MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS Register
Publisher Minnesota Recreation and Park Association
200 Charles Street NE, Fridley, MN 55432 www.mnrpa.org
Tel: 763.571.1305
An affiliate of National Recreation and Park Association
Editorial Staff
Michelle J. Snider
Bethani Gerhard
Editorial Board
Jennifer Fink, New Brighton
Lori Hokenson, New Brighton
Mary Jo Knudson, Owatonna
Cheryl Kormann, New Ulm
Patrick Menton, Winona
Advertising Sales & Design
Todd Pernsteiner
Pernsteiner Creative Group todd@pernsteiner.com 952.841.1111
MRPA Board of Directors 2025
President: Eric Carlson, Apple Valley
President-Elect: Sonya Rippe, Plymouth
Past President: Michelle Okada, Woodbury
Secretary: Tracy Petersen, Edina
Treasurer: Andy Soltvedt, Anoka County
RSC Chair: Chris Morrow, Maple Grove
East Metro: Kelly Distad-Arvold, New Brighton
East Metro: Mike Ramirez, Eagan
East Metro: JJ Williams, Washington County
Northeast Region: Carson Law, Wright County
Northwest Region: Lynn Neumann, Hutchinson
Southern Region: Joey Schugel, New Ulm
West Metro: Roxann Maxey, Brooklyn Park
West Metro: Jenna Smith, Victoria
West Metro: Jason T. West, St. Louis Park
This magazine is the official quarterly publication of Minnesota Recreation and Park Association and is provided complimentary to members as part of their MRPA membership. The editorial board encourages the submission of articles and photos for publication by agency members. Articles of approximately 500-700 words or less may be submitted, but may be edited for length and clarity. Contact Michelle Snider, MRPA, at 763.571.1305 x100 if interested in submitting an article for a future issue.
Articles and Advertising Deadlines
Spring 2025 Issue March 24, 2025
Summer 2025 issue May 22, 2025
Fall 2025 issue September 15, 2025
Winter 2026 issue January 8, 2026
MRPA reserves the right to approve all submitted advertising in MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks magazine.
Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course & Exam March 26 - 28, 2025 Apple Valley, MN
Aquatic Manager Bootcamp May 21, 2025
Bunker Beach, Anoka County
MRPA Lifeguard Competition July 27, 2025
St. Louis Park
Certified Playground
Inspector Course & Exam May 7 - 9, 2025
Springbrook Nature Center Fridley, MN
FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Michelle Okada MRPA President
As I share my final message as MRPA President, I share sincere appreciation to the many dedicated member volunteers, network and committee members and leaders, the 2024 Board of Directors, and the MRPA staff, whose collective efforts have strengthened and advanced our association over the past year. MRPA continues to demonstrate that an association of passionate, dedicated professionals can deliver exceptional service to its members, in turn enhancing the lives of the people and communities we serve.
In 2025, the MRPA Board of Directors will focus on further strengthening the association through efforts across all strategic domains Membership and Governance, Staffing and Financial Sustainability. A few highlights include developing an annual outline of educational opportunities, working closely with staff to update and refine job descriptions and future staffing needs, creating an online
repository for legislative resources and information, and enhancing collaboration and shared initiatives between MRPA and MRPF. Join us for a strategic initiative update via Zoom on April 8. More information will be shared via the Member Connections email as the date draws near.
Congratulations once again to all our professional award recipients, from the meritorious awards to the prestigious Clifton E. French Award! It was truly inspiring to celebrate individuals who are making a remarkable impact in our profession.
Be sure to check out the full list of award recipients in this month’s magazine. And don’t miss the chance to apply for an Award of Excellence —there are outstanding projects, programs, and initiatives that deserve to be recognized and shared with our membership! Applications are due by March 2. Visit the MRPA website for forms and additional details.
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve this incredible organization over the past year. It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve as MRPA President, and I am confident that the association is in great hands as the gavel passes to the 2025 President Eric Carlson, and President-Elect Sonya Rippe. Alongside our talented and dedicated Board of Directors, our passionate network and committee leaders, and our steadfast staff, Michelle and Bethani, MRPA will continue to thrive.
Winter Challenge: Get involved with MRPAshare your talents and passions! Attend an education session, invite a colleague to become a member, participate in a network or committee, and connect with a colleague across the state. Every contribution strengthens our Association!
Kindest regards, Michelle Okada
IN 2025, THE MRPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL FOCUS ON FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE ASSOCIATION THROUGH EFFORTS ACROSS ALL STRATEGIC DOMAINS MEMBERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE, STAFFING AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY.
National Recreation and Park Association’s Awards Program
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has an annual awards program consisting of the National Gold Medal Award (presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration) in partnership with NRPA.
The NRPA Awards also include the Innovation Awards, Spotlight Awards, Scholarships and Fellowships, and the Robert W. Crawford Hall of Fame.
NRPA Awards recipients are selected by the NRPA Awards and Scholarship Committee. Each award has specific eligibility criteria. All applicants must be current NRPA members.
The nomination period for the 2025 NRPA Awards, Scholarships and Fellowships is January 3 - March 28. Visit nrpa.org for more information.
Giant Burke Chair
Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute 2
The Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute 2 (ERLI) was held five days during the fall season of 2024. The program format allowed for all participants to learn together, with four in-person days and one virtual day. The educational content focused on the following themes: personal leadership, people, process, project management, and presentation and communication. There were a total of 13 members in the Institute. Thank you to the cities of Eagan, Fridley, and Woodbury, as well as Landscape Structures, Inc. for hosting the ERLI 2 sessions.
Athletic Management Institute
MRPA held the Athletic Management Institute on December 11, 2024. Nineteen participants attended this all-day training. Thank you to the 2024 Athletic Management Network chair Mitchell Czech with the City of Shorewood for organizing this Institute and for hosting at the Shorewood Community Center.
Bringing Your Disability Inclusion Competency to the Next Level Workshop
This intensive, interactive workshop was held on December 3, 2024 for recreational professionals involved and interested in disability inclusion in recreation settings. Thank you to the City of Golden Valley for hosting this workshop at Brookview.
LCCMR seeking project proposals for $103 million from Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund
RFP INCLUDES UPDATED FUNDING PRIORITIES
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2026 Request for Proposal (RFP) for funding from Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). Approximately $103 million from the lottery-generated fund is available for projects that aim to protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
The LCCMR is requesting proposals to address updated funding priorities that were established in 2024 following adoption of a new strategic plan. Anyone with a project idea consistent with these priorities may submit a proposal at lccmr.mn.gov.
Priorities fall within the following categories:
A. Resiliency
B. Water
C. Education and Outdoor Recreation
D. Fish and Wildlife
E. Energy
F. Land
G. Small Projects
The 2026 RFP contains an explanation of the LCCMR’s proposal and funding process and instructions for submitting a proposal online. Applicants must submit proposals through the LCCMR’s online proposal and grant management system. Early submissions are encouraged.
The release of this RFP begins the competitive process through which the LCCMR selects projects to recommend to the Minnesota Legislature for funding from
PREMIER POLYSTEEL
the ENRTF. Proposals responding to the 2026 RFP are due by Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 4:30 PM. From April through July 2025, the LCCMR will consider proposals received and make a final selection of projects to include in its recommendations to the Legislature for the 2026 session. Funds for approved projects are available July 1, 2026.
New applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a proposal. Lobbying or professional grant-writing experience is not necessary for success. LCCMR staff are available on a first-come-first-serve basis to review proposals for clarity, completeness, and potential eligibility issues. New applicants will be prioritized for these reviews. For instructions on arranging a review and for more information on the 2026 RFP, visit the 2026 Proposal and Funding Process page at lccmr.mn.gov.
National Recreation and Park Association’s 30 Under 30
The February 2025 issue of NRPA’s Parks & Recreation magazine honored 30 young professionals whose hard work, innovation, and dedication to excellence in parks and recreation earned them recognition from their colleagues and peers. These outstanding individuals now join an exclusive group of past inductees who continue to elevate the field.
St. Louis Park recreation and facilities supervisor, Heidi Batistich, was one of the 30 young professionals honored.
Read about Heidi and the other 29 honorees at ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/ february-2025
3rd Annual MRPA Lifeguard Competition is July 27th
The third MRPA Lifeguard Competition will be held on July 27, 2025 in St. Louis Park. Six teams competed in the first event in 2023 and nine teams competed in 2024 as they assessed aquatic-related scenarios and fun competitions. The MRPA Aquatics Network is excited about the opportunity to continue to grow the lifeguard competition. If you or your community is interested in participating, please look for registration information on the MRPA website at mnrpa.org/upcoming-events.
HONORING HARVEY FELDMAN
AND A LEGACY OF GIVING
The Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation (MRPF) was honored to present the 2023 Ed Brandeen Cornerstone Award posthumously to Harvey Feldman, a true champion of parks and recreation. Through his lifelong dedication to the profession, Harvey left an indelible mark on the field and inspired countless individuals to follow in his footsteps.
Thanks to the generosity of people from across the country, and with a particularly generous matching donation from Ken and Jan Vraa, we were able to establish a scholarship in Harvey’s name. This scholarship will support the next generation of parks and recreation professionals, ensuring that Harvey’s legacy continues to shape the future of our industry.
At the awards ceremony, Harvey’s son, Brett Feldman, delivered an eloquent and heartfelt speech about his father’s impact. He reminded us all of the importance of standing in our own legacies, always looking ahead to support those who will come after us. His words were a powerful call to action for us to continue investing in the growth and success of our profession.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to Libby Odden for her incredible $5,000 donation in honor of her late husband, Howie Odden. Howie, a past MRPA president and Parks and Recreation Director, was a leader whose passion for recreation made a lasting impact on our community. This generous contribution ensures that his commitment to parks and recreation continues to benefit future professionals.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our members and contributors. Thanks to your generosity, we had a record-setting day for Give to the Max in November. Your contributions allow us to provide scholarships, professional development opportunities, and resources that strengthen our field.
As we move forward, we ask you to continue thinking of the Foundation when deciding where to direct your charitable giving. Every dollar invested in MRPF helps shape the future of parks and recreation in Minnesota. Thank you for your dedication, your generosity, and your belief in the power of parks and recreation to transform lives.
NEW INITIATIVE GRANTS
Spring means another round of New Initiative Grants! The New Initiative Grant Program is intended to spur innovation in parks and recreation services at a local, regional, or state-wide level that ultimately could have state-wide impact.
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR: programs and services that demonstrate innovation in parks and recreation services for the agency submitting the grant application, with future applicability for other agencies at a local, regional, or state-wide level. Applications that are innovative to the field of Parks and Recreation as a whole are desired.
ELIGIBILITY:
• Each grant must have a sponsoring agency (government or non-profit).
• Applicants must be a MRPF member, or their sponsoring agency must be a MRPF member.
• Grants must be matched by resources, supplies or funds.
• Grant funds must be expended within the agency’s current or upcoming fiscal year in which they were awarded.
• One submission per agency, per grant cycle.
FIND OUT MORE BY VISITING MNRPF.ORG/GRANTS
Please remember to complete your 2025 membership renewal. Look for an invoice from Zoho Books
If you aren’t a member yet, and want to join, visit mnrpf.org/membership-%26-more
2024 Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Professional Awards
By Bethani Gerhard, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association
The 2024 professional awards ceremony was held January 10, 2025 at the New Brighton Community Center. MRPA recognized members and agencies that have made outstanding contributions to parks and recreation. MRPA extends a special thank you to Landscape Structures, Inc. and Flagship Recreation for their generous support of the awards program.
Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award
The Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award is MRPA’s award of highest distinction. The 2024 recipient for this award was Tracy Petersen, assistant director of recreation and facilities for the City of Edina.
Nelson-Niles Award
The Nelson-Niles Award is presented to a professional member with 10-plus years of outstanding service to the parks and recreation profession and to MRPA. The 2024 recipients were Carrie Anderson with Roseville Parks and Recreation and Nikki Friederich with the City of St. Louis Park.
Horizon Award
The Horizon award ss presented to a professional member of MRPA with eight years or less of professional experience. In order to receive this award, the MRPA member must be an “up and coming” professional and an active contributor to MRPA with great leadership skills. This award was given to Jessica Christensen Buck with the City of Corcoran and Kevin O’Brien with Faribault Parks and Recreation.
Gerald B. Fitzgerald Leadership Award
The Gerald B. Fitzgerald Leadership Award is presented to an outstanding leader who possesses the skill, creativity, and ability to motivate and create notable accomplishments or advancements in the parks and recreation profession and someone who is an active contributor to MRPA. The City of St. Louis Park’s Jason T. West was the 2024 recipient of this award.
Tracy Petersen (left) and Michelle Okada, MRPA President
Carrie Anderson (left), Michelle Okada
Jason T. West (left), Michelle Okada
Jessica Christensen Buck (left), Michelle Okada, Jennifer Fink
Nikki Friederich (left), Michelle Okada
Kevin O’Brien (left), Michelle Okada
Tommy Johnson Award
The Tommy Johnson Award was presented to the City of Duluth. The MRPA Awards Committee selected one “Award of Excellence” project to receive this award for best exemplifying the values that Tommy Johnson was known for: innovation, futuristic, revolutionary and/or creative with ideas and initiatives that helped establish future trends, philosophical change, sharing of new resources and new exciting concepts.
MRPA Awards Program’s Nelson-Niles Award
MRPA Awards Program’s Nelson-Niles Award MRPA has historically presented the Dorothea Nelson and Jack Niles Awards during the annual awards program. These awards were named after pioneers in the profession, Dorothea Nelson and Jack Niles. These two awards were historically presented to a female member and a male member with more than 10 years of professional experience and outstanding service to the profession and the Association. During 2023, the MRPA Awards Committee reviewed the awards categories to ensure the awards and processes were inclusive of all members. The Awards Committee recommended the two awards be combined into one award eliminating the gender criteria to make for a welcoming environment for all members. The MRPA Board of Directors adopted this recommendation, which allows for up to two recipients to be selected annually. The Nelson-Niles award is inclusive of all members, while MRPA continues to honor the pioneers and legacies of Dorothea Nelson and Jack Niles.
Board and Commission Award
The Board and Commission Award is given to a member of a citizen’s advisory or policy making board in the parks and recreation profession. The recipient was Troy Fritz with the City of St. Cloud.
Legislative Award
The Legislative Award is intended to recognize legislators for outstanding contributions at the state or federal level on behalf of parks and recreation. This award for 2024 was presented to Leon Lillie
Congratulations to all MRPA professional award recipients. We look forward to the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Awards Luncheon in January 2026.
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
By Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award recipient, Tracy Petersen, City of Edina
I don’t keep stuff, but I do have a few large Rubbermaid tubs of parks and recreation nuggets I have saved over the past 31 years. The first thing I grabbed from the tub was a book written in 1988 by Robert Fulgham titled, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” It was given to me by the school secretary at one of the elementary schools. I coordinated after school programming when I started at the City of Arden Hills. As I started to read the lessons, I quickly realized how much this applied to my career in parks and rec. So here are some lessons I’ve learned:
LESSON #1
SHARE EVERYTHING
Over the years I have tried to share my time, talent, energy, creativity, passion, and experience with those in MRPA, my fellow colleagues and the communities I have served. It’s been one of my career joys to mentor professionals in the field and help them
reach their greatest potential. Throughout this I have learned that every time I have shared an act of courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged someone, it has been a true blessing. But I also quickly learned early in my career though that this didn’t mean sharing my favorite pens or when the IT Department would ask, “Did you share your password with anyone else?”
LESSON #2
PUT THINGS BACK WHERE YOU FOUND THEM
This lesson was a harder lesson to learn in the literal sense in my career. In 1987, New Brighton Parks and Rec Whiz Bang field trip to the Minnesota Zoo - we were supposed to come back with all the kids, right?! Little Susie who dillydallied around in the gift shop to buy a stuffed tiger really screwed that up for me! In all seriousness, this really has meant doing the right thing when no one is watching and leaving the communities I have worked in a little better.
Jessica Peterson, on behalf of the City of Duluth (left), Michelle Okada
Boe Carlson (left), Leon Lillie (middle), Michelle Okada
LESSONS #3 & 4
WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU EAT & FLUSH
We will just leave those as overall life lessons!
LESSON #5
CLEAN UP YOUR OWN MESS
As a program supervisor in my early years for the City of Arden Hills, I coordinated the USTA junior team tennis program. The location of one of the matches for the team was changed from Fridley to Roseville. Katie, one of the participants, never got a phone call about the change (yes phone call-not email blast or text!) and Katie drove to the wrong park. Katie had just gotten her license, and her mom was freaked out. So I drove to Fridley and had Katie follow me to Roseville to make sure she got there safely. Or the mess in my office in Inver Grove Heights where a few mice decided to take up home…okay, it might have been the boxes of candy I had left on the floor for an event. But taking full ownership of my mess, no I didn’t call maintenance. I had hired talented recreation coordinators who were skilled in outsmarting these clever rodents with a hockey stick and a box! Cleaning up your own mess has meant taking accountability all the time, showing up and leading no matter how challenging the journey has been and making a difference no matter what role I was in.
LESSON #6
WARM COOKIES AND MILK ARE GOOD FOR YOU
Well, this lesson was pretty simple in my parks and rec world! To me, this has meant: enjoy the ride, have fun, do it with passion and give the communities you have served a special treat through an impactful rec program, service or facility. One of my first encounters of this was during my time in Arden Hills where the gentleman who delivered the city council packets to council members’ homes did so in a tuxedo. I was like, “man, this guy really likes to fancy it up for these deliveries and must really enjoy it!” Okay, it turns out he was from a delivery service, but I was impressed. Warm cookies and milk have now evolved into cold Diet Coke and sugar-free treats, but the desire and enjoyment of being a life-long contributing MRPA member and contributor to the field continues to warm my heart and bring me joy.
LESSON #7
LIVE A BALANCED LIFE- LEARN SOME, THINK SOME, DRAW, PAINT, SING & DANCE & PLAY AND WORK EVERYDAY SOME
Being a part of MRPA and the parks and recreation profession has been a journey of all those things. Now I do not draw, paint, sing or dance but Cindy Walsh can attest to my magic skills. Yes, I once filled in to teach an afterschool magic class. And yes, see me afterwards if you want me to show you how to make two nickels disappear from the top of a table. This balanced journey has been about the people. Learning, growing, playing and working with many of you! Your friendship, support, guidance, wisdom, sense of humor and talent has kept me grounded and humbled and has made a significant impact in my life and career.
LESSON #8
WHEN YOU GO OUT INTO THE WORLD, WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC, HOLD HANDS AND STICK TOGETHER
Watch out for traffic-hmmm…tell that to the bus in the Inver Grove Heights Community Center parking lot that magically rolled into my car 20 years ago! From the MRPA boards, networks, committees, workshops and state conferences to the programs, facilities & projects in the communities I have worked in, we’ve done it together. Even when our parks and rec world changed from pagers and clip art to dog parks and pickleball, we’ve held hands and crossed those roads as parks and rec family.
LESSON #9
BE AWARE OF WONDER: REMEMBER THE LITTLE SEED IN THE STYROFOAM CUP; THE ROOTS GO DOWN AND THE PLANT GOES UP AND NOBODY REALLY KNOWS HOW OR WHY, BUT WE ARE ALL LIKE THAT.
That’s how I have felt about this profession and my career. Back when Pat Tuma hired me to be a playground leader at Hansen Park in New Brighton. I wondered, “Could this really be a career?!” Or when the community you worked for wanted a community garden…find the seed, (okay that meant money), see it, dream it and make it grow-literally. All of you bring that same wonder, talent and dedication to your roles. Always remember “why” we do it. We only get to plant that first magical impression once.
LESSON #10
AND THEN REMEMBER THE DICKAND-JANE BOOKS AND THE FIRST WORD YOU LEARNED- THE BIGGEST WORD OF ALL- LOOK!
LOOK - at the legacy of the individual this award is named after-Clifton E. French. He embodied dedication and conviction to provide a better quality of life through his service to Three Rivers Park District and MRPA.
LOOK - to the person sitting to your right and left. That person is a difference maker in their role, in their agency and in their life.
LOOK - at the people you have done it with- trusted colleagues, friends, residents, policy makers, volunteers, staff, your family…JUST LOOK
Thank you to the MRPA Awards Committee for selecting me for this honor and recognizing all the professionals who have made and will continue to make a lasting contribution to our profession. Congrats to all the award recipients. I am humbled and blessed to share this day with each one of you.
To the MRPA staff for providing opportunities to connect and give back to our profession in meaningful ways and for making parks and recreation an amazing asset to our state. I am proud to be a member of our Association.
To all of my colleagues and friends who have supported me, helped me grow and learn and who are all exceptional at what they do. To all the communities I have had the privilege of being a part of. You should all be proud of the continued work you do in providing quality and impactful recreation opportunities to your residents.
To my parents, who both were educators. Thank you for instilling in me hard work, perseverance and always putting others before yourself. My dad is here today to help me celebrate. At 85 years young, he’s president of his townhome association, does Pilates, and is my favorite golf partner (except when he’s beating me). I am grateful that you could share this day with me. You and mom both mean the world to me.
And finally, while it is correct that “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” the truth is that “All I Really Need to Know I Learned from All of You.”
Thank You!
“ALWAYS REMEMBER “WHY” WE DO IT. WE ONLY GET TO PLANT THAT FIRST MAGICAL IMPRESSION ONCE.” - TRACY PETERSEN
PICKLEBALL START S HERE
WHAT SURFACE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR OUTDOOR COURTS?
ACRYLIC COURT SURFACE
• Warranty: typically 1-2 years
• Resurface: every 4-5 years
• Average install: 5-7 days
• Ongoing maintenance
p y g- g d y with little maintenance required over the life of the court. Backed by a 15-year warranty, Sport Court pickleball surfaces are specially engineered to absorb shock and prevent fatigue and injury providing a pickleball surface that athletes of all ages and skill levels will enjoy
• 20+ color options
• SportMaster® is the official acrylic of USA Pickleball
• Substantial dry time when wet
• Injury prone hard surface (no shock absorption)
SPORT COURT ® SURFACE
• Warranty: 15 years
• Average life: 25 years
• Average install: 1-2 days
• Little or no ongoing maintenance
• 20+ color options
• Official modular surface for USA Pickleball
• Self-draining, dries quickly
• Proven shock absorption, injury-reducing surface
IN FOCUS: Black History Month & Toni Stone
By the MRPA Race and Equity Advisory Committee
What is Black History Month?
Each year, the theme for Black History Month is carefully chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, ASALH has dedicated itself to preserving and sharing the rich stories of Black life, history, and culture. Teams of scholars and students research topics that matter most to the Black experience, proposing themes that are then reviewed and voted on by ASALH’s leadership. Once finalized, the theme is shared widely, shaping how we honor Black history nationally and internationally.
This year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” is a tribute to the vital roles Black people have played in shaping industries, communities, and cultures. From the agricultural labor of enslaved
Africans to the rise of unions like the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids—celebrating its 100th anniversary this year— Black labor has driven progress and social change. The theme also explores contributions to architecture, education, activism, and more, showing how work in all its forms has been central to Black history.
By focusing on labor, this year’s theme invites us to reflect on the ways work has defined and transformed the Black experience, past and present. To learn more about ASALH and the resources they offer, please visit: https://asalh.org/black-history-monthfestival-faqs/#1667408406785-18cc1d5c-4a12
Learn more from ASALH: https://www.youtube.com/@ASALHTV
Have You Heard of Toni Stone?
Toni Stone was the first woman to play professional baseball regularly in a major men’s professional baseball league. The player she replaced at second base when she joined the Negro American League was Hank Aaron.
Toni Stone was the first woman to play professional baseball regularly in a major men’s professional baseball league. The
player she replaced at second base when she joined the Negro American League was Hank Aaron.
Marcenia Lyle “Toni” Stone was a phenomenal athlete from her youth, and though she played football, basketball, golf, hockey and tennis, among other sports while growing up. Baseball was the game in which she would leave an indelible imprint.
Hank Aaron called Stone “a very good baseball player,” and another Hall of Famer, Cubs legend Ernie Banks, said Stone was “smooth” after seeing her play for the Kansas City Monarchs, for whom Banks also played, from 1950-1953.
Here are some key points to know about Stone, who was a pioneer on many fronts through baseball.
• Stone was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on July 17, 1931. At 16 years of age, she joined the semi-pro Twin Cities Colored Giants club, which had been an all-male team.
• Stone began her professional career with the San Francisco Sea Lions of the West Coast Negro Baseball League in 1946. By 1949, she had moved east and began playing for the New Orleans Black Pelicans and the New Orleans Creoles of the Negro Southern League.
• In 1953, Stone joined the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League. The club had recently lost its second
Take Care in the New Year
baseman, Aaron, to the Milwaukee Braves. Stone became his successor there as he went on to a Hall of Fame career featuring 755 home runs, second on the career home run list. That year, Stone also reportedly got a hit off the greatest pitcher in Negro League history, Satchel Paige.
• Stone retired from professional baseball following the 1954 season, one she spent with the Kansas City Monarchs after having her contract sold by Indianapolis following the ’53 campaign. She hit .243 over her two seasons in the Negro American League.
• In 1990, Stone was included in the “Women in Baseball” and “Negro League Baseball” exhibits at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Three years later, she was inducted into the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame and the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame.
• In 1990, Stone’s hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota declared March 6 “Toni Stone Day” in the city.
• Stone died on November 2, 1996 at the age of 75, but her legacy lives on today. An off-Broadway play was produced about her life by award-winning playwright Lydia R. Diamond, entitled “Toni Stone.”
Article by Manny Randhawa @MannyOnMLB
The new year is a good time to connect with yourself and care for your body and mind. Check with your employer to learn about your Employee Assistance Program for free access to a variety of services. Or check out some of these resources to care for yourself in this season of change.
• Headspace - www.headspace.com
• Psychology Today Therapist Directory - www.bit.ly/TherapistDirectory_MN
The MRPA Race and Equity Advisory Committee (REAC) began work in 2020 to acknowledge the current climate regarding race and equity, in response to a demonstrated need in MRPA and our communities. We look forward to working together on this effort. If you have any questions regarding the Race and Equity Advisory Committee, please contact Ali Mayer at amayer@winonamn.gov.
Rebuilding the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion
By Daniel Elias, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board; Guest Contributor: Jeff May, President, Daylight Specialists
At about 3 a.m. on May 16, 2019, a man discarded hookah embers behind a group of trash and recycling bins next to the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion as a thunderstorm rolled in.
The embers, glowing orange on security camera footage, were sheltered from the storm’s rain, but not its wind, which whipped the coals into the base of a nearby building column. By 3:42 am, the entire historic pavilion was on fire. The 90-year-old building was declared a total loss and razed 12 days later.
The Bde Maka Ska Pavilion is located at one of the most popular areas in the Minneapolis park system. The pavilion building offered lakeside concessions since the 1930s, and the surrounding area also includes the lake’s only boat launch, a sailing school, boat rental kiosk and busy trail junction. It’s been a natural gathering place throughout the history of the park system.
After building rubble was hauled away, the site was paved and utilities repaired to return it to a condition where people could gather again. Food trucks replaced pavilion concessions, the sailing school, boat launch and boat rentals resumed operating, and people enjoyed new lake views afforded by the open plaza where the pavilion once stood.
However, the volume of people and activity at the site are best served by an all-season building with bathrooms, storage and a commercial kitchen for concessions. The unfortunate loss of the historic pavilion was also an opportunity to rethink how site infrastructure and design could sustainably serve future generations of park users.
Planning for Future Generations
In 2020, a team led by Cuningham Architects was hired to design the rebuilt pavilion. Cuningham solicited feedback from Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board staff across many departments, along with site vendors and other stakeholders.
In March 2021, two potential concept designs were widely publicized for public feedback. A video walkthrough, graphic presentation, online survey, social media posts and in-person and virtual open
houses garnered hundreds of comments. The design team analyzed feedback to refine a single pavilion site design that was approved by MPRB Commissioners in May 2021. Construction documents and permitting were finalized throughout 2021 and Morcon Construction was awarded a $6.2 million contract to rebuild the pavilion area. Construction broke ground on May 23, 2022.
The Role of Daylighting in the New Pavilion
A key element of the new pavilion’s design is its focus on creating a space that connects people to the natural beauty of Bde Maka Ska. This emphasis extended beyond the picturesque outdoor seating and gathering spaces into the interior
design of the buildings themselves. To bring natural light into the heart of the pavilion, Cuningham partnered with Minnesota daylighting company, Daylight Specialists, to install four Solatubes in the pavilion.
Solatubes are innovative daylighting solutions that capture sunlight through a rooftop dome and direct it indoors via a reflective tube, providing consistent, natural light throughout the day. Two Solatubes illuminate the staff area in the back of the building, creating a brighter and more energizing workspace. The other two bring sunlight into the take-out restaurant and bathroom area, allowing visitors and staff to feel more in tune with the lake and its surroundings. Daylighting systems like Solatubes are a simple yet
powerful way to create a sense of connection to the outdoor environment even when indoors.
Daylight Specialists is a Minnesota-based company dedicated to bringing the benefits of natural light into indoor spaces. With expertise in designing and installing daylighting solutions, we help cities and counties throughout Minnesota create brighter, healthier, and more inviting environments that connect people to nature.
The New Pavilion Area
The new Bde Maka Ska pavilion area opened for the next generation of lakeside gatherings on October 20, 2023. The site hosts two buildings separated by a walkway that connects a variety of outdoor seating. The buildings contain a commercial kitchen, accessible all-gender restrooms and expanded storage areas.
In addition to the varied, ample outdoor seating and gathering spaces, the site will also offer expanded bike parking, accessible vehicle parking and drop-off improvements, upgraded lighting, new trees, landscaping and stormwater BMPs, an improved trail crossing at the boat launch entrance, and opportunities for public art and interpretative signs.
The thoughtful inclusion of daylighting aligns with the pavilion’s broader mission: to be a welcoming space that celebrates the lake’s role as a beloved natural gathering place. By inviting natural light into the buildings, the pavilion enhances visitors’ experience and reinforces the connection to the outdoors that has made Bde Maka Ska such a cherished destination. Whether enjoying the sunlit spaces indoors or basking in the lake views outside, the new pavilion area embodies the timeless interplay between design, nature, and community.
Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Economy
Outdoor Recreation Economy’s Strong Role in Minnesota Continues, according to U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Reprinted from Explore Minnesota
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released new economic data exhibiting outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on Minnesota’s economy. According to the latest data from the BEA Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, outdoor recreation created $13.5 billion in value-added for Minnesota, accounts for 2.8% of Minnesota’s GDP and includes 95,937 jobs in 2023.
This is the seventh consecutive year BEA released government data on this critical industry sector. The latest release confirms the role of outdoor recreation as a central contributor to thriving economies, healthy people, and connected communities.
Key Highlights from the 2023 data on the outdoor recreation economy in Minnesota:
• $13.5 billion in GDP for Minnesota. That is up from $11.7 billion in the previous year.
• The industry accounts for 96,000 jobs, up from 93,733 in the previous year.
At a national level, these new figures show that outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of GDP), comprises 3.1% of U.S. employees and accounts for 5 million jobs in 2023. The outdoor recreation sector contributes more to the national economy than all other natural-resource-oriented industries.
• At 2.8% of GDP, Minnesota has the most robust outdoor recreation economy in the Upper Midwest.
• Our growth in GDP (10.5%) outpaced the national average (9%). This was not the case last year.
• Boating/Fishing ($1.14 billion) doubles, the next closest industry segment (Hunting: $554 million).
• In 2023, Minnesota ranked 16th among all states in ORSA value-added and 13th among all states in ORSA value-added growth. Last year this was 18th and 24th respectively.
• In 2023, Minnesota ranked 20th among all states in ORSA employment and 10th among all states in ORSA employment growth. In 2022, this was 20th and 34th, respectively. Since 2022, ORSA employment has grown 4.2 percent in Minnesota, compared with an increase of 3.3 percent in the United States.
• In 2023, Minnesota ranked 18th among all states in ORSA compensation and 6th among all states in ORSA compensation growth. In 2022, this was 18th and 29th, respectively. Since 2022, ORSA compensation has grown 11.8 percent in Minnesota, compared with an increase of 9 percent in the United States.
The progress in 2024 reaffirms outdoor recreation’s significant role in driving national and local economies. Even as the industry normalizes from post-pandemic peaks, its sustained impact in creating jobs and revenue reveals the enduring appeal of outdoor experiences and their economic power across diverse regions.
Outdoor recreation’s positive economic impact highlights the sector’s growing importance, particularly for rural communities in every state across the country. It supports job creation and community well-being. The industry’s contributions are essential to towns and cities’ economic vitality and social health nationwide.
The new figures from the Bureau of Economic Analysis also underscore the importance of outdoor recreation in healthy and competitive state economies. This is a big reason why 24 states have created outdoor recreation offices in just over a decade to harness the benefits of this fast-growing sector. Urban and rural communities also invest in outdoor recreation infrastructure and
Listen to the Explore Minnesota Podcast!
Minnesotans Overwhelmingly Support Their Outdoors
During an era of intense political division, one issue consistently brings people together: the great outdoors. On the first Tuesday in November, Minnesota voters approved an extension of the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for another 25 years. The measure passed with overwhelming support - about 77.2% voting yes (2,526,205 votes) versus no (530,504 votes).
The Fund dedicates 40% of state lottery proceeds to outdoor conservation efforts.
The amendment passed unanimously across all Minnesota counties and districts. Since 1991, the fund has provided nearly $1.1 billion for over 1,700 conservation projects. The renewed amendment includes a modification to increase annual allocations from 5.5% to 7% of the fund’s balance, with the additional 1.5% dedicated to a new small community grant program.
The fund is overseen by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, a 17-member panel of legislators and citizens. Conservation groups widely celebrated the outcome, viewing it as a demonstration of Minnesotans’ bipartisan commitment to environmental protection and outdoor resources.
If you love Minnesota outdoors and want to learn more about the people responsible for Minnesota’s tradition of excellence in outdoor recreation, check out Explore Minnesota More. Previous episodes include a peek into how Minnesota hosted one of the greatest Nordic skiing events in American history and how Cuyuna transformed from a mining town to one of the top 25 mountainbiking destinations on the entire planet.
Explore Minnesota More features the stories of the people building the outdoor experience in our state: https://exploreminnesotamore.buzzsprot.com
NRPA Cerftified Playground Safety Course & Exam
March 26-28, 2025
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location TBD, Apple Valley, MN
May 7-9, 2025
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley, MN
The Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods offered nationwide. By becoming a CPSI, you will learn how to identify hazards on public playgrounds and playground equipment, rank those hazards according to injury potential and apply that knowledge, as well as how to establish a playground safety program. Register online at www.mnrpa.org/Upcoming-Events
Anderson Race Management
Mary Anderson 651) 688-9143 mary@andersonraces.com andersonraces.com
B32 Engineering Group
Scott Ward (651) 256-3090 scott.ward@b32eng.com b32eng.com
Bituminous Roadways Inc.
Logan Blodgett (651) 686-7001 logan.blodgett@bitroads.com bitroads.com
Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Anne Gode (952) 890-0509 anne.gode@bolton-menk.com bolton-menk.com
Burbach Aquatics, Inc.
Julie Westemeier (608) 348-3262 juliew@burbachinc.com burbachinc.com
Commercial Recreation Specialists, Inc.
Terese Welch 608) 848-8781 crsmarketing@crs4rec.com crs4rec.com
Creative Resources Agency
Bridget Resig (612) 558-3268 bridget@acreativeresource.com acreativeresource.com
Custom Manufacturing
Joe Krebs (608) 676-2282 contact@custommfginc.com custommfginc.com
Custom Bridges and Boardwalks
Joe Krebs contact@custommfginc.com custombridgesandboardwalks.com
Custom Builders Inc.
Jeffrey Reiter (320) 443-0107 jeffrey.reiter@custombuildersmn.com custombuildersmn.com
Damon Farber Landscape
Architects
Tom Whitlock (612) 332-7522 twhitlock@damonfarber.com damonfarber.com
Daylight Specialists
Jeff May (952) 818-4854 jeff@daylightspecialists.com daylightspecialists.com
Fireflies Play Environment Inc.
Camille Calderaro (612) 990-2969 camille@lunningwende.com lunningwende.com
Flagship Recreation LLC
Kelly Simich (763) 550-7860 kelly@flagshipplay.com flagshipplay.com
H+U Construction
Nikki Rugh 612) 438-0258 nrugh@hu-construction.com hu-construction.com
HGA Architects and Engineers
Nancy Blankfard, AIA (612) 758-4000 nblankfard@hga.com hga.com
HKGi
Eric Blodgett 612) 338-0800 eric@hkgi.com hkgi.com
Horizon Commercial Pool Supply
Jason Gillet (651) 917-3075 jason.gillet@horizonpoolsupply.com horizonpoolsupply.com
HydroApps LLC
Courtney Klein (314) 377-5769 courtneyklein@hydroapps.com hydroapps.com
ISG
Amanda Prosser (952) 426-0699 amanda.prosser@isginc.com isginc.com
= North Star Partner Sponsor
JLG Architects
Tom Betti (612) 746-4260
TBetti@jlgarchitects.com jlgarchitects.com
Johnson Fitness
Drew Wurst (952) 500-0508 drew.wurst@johnsonfit.com johnsonfit.com
Kaizen
John Puma partners@kaizenlabs.co kaizenlabs.co
KL Engineering
Michael Olstendorf michael.ostendorf@klengineering.com klengineering.com
Kompan
John Engfer (612) 940-1138 joheng@kompan.com kompan.com
Kraus-Anderson
Eric Quam (612) 332-7281 eric.quam@krausanderson.com krausanderson.com
Landscape Structures
Megan Andrada (888) 438-6574 meganandrada@playlsi.com playlsi.com
LHB, Inc.
Lydia Major (612) 338-2029 lydia.major@lhbcorp.com lhbcorp.com
Lifefloor
Jonathan Keller tradeshow@lifefloor.com lifefloor.com
Midwest Playscapes, Inc.
Andrew Pudwill (800) 747-1452 andrew@midwestplayscapes.com midwestplayscapes.com
MWP Recreation
Harlan Lehman (800) 622-5425 harlan@mnwiplay.com mnwiplay.com
MRPA CORPORATE MEMBERS
Musco Sports - Lighting
Scott Peitz (763) 533-2030 scott.pietz@musco.com musco.com
National Fitness Campaign
Trent Matthias (518) 596-3944 trent@nfchq.com nfchq.com
Northland Recreation
Bill Johnson (651) 815-4097 info@northlandrec.com northlandrec.com
Nystrom Publishing Company
Gerry Nystrom (763) 425-7900 gerry@nystrompublishing.com nystrompublishing.com
Oertel Architects, LTD.
Andrew Cooper (651) 696-5186 bdever@oertelarchitects.com oertelarchitects.com
Plaisted Companies
Brian Thunberg (763) 450-9145 bthunberg@plaistedcompanies.com plaistedcompanies.com
Pleva Mechancal Inc
Taylor Stone (515) 438-2279 taylor.stone@pleva.org pleva.org
Premier Polysteel
Tim Solum (507) 301-1655 tim@premierpolysteel.com premierpolysteel.com
Radar Talent Solutions
Josiah Misselt (507) 301-1655
josiah@radartalentsolutions.com radartalentsolutions.com
RJ Thomas Manufacturing / Pilot Rock
Justin Jorgensen (800) 762-5002 jjorgensen@rjthomas.com rjthomas.com
RJM Construction
Brad Barickman (952) 837-8600 brad.barickman@rjmconstruction.com rjmconstruction.com
Romtec, Inc.
Hannah Duncan (541) 496-3541 hduncan@romtec.com romtec.com
SafetyFirst Specialty Contracting, Inc.
Marissa Bauer (651) 210-7038 marissa.bauer@ safetyfirstplayground.com safetyfirstplayground.com
Southern Minnesota Inspection
Chris Plonske (507) 257-3742 Ext. 229 cplonske@ southernminnesotainspection.com southernminnesotainspection.com
Sports Lighting Authority
Harlan Gallop (763) 525-0070 hgallop@sportslightingauthority.com sportslightingauthority.com
SRF Consulting Group Inc
Ken Grieshaber (763) 475-0010 kgrieshaber@srfconsulting.com srfconsulting.com
Stantec
Todd Wichman (612) 712-2145 todd.wichman@stantec.com stantec.com
St. Croix Recreation
Chris Johnsen (651) 430-1247 cj@stcroixrec.com stcroixrec.com
Synthetic Turf Solutions of MN
Mark Prince (952) 913-7012 mark@synthetic-turf-mn.com syntheic-turf-mn.com
TKDA
William Armstrong (651) 292-4400 william.armstrong@tkda.com tkda.com
USTA Northern
Pat Colbert (952) 358-3283 pat.colbert@usta.northern.com usta.northern.com
Webber Recreational Design
Jay Webber (800) 677-5153 customerservice@webberrec.com webberrec.com
Widseth
Jillian Reiner (218) 829-5117 320-335-5011 windseth.com
WSB & Associates, Inc.
Candace Amberg (763) 231-4848 candace@wsbeng.com wsbeng.com
MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION
MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS is a hyper-targeted magazine mailed quarterly to Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) park and recreation agency decision-makers and affiliates. It is also available online at mnrpa.org.
MINNESOTA magazine features industryrelevant content related to management of parks, recreation programs, facilities, aquatics, athletics, trails, nature centers, natural resources, and special events. This valuable resource is read by municipal, county, and park district employees throughout Minnesota.
MINNESOTA provides an opportunity to market directly to staff who frequently need your products, services, and/or expertise.
