Member News

MRPA Awards Committee The purpose of the MRPA Awards Committee is to recognize individuals, agencies, organizations, or institutions for their excellent, outstanding, or unique accomplishments in recreation, parks, leisure services, conservation of the environment, and the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association.  The Awards Committee is in need of applications from Southern Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (SMRPA) and non-management positions. Please fill out this short questionnaire by January 16. Thank you! MRPA Race and Equity Advisory Committee (REAC) Application The MRPA REAC was formed to assist the association, its members and member agencies to deliver services through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The committee will help to solidify the MRPA’s commitment to addressing systemic racism and inequities which persist throughout Minnesota, using park and recreation agencies as agents of change.  The REAC is currently seeking members for the committee and for the core REAC leadership team. Please fill out the application by January 28: https://forms.gle/WBBPSewQfJmERXgJ8 MRPA Programming Network Leader/Chair or Co-Chairs The Programming Network shares best practices for programming, resources, and trends. This group provides information regarding service for diverse needs and populations. Please email the MRPA office at gerhard@mnrpa.org if you have interest in being a o-chair of the Programming Network in 2026 by January 16. Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute 2 MRPA will host the Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute 2 (ERLI) over five days in the fall of 2026. We’re looking for up to five members to join the planning committee, which will begin discussions in April. This group will review the curriculum from the last class in 2024, and offer suggestions for this year, share session topics, and confirm presenters. Click here for the previous curriculum outline from 2024. Committee members also assist with day-of logistics. If you’re interested, please email MRPA at snider@mnrpa.org by January 30. MRPA will connect with those completing the form in January. Thank you for your interest in these network and committee involvement opportunities!

MRPA will hold its Annual General Meeting at 10:30 a.m. January 9 at the Shoreview Community Center. The 2025 annual report will be shared at this time. We also wanted to share this information with the full membership:

·       MRPA Annual General Meeting Agenda

·       MRPA Annual Report 2025

·       Minutes from AGM 2024

MRPA will then celebrate the following Professional Award recipients for their outstanding achievements:

CLIFTON E. FRENCH AWARD

 Dan Schultz, Rosemount

NELSON - NILES AWARD

 Jenna Smith, Victoria

 JJ Williams, Washington County

 HORIZON AWARD

 Kelly Distad-Arvold, New Brighton

 Nicole Greenwell, Anoka County

 BOARD AND COMMISSION AWARD

 Linda Klein, Eagan

 LEADERSHIP AWARD

 Jennifer Fink, New Brighton

TOMMY JOHNSON AWARD

 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

MRPA says thank you to all the delegates, volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors of the 88th Annual Conference and Exhibit Hall held October 27-30 at the Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, MN.

The conference included 500 delegates, a sold-out exhibit hall, and numerous sponsors and volunteers. Attendance marked an all-time high for a MRPA Annual Conference. This year’s conference also included many educational sessions and the 3rd Annual Maintenance Rodeo. MRPA is grateful for the outstanding work of the year’s annual conference committee!

Playground Maintenance Course - Cancelled
November 4, 2025

*This one-day training needed a minimum of 25 participants.  We plan to hold a CPSI course and exam in March 2026. Thank you for understanding.

The MRPA Professional Awards recognize individuals who advance the parks and recreation profession and make a lasting impact on their organization and community. If you know a colleague who demonstrates outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication, nominate them today!

Nomination Deadline: Monday, September 29

Submit Nominations Here: MRPA Professional Awards Nomination Form

Help us honor the professionals shaping the future of parks and recreation!

Sincerely,

Minnesota Recreation and Park Association

MRPA, in partnership with Minnesota Pickleball, will host the Minnesota State Pickleball Tournament September 11-13 in Maple Grove.

MRPA asks members for their help in promoting the tournament by printing the flyer and placing at your pickleball courts. Thank you in advance for your help!

Click here to download the flyer.

MRPA / MN-USSSA softball tournaments have been led by MRPA member and Tournament Director Lacelle Cordes since 2018. Lacelle recently shared her retirement plans from this position after the 2025 season. Therefore, MRPA / MN-USSSA is posting a Letter of Intent for those interested in applying for the position.

Click here for the file.

Please share this information with those who may be interested in the position. Thank you!

Welcome to MRPA On the Air - a podcast for Minnesota Recreation and Park Association members and friends.

Artificial Intelligence

Hosts Meredith and Reed chat with Ryan Hegreness, a senior consultant for BerryDunn, McNeil and Parker LLC, about artificial intelligence.  

MRPA is grateful to Landscape Structures and Flagship Recreation for their sponsorship of the podcast!

July is Park and Recreation Month

Park and Recreation Month was launched in 1985 through National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This year marks the 40th anniversary of Park and Recreation Month.

The 2025 theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” is a reminder of the contributions of more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — who build sustainable spaces for all to connect and play.

Whether you’re hosting programs, events, contests or commemorations, celebrate with park and recreation agencies nationwide!

Visit NRPA's website for the toolkit: https://bit.ly/4nrxdmX

MRPA Annual Conference 2025
October 27 - 30, 2025
Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center
Brooklyn Center, MN 

Get ready to cultivate connections and grow professionally at the MRPA Annual Conference. Join us as we explore how to deepen our roots in community and foster growth within our parks and recreation world.

Click here to view and download the conference guide and registration

Print and mail in the form (preferred option):
MRPA Office
200 Charles Street NE
Fridley, MN 55432

To register online:

Click here for the MRPA member rate

Click here for the Maintenance Rodeo

Click here for the non-member registration. Interested in joining MRPA and attending as a member? Visit mnrpa.org/Join-MRPA!

Volunteering at the Conference

We’re looking for helping hands for everything from social events and logistics to room hosting and check-in. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, volunteering is a great way to give back, get involved, and connect with others in the parks and recreation community. Everyone is welcome - come grow with us!

Click here to fill out the registration form

Thank you!