext. 109.

MRPA may hold another class in September 2026. Please fill out the survey if you would like to be added to the list.  If the minimum required of 25 participants is met, the course will be held.  Thank you!

Topgolf Social and Mini Fundraiser

MRPF is hosting a social at Topgolf! Join us for a fun night out at the new Topgolf in Woodbury. Whether you want to play or just watch, come enjoy good company and a beverage.  Click here for further information on the MRPF website.

Date: Thursday, March 26 

Time: 4:30 - 6:30 PM

Location: Topgolf Woodbury    

560 Bielenberg Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125

Registration: RSVP by March 18 Space is limited! 

Please RSVP individually so we have an accurate headcount, even if you do not plan on golfing. 

If you can no longer attend after RSVPing, please notify Rachel at rlongfellow@ighmn.gov as soon as possible.

Details: 

• Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation (MRPF) will cover the bay costs, just show up and join the fun! 
• Food and beverage will be on your own. 
• In the spirit of supporting scholarships and opportunities across Minnesota, freewill donations will be accepted during the event. Give what you can, some may cover their own spot, some may help cover the bay. Every bit supports the work.

MASS Conference
Location: Grand View Lodge, Nisswa, Minnesota
Dates: April 16–17, 2026 
Check-in: Evening of April 15 

*Registration deadline is March 2, 2026

Click here for more information and registration form

Click here to register online

Click here to book accommodations at Grand View Lodge under MASS block Room rate: $129/night + taxes and fees

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

MRPA Aquatic Manager Bootcamp
June 17, June 24 and July 8, 2026
Virtual

Flyer added soon

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

Click here to register a team for the competition

Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course
September 23-25, 2026
Hansen Park
1555 5^th Street NW
New Brighton, MN 55112

Registration opens in June 2026

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