We’d love for you to join us on Tuesday, April 28 from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. for MRPA's Day on the Hill at the Minnesota State Capitol’s Upper Mall (75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. S), in partnership with Three Rivers Park District. Link for parking instructions.
This day is all about building connections with local policymakers to help them understand the impact parks and recreation have in their communities.
Your legislators want to hear from you!
Meeting with your representative may sound intimidating, but it is a simple way to introduce yourself and have a conversation about the work you do in your community. Your representatives want to know who you are, what is happening in their district, and what matters to the people they represent.
How to get involved:
Step 1: Find your representatives
Step 2: Email their office to request a short meeting
- Email their office to request a short meeting during Day on the Hill. MRPA has provided a template that may be used.
Step 3: Prepare a few talking points about your role and community
- Keep it simple. You don’t have to have a formal “ask” or policy request to participate.
Talking points may include:
- Who you are and your role
- Your agency/community
- A quick example of your impact (program, park project, etc.)
- Why parks and recreation matter locally
Step 4: Attend your meeting and share your experience
- Remember, this is a conversation not a presentation. Be prepared but be genuine and share your experiences. You are the expert on programs, parks, and your community!
Step 5: Follow up with a brief thank you
- Send a quick thank you email after the meeting to keep the connection going. You may want to highlight 1-2 main points for your representative to remember.
The more MRPA members who participate, the stronger the voice for parks and recreation becomes. These conversations help legislators better understand the impact of parks in their communities and build connections they can rely on when park-related decisions arise. After all, Strong Parks = Strong Communities!
You are welcome to attend on behalf of your organization or as a community member. Both perspectives are valuable. In addition, MRPA advocates for parks and recreation at the state level. If helpful, you may review or reference MRPA’s 2026 legislative priorities here.
We’ll have a table on the Upper Mall (in partnership with Three Rivers Park District), so stop by, bring a colleague, wear your department gear, and maybe even take a Capitol tour while you're there!
