MRPA MINNESOTA Magazine - Fall 2018

CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR Volume 13, Issue 4 • Fall 2018 CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENTMINNESOTA STRATEGIES AGENCIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR RECOGNIZING AND CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS SPONSORSHIPACHIEVEMENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE ORGANIZATIONS FOR•OUTSTANDING DMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PAR CILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEE C ling ham yc

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MINNESOTA

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FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks

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 Lucie Patrick, Maple Grove John Stutzman, Golden Valley Advertising Sales & Design Pernsteiner Creative Group, pernsteiner.com MRPA Board of Directors 2018 President: Boe Carlson, Three Rivers Park District President-Elect: Tom Schmitz, New Ulm Past President: Mary Jo Knudson, Owatonna Secretary: Sara McKay, Waseca Treasurer: Dale McCamish, Rochester RSC Chair: Jerry Ruegemer, Chanhassen East Metro: Barry Bernstein, Apple Valley East Metro: Andy Soltvedt, Anoka County East Metro: Jared Flewellen, Eagan Northeast Region: Jamie Cassidy, Becker Northwest Region: Dolf Moon, Hutchinson Southern Region: Paul Peanasky, Faribault West Metro: Kelly Mertes, Brooklyn Center West Metro: Sonya Rippe, Plymouth 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.

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.

Deadlines for Articles and Advertising Winter 2019 issue........................January 10, 2019 2019 Buyer’s Guide.....................January 10, 2019 Spring 2019 Issue.......................... March 16, 2019 Summer 2019 issue.......................... May 18 , 2019 Fall 2019 issue...............................August 15, 2018 MRPA reserves the right to approve all submitted advertising in MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks magazine. All requests for advertising should be made to Todd Pernsteiner, Account Manager, at 952.841.1111 or info@pernsteiner.com.

On the cover: Winning Awards of Excellence projects

By Boe Carlson, MRPA President

Each year park and recreation agencies throughout the state are making new and innovative contributions to improving our communities, and as a profession we take the time to recognize this.

In this issue we are recognizing and featuring our award of excellence recipients. Each year MRPA recognizes a wide array of agencies for achievement in the following categories: • administrative

or management strategies and communications • parks and facilities • programming and events • sponsorship and partnerships • volunteer initiatives • marketing

I am always impressed with the diversity of projects. I am also impressed with the creative and variety of ways agencies are delivering services. It really speaks to the profession when you look at the various categories as well. In parks, we plan, develop, program, promote, secure sponsors, find volunteers and clean it all up in when it’s over. Find another department in city government that does this. Congratulations to everyone who received an award in 2018. Thank you to Hiway Federal Credit Union for sponsoring the awards of excellence. The next awards cycle will begin February, 2019 for projects completed in 2018.

Start putting your applications together!

This issue also features the recent retirements of Randy Quale, Bob Klatt, and Jon Oyanagi. All three of these gentlemen were great contributors to MRPA and our profession. We wish them good luck and congratulations on their retirement.

TABLE OF CONTENTS From the Board President........................ 3

Keeping Up...........................................8-10

Foundation Corner................................4-5

MRPA Flashback...................................... 11

MRPA in Action......................................... 6

MRPA Awards of Excellence.............12-30

Meet Sarah Hansen.................................. 6

With You on the Way of Life.................. 14

MRPA Events Calendar............................ 6

Fall 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 3

Minnesota Recreation & Park Foundation Update

By John W. Stutzman, CPRP, MRPF President

Tis the season of giving, and MRPF is eager to embrace the spirt of the holidays!

While we do not sell cookies, wreaths, or decorative snack tins, our commitment to the education, innovation, and training of the recreation field and the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association is stronger than ever. Our continued support is possible, thanks to the generosity of our membership and cooperate partnerships.

We are especially grateful for all who made donations to MRPF on Give to the Max Day. Through the generosity of our supporters, the Foundation has the opportunity to “pay it forward” with annual giving demonstrated by our current membership programs. Such as the committees who are currently in the process of reviewing and evaluating 14 applications for up to four $2,000 student scholarships and the eight applications for up to $4,000 in new initiative grants.

Additionally, those professionals who renew their membership or become a member during our current membership drive (now – January 11), will automatically be entered into a giveaway for a free 2019 MRPA conference registration.

I am looking forward to this holiday season and showcasing our commitment to this profession in 2019 by continuing to find the best ways to support parks and recreation field. If there are areas of the recreation profession where you would like to see MRPF become more involved contact me at jstutzman@goldenvalleymn.gov.

MRPF’s booth at the 2018 MRPA Conference in Rochester.

4 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

DID YOU KNOW…the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation…

• #MPRF has weekly #FoundationFriday announcements on the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Facebook Page? Each post provides members with Foundation announcements, updates, program information, and partnership details.

• Was a sponsor of the MRPA Annual Conference? Contributed over $9,000 in financial support towards the delegate gift, Young Professional and Student Network’s (YPSN) activities, student luncheon, student rec warrior challenge, and MRPF 2018 new initiative grants session.

• Had four volunteers help with the silent auction and raffle fundraiser which was held at the MRPA Annual Conference?

Special thanks to Greg Simmons (Golden Valley), Jessica Christensen Buck (Corcoran), Olivia Phillips (job hunting!) and Brett Rannow (job hunting!) for volunteering their time and leadership at this year’s event!

• Will be holding an upcoming election for members of the Board of Trustees?

Three board seats will be on the ballot.

If you are interested in running for the Board, contact Michelle today at Michelle.Margo@brooklynpark.org.

• Membership is only $25 (retirees $20, students $10)? Members are eligible for fantastic benefits such as financial assistance, Foundation swag, event discounts, and MRPF membership drawings. Additionally, as an MRPF member you are eligible to become a member of Hiway Federal Credit Union can take advantage of all the credit union benefits. To become an MRPF member, with a tax deductible donation, contact Nicole at NGorman@EdinaMN.gov.

DONATING TO MRPF HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER! 1. Shop your Amazon purchases at: smile.amazon.com 2. Designate Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation as your beneficiary A portion of your online purchases will automatically go to MRPF!

FOUNDATION CORNER MRPF: The Foundation We Were Built On Ed Brandeen: Parks and Recreation Professional Simply put, Ed Brandeen is a legend in parks and recreation. He served the profession, with the cities of Owatonna and Crystal, for over 40 years, had countless professional accomplishments, and received the 1985 MRPA Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award. Unfortunately this year, Ed passed away in July. It is MRPF’s desire to pay our respects for the passion and dedication he had for our profession.

As such, MRPF modified this edition of the “Where Are They Now...” article to honor Ed’s memory.

Top photo: Ed at the City of Crystal in the1960s; Bottom photo: Ed with his daughter Kristen in 2014

Ed was a founding member of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation and was a member of the MRPF Board of Trustees for 15 years. During his time on the Board he served several terms as the Foundation’s treasurer. His financial leadership helped provide MRPF with a sustainable future through the creation of our long-term investment portfolio.

These investments continue to help fund today’s new initiatives and allow us to provide annual support for the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. Even in retirement, Ed was supportive of MRPF’s future, making multiple substantial financial contributions over the past 10 years. His only request after his last generous gift, was to no longer be sent our annual membership renewal information. To honor his desire the Board of Trustees, promptly converted his membership status to a lifetime MRPF member.

Today we remember an inspirational man who was integral to MRPF’s long-term sustainability, whose passions led to the creation of countless initiatives, and who continuously made a difference in the lives of others. To ensure his Foundation legacy lives on, the MRPF Board of Trustees is excited to announce the introduction of the MRPF Ed Brandeen Cornerstone Awards.

These awards will be presented annually to MRPF members who have displayed outstanding service or leadership for the Foundation.

Fall 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 5

< Meet Sarah Hansen

MRPA IN ACTION

Sarah Hansen became interested in the field of parks and recreation as a child.

“I spent lots of time at the park playing on the playground, participating in recreation soccer, ice-skating, playing in the Golden Valley Girls Softball league, and more,” says Hansen, coordinator for Family Youth Community Connections.

“I had a passion for nature and parks as a young kid, and I still do!”

Hansen’s first job in the field was a summer playground and program leader for Golden Valley Parks and Recreation. “I was lucky to have a great supervisor who inspired me,” she states.

“During this time I learned about programs, field trips, working with kids, and inventories. I also learned not to be late to a weekly staff meeting, or I’d have to pick up donuts for the next meeting.”

Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute (ERLI) 2 The Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute 2 kicked-off September 18 at the Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley with 34 registrants.

This six-session professional development program concluded with a group presentation on November 27. ERLI 2 was designed to provide a curriculum centered on the following five Ps: 1. Personal leadership: professional development, self-awareness, and your own leadership journey; 2. People: relationship-building skills, staffing, and how to build your team; 3. Process: creativity and design; 4. Project management: project overview from concept to completion, and finance and funding options; and 5. Presentation: written and verbal communication, working with councils, and facilitating change.

Hansen attended Winona State University where she studied exercise science and coaching. “Winona is a great town - go Warriors!” Hansen exclaims. “I went on to Minnesota State University, Mankato to pursue my master’s degree in sport psychology and to teach for the athletic training program.”

Somewhere along this journey, she says she realized parks and recreation was where her passion was, and began taking recreation management courses through Dakota College at Bottineau. “I worked for the City of Golden Valley as a building supervisor, the City of Chanhassen as the youth sports coordinator, and completed an internship with the City of Rogers,” she says. “A breakthrough occurred when I obtained the recreation coordinator position with New Hope Parks and Recreation. I held that position for six years and gained great experience. Thank you New Hope Parks and Recreation!”

Hansen is now with Family Youth Community Connections (FYCC), a non-profit that provides recreational services for the St. Michael and Albertville communities. “It’s a unique role in a growing community,” she states. “It’s also one stop light and a short bike ride away from home.”

She adds, “I am greatly appreciative of MRPA and the many opportunities. I’ve attended workshops, programming section meetings, conferences, participated in the ERLI 2 program and am involved with the Young Professional and Student Network (YPSN).

This year I received the MRPF National Professional Development Grant to attend the national conference in Indianapolis. Thank you MRPA for the resources, connections, educational opportunities and the friendships!”

MRPA members are the heart of our organization. They are involved and committed to advancing the parks and recreation programming. MRPA in Action is a new magazine feature which will highlight one section/committee and one professional per issue.

MRPA Events Calendar Design with community in mind

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6 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Annual General Meeting and Awards Luncheon January 11, 2019 Brookview, Golden Valley Minnesota USSSA Hall of Fame Banquet January 25, 2019 RISE by Elevation, Brooklyn Center Visit mnrpa.org to stay up-to-date with upcoming events.

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KEEPING UP Bob Klatt Retires After 34 Years with the City of Woodbury Bob Klatt recently retired as the director of Woodbury Parks and Recreation.

“I realized I wanted to do something in the public sector at a young age, and ideally with a lot of outdoor time,” states Klatt. “I decided in high school to enroll at the University of Minnesota - College of Forestry and major in recreation resource management. My initial hope was to work at more of a state or national park level.”

Klatt’s work experience started in college through various internships and seasonal jobs. “I had the opportunity to intern with the Minnesota DNR and work in the trails and waterways unit, helping with special projects on hostels in the state parks for the assistant commissioner of the DNR,” he states. “I also worked for the Metropolitan Council as a survey technician in many of the regional parks. Other jobs were seasonal summer maintenance for the

cities of Woodbury and Apple Valley, doing parks and tree maintenance activities.”

Klatt states his final temporary job before starting at the City of Woodbury was working for Ramsey County Parks inspecting diseased elm and oak trees.

“The variety of jobs exposed me to different facets of local government services,” he adds. “My real parks and recreation career started in 1984 when I was hired as the recreation coordinator for the City of Woodbury. The job evolved as the city grew, and this change kept me interested and passionate in the work and community until my retirement.”

Klatt has been a member of MRPA since 1984 and has been a Board member on two different occasions in the early and late 90s. Klatt was very active long-term member of the legislative committee up until a few years ago. “MRPA is a valuable resource to meet fellow professionals, learn from their experiences and participate in educational opportunities,” he says. “The sharing between professionals in other cities helps to make us all better at what we do and better public servants for our communities and constituencies.”

Klatt adds recreation at the local level is a rewarding profession to be a part of because you get to see up close and personal how your work impacts the community. “You see first-hand the people enjoying using your facilities and participating in your programs,” shares Klatt. “Working for local government in general is very impactful as the work you do has an immediate and lasting impact. Those that chose this profession are passionate about what they do and it has been a pleasure to work with so many different and highly competent staff.”

Klatt says MRPA is a professional, wellrun organization that provides a support structure and a resource base for parks and recreation professionals statewide. “The way members are so open to sharing their accomplishments and even their failures helps everyone to learn and do a better job in the parks and recreation work they do,” he says. “It has been a pleasure to get to know, share with and learn from other MRPA members while serving the City of Woodbury for over 34 years.”

Randy Quale Retires After 40 Years in Parks and Recreation Randy Quale retired as the parks and recreation manager for the City of Bloomington in September, 2018. He says his interest in parks and recreation began as a fourth grader who spent virtually every day at Langford Park in Saint Paul, which was about four blocks from his house growing up. “This is where I got to know Bruce Perrizo, who was the recreation center director at Langford Park,” says Quale.

“Bruce instilled in me at an early age a love of sports and recreational activities.

I only wish that all of you could have had a positive role model in your young lives such as Bruce.”

from Bruce,” states Quale. “He informed me that there were openings for part-time recreation staff in the Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation, and that I should take the civil service entrance exam. So, I took exam and aced the 100 question test – which sounds pretty impressive, except most of the questions were of a difficulty level of, ‘Can you use the same game board for chess and checkers?” A couple weeks later, I was offered a job as a recreation leader at Front Recreation Center at a whopping pay rate of $2.85 per hour.”

“Flash forward to 1978 during my sophomore year at college, and I got a call

Quale has been extremely involved with MRPA since he became a member in 1985.

“I also worked officiating intramural basketball, baseball and softball games at the U of M,” says Quale. “In addition, I became the unofficial athletic director at my fraternity, coordinating all the sports teams and serving as the player/coach for the touch football, basketball, baseball, softball, bowling, volleyball and even the tug-of-war teams.”

8 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Some of his highlights include: MRPA Board president in 2007, being an active part of both the legislative and the awards committees, tournament director for numerous MRPA state basketball, softball and volleyball tournaments, director for Rodney Dangerfield Golf Tournament fundraiser, Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment advocacy committee, and many other MRPA committees.

Quale was also very involved with the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation throughout his career and served on the Board of Trustees. Quale received the Jack Niles award in 1998 and the Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award in 2014.

“While I truly enjoyed my 40 years in the parks and recreation profession, it is the coworkers and colleagues that I will miss the most,” states Quale. “I feel blessed to have worked with so many fine people during my career.”

KEEPING UP Jon Oyanagi Retires as the Director of Ramsey County Parks and Recreation In September, 2018, Jon Oyanagi retired as the director of Ramsey County Parks and Recreation. “Parks and recreation has always suffered from people imagining that the profession is all fun and games and not a real job,” states Oyanagi. “My parents definitely did not think I had a real job and never really knew what I did for a living. My mom thought I played for a living. She was having trouble with words find later in her life and one day at her new assisted living residence she was introducing me to her friends. She said, “This is my son, Jon. He’s a…He’s a…He’s a playboy!” Thanks, Mom. Luckily they all had memory issues so they forgot all about what she said.”

Oyanagi adds he is playful and he does love playing with his two grandsons. “I also play the trumpet and I try to play golf,” he says.

“I play with my food. At work I loved to play with people’s minds. I guess I did parlay that playfulness into a career. Maybe Mom was right, after all.”

He goes on to explain that when he started at the University of Minnesota, his major was pre-dental. In order to improve his resume he volunteered with several recreation programs. “One day, one of the paid leaders told me about therapeutic recreation as a profession,” says Oyanagi. “You mean I can get paid to play? I was all over that. I switched to recreation and leisure services as a major.

Unfortunately, I found out that you don’t get paid much to play.”

getting to know diverse communities, and spreading the value of parks and recreation wherever my career path has taken me.”

Oyanagi’s involvement with MRPA goes back 40 years to when he was a student member. “Professionals such as Marty Jessen and Clif French were so welcoming and supportive,” he says. “I was active in the student section followed by the therapeutic recreation section. Then everything becomes a blur but I do remember being on committees like membership, awards, recreational sports, programming, and several conference committees. I was honored to serve as the MRPA Board president in 2010. That same year, Jennifer Ringold and I co-chaired the Local Host Committee for the NRPA Congress held in Minneapolis. I love attending the MRPA Annual Conference, which to me feels like a “family reunion” because of all of the relationships built through the years.”

Oyanagi further explains that Dennis Palm, the original director for Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks, told him that success in this field is all about relationships. “Through MRPA I have enjoyed so many wonderful professional and personal relationships,” adds Oyanagi. “There is no other profession as supportive of each other’s work and lives. As I retire, I will definitely try to cling to these relationships and memories as my life moves forward. My career is defined by all of the great people I have met along the way. And they all love to play.”

Those volunteer recreation positions were the start of his career in parks and recreation. That led to paid positions in day camp, camp, and group home settings. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, the first seven years of his career were in therapeutic recreation positions based in adult mental health settings.

“I made the switch to municipal recreation in St. Peter as their first director of recreation and leisure services,” says Oyanagi. “Once a Southern-Minnie guy, always a SMRPA guy. Pros like Leo Rudolph, Bob Burke, and Denny Maschka took me under their wings and taught me so much. Next came the then fast growing suburb of Eagan as a recreation programmer. Fun times with the South of the River Recreators! From there it was on to Anoka County and the natural resource-based system where I was the operations manager.”

“Shifting gears I went to the big city as a district manager for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board,” says Oyanagi.

“Paul Hokeness and Eileen Kilpatrick were the other two district managers. The three of us couldn’t have been any more different but I have never had as much fun on the job as I did working with them. Brooklyn Park was my next stop as their director of recreation and parks. Jan Ficken and Mary Pat Black were such a joy to have as leaders on our amazing team. Finally, I was privileged to finish my career in Ramsey County (where I grew up) and have recently retired. Ramsey County is such an amazing organization and community.”

Oyanagi states that his many moves were very intentional and designed to give him a variety of experiences. “While I admire those who can serve one community most of their career,” he says, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with a wealth of professionals,

Fall 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 9

KEEPING UP John VonDeLinde, Three Rivers Park District Receive National Awards The National Association of County Park and Recreation (NACPRO) officials held the 2018 awards banquet in Nashville, Tennessee.

The NACPRO award program recognizes and honors excellence in parks and recreation at the county, regional, and special district level throughout the nation. This year, they received 136 award nominations and presented 34 to a very deserving group of awardees.

John VonDeLinde, retired director of Anoka County Parks and Recreation, received the Lifetime Professional Award. VonDeLinde has been an accomplished leader in the parks and recreation profession since 1978, and retired on April 27, 2018 from Anoka County.

VonDeLinde became the second Anoka County Parks director on December 29, 1994 and was promoted to a county division manager on September 1, 2013. Throughout his 24 years with the parks department, and with the support of the Anoka County Board of Commissioners, he John VonDeLinde acquired 3,500 acres of park land and received over $70 million in federal, state, and regional grants to develop the Anoka County Parks System. VonDeLinde served for over 16 years as an active member of NACPRO Board in a variety of capacities. Throughout his career he has been supported and nominated by his colleagues. He is the recipient of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association President’s Award (1992), Jack Niles Award (1993), and the Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award (2008). With the support of his wife Sue and three children, VonDeLinde has achieved impressive

outcomes in his work and personal life. Based upon his contribution to NACPRO, the parks and recreation field, and great impact with co-workers, stakeholders, and friends, please congratulate John VonDeLinde for the 2018 NACPRO Lifetime Professional Award.

Three Rivers Park District received the Planning Initiative Award for the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park Master Plan. The master planning process for Mississippi Gateway is a model for outreach and development of a park designed to introduce new visitors to nature-based parks and recreation. The planning process involved 30 community events that engaged over 1,200 people. Feedback loops were developed and communitywide, neighborhood and organization meetings were held to review draft plan ideas. The over-arching message we heard was that potential visitors want to visit nature-based parks, but are uncomfortable in wild settings. The result is a master plan that truly creates a “gateway” for new visitors to nature-based parks. Upon entering the park, new visitors experience a fairly urban setting, with a visitor center, classic picnic and play areas, community gathering spaces, outdoor recreation skills classes, nature programming, and a “mini-Mississippi” river. The opportunities then begin to transition to a more natural setting as visitors move south along the river, highlighted by a tree-top canopy walk, nature play area, paved trail network, and observation points along the Mississippi.

Lake Wobegon Regional Trail Completes Extension Plan into St. Cloud The 20-year transformation from an abandoned railroad corridor to a vital recreation thoroughfare

By Valerie Brennan, WSB & Associates

Over two decades in the making, the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail now officially extends into the St. Cloud Metropolitan Area.

WSB & Associates completed the trail design, bridge design, environmental work and construction inspection to complete the extension of the trail.

The Lake Wobegon Regional Trail is 63 miles long and is one of central Minnesota’s vital recreation assets. Formerly owned by Burlington Northern Railroad Company, this abandoned railroad corridor began its transformation into a regional trail in the fall of 1998. The final connection into River’s Edge Park in Waite Park, Minn. solidifies a twenty-year vision.

“Recreation is a cornerstone of the Minnesota’s culture. WSB is grateful for the opportunity to support Stearns County, St. Cloud and Waite Park in developing this regional trail project,” says Scott Mareck, senior transportation planner and project manager at WSB.

10 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

WSB worked closely with Stearns County, the City of St. Cloud and the City of Waite Park on various project deliverables including a hazardous materials contingency plan, storm water pollution prevention plan, final design, lighting plan and construction inspection in River’s Edge Park.

This photo is from the exhibit hall at a MRPA Annual Conference in the 1970s.

Dick Wilson, director of Hopkins/Minnetonka Parks and Recreation, was the MRPA Board president in 1966, as well as the secretary in 1961, treasurer in 1962, and was on many MRPA committees throughout his career. He received the Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award in 1978.

MRPA FLASHBACK

MRPA Annual Conference Exhibit Hall

Fall 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 11

ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS RECOGNIZING MINNESOTA AGENCIES ANDAND ORGANIZATIONS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING ANDOUTSTANDING EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I FOR ACHIEVEMENTS ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I

By Bethani Gerhard, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS 12 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org ACILITIES •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER I

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S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES g Cha m lin yc S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES S AND INITIATIVES

EACH YEAR MRPA RECOGNIZES AGENCIES OR ORGANIZATION IN MINNESOTA FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE RECIPIENTS OF THE MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE FOR PROJECTS COMPLETED IN 2017.

Fall 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 13

WITH YOU ON THE WAY OF LIFE

By Jennifer McCorkle, Hiway Federal Credit Union As a credit union in the vast marketplace of financial institutions, we often hear questions such as: What does Hiway do? What is a credit union? Are you a government organization? Are you a bank?

Am I even eligible to join a credit union?

Do credit unions have the same products and services as banks? While these may seem like somewhat simple questions, many people aren’t familiar with credit unions — and the credit union model.

Credit unions, including Hiway Federal Credit Union® (Hiway), are memberowned, not-for-profit financial institutions.

Unlike most banks, credit unions are not owned by stockholders or by a small group of individuals. Rather, we are cooperatively owned — everyone that opens a Share Savings Account at a credit union is a member-owner. As not-for-profit organizations, the income generated by credit unions is not used to enrich stockholders or powerful ownership groups. The income is used to invest in the organization, to contribute positively to our community and to return lifelong financial value to members in the form

of low loan rates, low fees, competitive savings rates and outstanding and trusted service. And like banks, most credit unions offer a full suite of financial products and services.

The credit union movement was founded on the idea that people could create a better financial life for themselves by joining together, pooling their savings and making loans to their family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Over time, the number and nature of the products and services that credit unions offer has expanded and evolved, but the basic model remains the same today.

Why is this important? Credit unions are the absolute best choice for providing lifelong financial services to all consumers — and most importantly — better rates, exceptional service and convenient, secure access to your money. And as MRPA members, you can become a member of Hiway.

We are dedicated to improving the financial lives of Minnesota families by helping you do more with your money.

Our mission is to be the best lifetime financial partner for all of our 74,000 members and their families — to be “With You on the Road of Life”. Whether you’re financing your education, buying your first or next vehicle, getting married, opening your child’s first savings account, buying a home or planning for retirement, Hiway is here to provide the financial products, services, resources and support you need at every stage of life. We also provide you more direct access to your money than many big banks with over 63,000 fee-free ATMs and 5,000 shared branches across the country.

We understand you most likely have a banking relationship with one or more financial institutions already, but we encourage you to consider working with Hiway for your next saving or borrowing need.

Discover for yourself the value and better banking experience we deliver!

To learn more about Hiway, visit hiway.org.

Hiway Federal Credit Union is an Equal Housing Lender and Federally Insured by NCUA.

The credit union movement was founded on the idea that people could create a better financial life for themselves by joining together, pooling their savings and making loans to their family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.

THANK YOU TO HIWAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FOR THEIR SPONSORSHIP OF THE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE. 14 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES CITY OF CRYSTAL - PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

The City of Crystal developed its first park and recreation system master plan in 2017. As a rapidly growing community in the 1960s and 1970s, many recreational facilities were built during that time. However, very little development has been done since. The need for active living opportunities has increased over the years, and the ways citizens recreate have changed. The master plan was completed to help them understand the needs of their residents, and to make sure their parks and recreation system reflects that now and into the future.

The planning process began with an inventory of current park amenities. They took this inventory and compared it to national standards.

Through this process they learned a number of ways to help their parks meet community need. For instance, it noted they had more softball fields than the city needed, but not enough rectangle fields for more recent sports like soccer, lacrosse, rugby and ultimate. It also allowed them to take note of many unused facilities they had in their parks, like their eight warming houses that were built 40-50 years ago.

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD - CUSTOMER SERVICE BOOT CAMP: BACK TO THE BASICS STAFF TRAINING PROGRAM

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s 20-year comprehensive plan articulates a vision of creating “dynamic parks that shape city character and meet diverse community needs.” A strategy to meet this vision is to “develop and implement a customer service program, including training, to ensure customer service techniques are applied effectively and consistently across the organization.” This is exactly what has happened through the training development efforts of two Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) employees, Annie Olson and Iris Pahlberg Peterson. This interactive training series offers fundamental customer service philosophy through skills and techniques to recreation staff both in the field and behind the scenes.

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s 20-year comprehensive plan articulates a vision of creating “dynamic parks that shape city character and meet diverse community needs.”

Fall 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 15

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMER CAMP PREVIEW

In response to the expressed desire of parents wishing to plan their family’s summer calendar, Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation developed a marketing effort to make summer camp offerings available for viewing and pre-registration several weeks earlier than in previous years.

Instead of receiving summer camp information in March, parents were able to access program titles, dates and ages through a new document entitled “destination summer” sent through the school e-flyer system and posted on the City website on January 20. The destination summer document also provided a timeline showing when families could access full camp descriptions and pricing online (February 17) and the date when registration would open (March 15).

Additionally, the department added a free “summer camp preview day” on President’s Day (February 20, 2017) where families could come to one location and meet camp staff, try out a new sport or activity, ask questions and take advantage of early-bird registration.

THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT WEBSITE Three Rivers Park District completely rebuilt its website, and the new site launched in April 2017.

The new site added several features to ensure that the site is meeting current best practices in order to better serve the public. Fundamental in the project was a site built on mobile first design (responsive website design), meeting Americans with Disabilities Act standards – WCAG AA level compliance, improved navigation and interactive mapping, search and search engine optimization capabilities, a feature allowing visitors to select translation of content into other languages, enhanced social media, image and video integration, integration of the Park District’s new online reservation/registration system, and employment portal, as well as the use of an open source content management system.

16 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks •

HUTCHINSON PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION - HUTCHINSON SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING MASTER PLAN

The Hutchinson signage & wayfinding master plan was an idea that stemmed from the Imagine Hutchinson Downtown Plan. Within this plan it called for better signage around the community to point people towards key destinations. The signage was put up at key areas around the community, along with directional arrows with noted locations along the Luce Line Trail. This signage will serve visitors and residents of Hutchinson for years to come with a standardized look and feel to the downtown area and trail system.

We’re with you through all life’s adventures.

Whether you’re financing your education, getting married, opening your child’s first savings account, buying your first home or planning for retirement, Hiway Federal Credit Union® (Hiway) is here to provide the financial services, resources and support you need at every stage of life. We are dedicated to improving the financial lives of Minnesota families by helping you get more for your money — it’s what we do best.

Call or visit us online!

hiway.org 651.291.1515 • 800.899.5626

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Fall 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 17

PARKS & FACILITIES CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK - RECREATION OUTDOOR CENTER (ROC)

The City of St. Louis Park has taken outdoor skating and the term “multi-use facility” to another level! The City’s new Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC for short), provides an unparalleled skating experience during the late fall/winter months, artificial turf space during the spring and a unique venue for concerts, performances, pubic gathering and so much more during the summer and early fall. This facility is truly a community asset. The St. Louis Park Hockey Association was instrumental in bringing this unique and exciting concept to the residents of St. Louis Park. In early 2014, members of the St. Louis Park Hockey Association approached the City about the possibility of building a covered refrigerated outdoor ice rink on the campus of the current Rec Center. City Staff and Hockey Association members presented the idea of a covered refrigerated outdoor rink to the City Council in the spring of 2014 requesting approval to begin the design process.

driven by your

vision

ST. LOUIS PARK ROC

FARMINGTON PARKS AND RECREATION VERMILLION RIVER AND TRAIL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

The City of Farmington faced a serious trail issue in Rambling River Park because the Vermillion River was eroding away its banks until it was at a point where an existing paved trail in the park was sitting on the edge of the river and if no action was taken the trail would have eventually been washed away.

Because of erosion, there was also a significant safety risk by continuing to allow people to use the trail. As a result of this issue, the City turned to other possible project partners to correct it. However because the Vermillion River is the only Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designated protected trout stream in the seven county metropolitan area, this project had to be carefully considered and planned so as not to negatively impact the brown and rainbow trout living in the river.

At RJM, our team seeks opportunities with a collaborative spirit and bold determination. follow us @rjmconstruction

18 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

These photos show one of the project areas before and after differences in the trail and river locations

GOLDEN VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION - BROOKVIEW

The project began with the need for the replacement of the outdated Brookview Community Center. The original building was constructed in 1919 and served as a private golf course and country club until 1966. In 1967, the City of Golden Valley passed a referendum to purchase the golf course, the clubhouse, pool and surrounding parkland in order to develop the Brookview Recreation Area. After some remodeling and new park amenities, Brookview Recreation Area opened in 1969. In 2013, the Golden Valley City Council appropriated funds to replace the community center. Ultimately, the city council determined the old community center would be replaced with a new facility.

Brookview opened December 1, 2017. It has gathering space throughout the entire building: Three One Six Bar+Grill, many meeting rooms with a view of the golf course, and an indoor playground.

Make your park the env y of communities everywhere.

Unique aquatic play environments create everlasting memories and bring families back again and again.

All through the wonder of water.

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R E P R E S E N T E D I N M I N N E S O TA B Y :

Fall 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 19

HUTCHINSON PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION - HUTCHINSON OUTDOOR FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER

The Hutchinson Family Aquatic Center opened its doors to the public on June 3, 2017. The facility spans over 12,000 square feet, the two bodies of water hold over 400,000 gallons of water with water depth varying from zero to twelve feet. It accommodates 730 swimmers and is home to one of three water zip-lines in the state of Minnesota, a climbing wall, one and three meter diving boards, an enclosed speed slide, an enclosed tube slide, an open body slide, a lazy river and a zero-depth area with several play features. The leisure area includes a six lane, 25-yard by five-lane 25-meter lap pool. The facility has outdoor lockers, updated locker rooms and three family changing rooms. Finishing off the updates is the Shark Food concession stand serving a variety of hot and cold food/snacks and beverages with three party tents available for rent.

GOLDEN VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION AND THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT SCHAPER PARK CHALLENGE COURSE AND INCLUSIVE PLAY AREA

The first outdoor fitness challenge course in Minnesota opened at Schaper Park in Golden Valley in fall of 2017, as well as an all-inclusive play area designed to meet the recreation needs of kids and families of all ability levels. The fitness challenge course includes obstacles that participants navigate over, under, around and through as they race against the clock. The challenge course is designed for ages 13 and up and promotes wellness, fitness and health through active recreation for teens and adults. The new park features are the result of a partnership that included the City of Golden Valley, Three Rivers Park District, Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground, Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pals, Golden Valley Rotary Club, and the Golden Valley Community Foundation. Schaper Park is owned by the City of Golden Valley. Three Rivers Park District operates the Luce Line Regional Trail, which travels through Schaper Park. The park includes parking and restrooms available for regional trail users, and the new challenge course and play equipment enhance the experience for trail users.

20 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks â&#x20AC;˘ www.mnrpa.org

Congratulations to Hutchinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outdoor Family Aquatic Center and New Brightonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lions Park for being named 2018 MRPA Award Winners!

Thanks for working with us !

800-677-5153 webberrec.com

PLYMOUTH PARKS AND RECREATION – THE NORTHWEST GREENWAY

The Northwest Greenway (NWG) is a 350-acre wooded nature preserve with winding bike and pedestrian trails that stretches approximately two linear miles from Lake Camelot on the east side of Plymouth to Wayzata High School on the west. In 2015, after nearly 15 years of planning and acquiring property for the greenway, the City had finally acquired enough property to begin building trail segments. By the end of 2017, three trail segments (2.46 miles) and a pedestrian bridge were built, officially opening the NWG’s east/west corridor. The trails provide connections to 19 community neighborhoods and five parks (including a dog park).

RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION – KELLER REGIONAL PARK TUJ LUB COURTS

Due to the increasing popularity of this culturally significant game, Ramsey County in collaboration with the City of Maplewood, and members of the Hmong community developed a formal Tuj Lub court. Ramsey County Parks and Recreation initiated a two-year planning process that was mainly driven by collaboration and engagement with the Hmong community, City of Maplewood, and City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. A critical outcome goal that was established in the planning process was to make this a cultural significant project that reduced barriers for addressing recreational disparities within the Hmong community. This critical goal helped to define the planning and development for the Tuj Lub court project.

ROSEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION – CEDARHOLM COMMUNITY BUILDING AND GOLF COURSE

It has been a long road of community engagement, planning and development, industry expertise, and local leadership that led to the authorization and realization of the Cedarholm Community Building and Golf Course project. The project took an aging golf course clubhouse and rebuilt the facility into a welcoming community building. Roseville demonstrated its support for the Cedarholm Community Building throughout the four-year process.

Community members became engaged, stayed engaged and grew into involved advocates. The vision to go beyond replacing the clubhouse and instead, build a community building guided community support. This vision aligned with the core values and key directions outlined in the department master plan.

22 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT – EXPLORER CAMPS

Three Rivers Park District partners with other agencies and cities in suburban Hennepin County to provide explorer camps, which offer a day camp experience during the summer.

The majority of camps are for youth; however, camps also are offered for seniors and adults.

The camps began as a pilot program in 2016 with the objective of providing camp experiences in the first-tier communities of suburban Hennepin County. Three Rivers Park District has a robust summer camp program offered at its parks; however, the majority of the Park District’s regional parks and park reserves are located miles from the first-tier communities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Robbinsdale, Crystal, New Hope, Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Edina and Richfield. The goals of the program are to connect participants to nature in their community; introduce communities that have been identified as underrepresented in the Three Rivers Park District system to the parks; and to provide high-quality, safe, educational, and fun experiences.

WOODBURY PARKS AND RECREATION – TINY TOT TRIATHLON Inspired by the addition of a city operated splash pad at HealthEast Sports Center, the tiny tot triathlon was a fun race for the youngest athletes in Woodbury! Participants between the ages of two and five years old rode, scooted or pushed themselves along the Sports Center’s walking paths; then ran, walked or skipped a length of path; splashed through the splash pad and finally dashed to the finish line where a police officer and firefighter awarded them with sticker medals.

Fall 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 23

SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK – WESTWOOD HILLS NATURE CENTER WOODLAND AND SHORELAND HABITAT This project is a multi-year project with numerous sponsoring agencies, partnerships and volunteers with one goal – to restore and maintain the natural grounds (habitat) of Westwood Hills Nature Center. This project includes partnering with several organizations, soliciting and gaining several grants, donations, implementing numerous volunteers, contributing multiple forms of inkind operations, and implementing restoration practices. This culminated in a phased-in management protocol and practice; and leading to the creation of a natural resource management plan for the entire grounds that will be used, into the foreseeable future, to enhance, maintain and manage the renewed landscape.

COTTAGE GROVE PARKS AND RECREATION – WOODRIDGE PARK INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND

The educational campaign began with the Parks Commission and City Council. By defining the need and community impact of an inclusive playground, the project was awarded with concept approval and a financial commitment of $350,000 from the City. The table was set for this historic challenge. In September of 2017, the City of Cottage Grove hosted a grand opening celebration for the Woodridge Park Inclusive Playground. This 24,000 square foot playground has broken barriers of play for roughly 95,000 people within the recreational regional service area. As the Cottage Grove Mayor stated in his speech that day, “Although it may not show up in science books, we in Cottage Grove believe PLAY is a fundamental need of all people, and a fundamental need of a strong community.”

24 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

ELK RIVER PARKS AND RECREATION – WILLIAM H. HOULTON CONSERVATION AREA

The William H. Houlton Conservation Area is a 335-acre parcel of land within the Elk River city limits that sits at the confluence of the Elk and Mississippi Rivers. The property was privately owned by a prominent local family since the mid-1800s until the time it was purchased and donated to the City of Elk River in 2014. The Trust for Public Land (TPL) bought the property for $3.1 million dollars with funds from the outdoor heritage fund, then donated the property to the city for a natural habitat conservation and hunting area. The Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) obtained a grant for $160,000 to develop a natural resource management plan for ecological restoration and committed an additional $597,600 toward restoration and enhancement of the property. The City agreed to a final three-year lease for agricultural use to a man that had farmed the land for decades, which ended in the fall of 2017. The City developed and implemented a hunting plan, a volunteer group began removing invasive species from the property and following crop harvesting, prairie and oak savanna restoration began.

HUTCHINSON PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION – ROTARY PARK PLAYGROUND REBUILD

Rotary Park Playground Rebuild was a collaborative project between the City of Hutchinson and the local Rotary Club. Over the years, a strong partnership developed to improve the usability of their adopted park. The installation of the original playground for Rotary Park was in 1993. Discussions to replace the original playground began in 2011. At that time, the Rotary Club paid to repaint the structure to extend the usability of the structure in order to allocate funds towards replacing the complete playground unit. In December 2016, demolition of the old structure began for installation beginning May 2017. The Hutchinson Parks Department and the Rotary Club agreed upon $60,000 as the cost for the structure. In October 2016, the Rotary Club presented the City Council with a $40,000 donation as an initial down payment on the purchase of the new playground equipment. The Rotary Club will pay the remaining $20,000 over four years.

Fall 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 25

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26 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

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LAKEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION – WEST LAKE MARION MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL

The West Lake Marion Mountain Bike Trail was first proposed to staff and Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee (PRNRC) by a group of local cycling enthusiasts who eventually formed a group called the Lakeville Cycling Association. This group detailed the growth and popularity the sport has gained in recent years and requested the City establish a designated area for off-road biking in Lakeville. In cooperation with City staff, Lakeville Cycling Association, volunteers and a contractor, constructed approximately five miles of trail. The trail includes sections for beginner to advanced rider levels and is open yearround for riders to enjoy. The primary funding for the project was provided through the City’s park dedication fund, the total cost of the trail construction was $122,214. Lakeville Cycling Association was originally asked to raise$10,000 towards the project, but as interest grew for the project, it was determined additional trails could be added to the site. Lakeville Cycling Association raised and donated $37,829 towards the project, over 30% of the total cost. The project went out for bid in February 2017, was constructed throughout the summer and officially opened for use in September 2017, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

NEW BRIGHTON PARKS AND RECREATION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LIONS PARK

The City of New Brighton and Ramsey County partnered together to work on Lions Park in New Brighton. A 9.1 acre park that includes a lacrosse field, lighted softball field, a first of its kind in New Brighton - poured in place surface accessible playground and tot lot, and large environmentally friendly pervious pavement parking lot. The total cost of this project was over $1.86 million.

The City of New Brighton was responsible for soliciting and securing funding for the project. Funding came from the following partners: Rice Creek Watershed District, New Brighton Lions Club, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation, Change for the Better Funds, and direct donations from various local businesses in New Brighton. Over 35% of which came from sources other City tax levy. This funding, along with volunteer labor, made this project possible. The New Brighton Parks and Recreation Department worked with 37 volunteers who provided over 198 hours of volunteer time to install the playground.

Fall 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 27

THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT – CYCLEHEALTH PARTNERSHIP

Three Rivers Park District engages in a program partnership with CycleHealth, whose mission is “to create a new cycle of health, starting with kids.” Three Rivers hosts three seasonal (winter, summer, fall) events at locations in the northern, western, and southern metro communities and provides event planning, facilitation, marketing, staffing and support year-round to build and sustain a valuable partnership with the goal of introducing youth to the outdoors, non-team sports, and lifelong wellness. Each event draws upwards of 600 youth, ages 7-17, along with their families to celebrate fitness for all kids, regardless of experience, fitness or ability.

Events are structured in a manner that provides opportunities for all kids to succeed and celebrate victory in sport. Kids learn resiliency as they overcome obstacles, fatigue and self-doubt to cross the finish line and experience the joy and celebration of perseverance. The partnership originated in 2014 and they are embarking on their fourth year, with increasing participation and expanded opportunities.

WOODBURY PARKS AND RECREATION – PAINT THE BUS

Paint the Bus was a six-evening special event intended to reach communities who did not have access to recreational offerings, were unaware of the offerings available, or were uncomfortable attending recreation programs. A secondary objective of Paint the Bus was to celebrate the variety of cultures located within Woodbury in a safe, fun and collaborative way. Paint the Bus was coordinated

by Woodbury Parks and Recreation, South Washington Community Education and the Woodbury YMCA. Each evening, participants enjoyed the opportunity to paint the moving mural (a school bus named Skoolie), make a cultural inspired craft, play a variety of physical activities with their neighbors, participate in a STEM based activity, listen to a variety of music from around the world and munch on free tacos and quesadillas from a local food truck. At the end of the summer, Skoolie was a completed moving community mural that was revealed to the community at Woodbury Parks and Recreation’s annual Big Truck Day!

*Dxxxxx 28 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

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2019 MRPA COMM ERICA L

BUYE R’S GUID E

Download the 2019 Advertising Rate Card: www.bit.ly/MRPA2019

ACCESSIBILITY • AQUATICS SUPPLIES • ARCHITECTURE • GROUP TOURS • INSURANCE CONCESSIONS • CONSULTING • LANDSCAPING • ENGINEERING • LIGHTING • • ENTERTAINMEN SIGNAGE • SITE FURNISHINGS PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT • T • SOFTWARE • PRINTING • SPORTS EQUIPMENT • SURFACING • TECHNOLOGY • PROGRAMMING TRANSPORTATION

To advertise in MINNESOTA magazine in 2019, contact Todd Pernsteiner at (952) 841-1111 or info@pernsteiner.com

*Source: 2016 Mequoda, the “American Magazine Reader Study & Handbook” **Source: www.thedma.org

Fall 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 29

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RATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER INITIATIV VOLUNTEER INITIATIVES TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK – RECYCLING CHAMPIONS •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER INITIATIV In 2017, the City of St. Louis Park launched a new program called Recycling Champions. This program engages residents who are enthusiastic about TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS g Cham• PARKS AND recycling and willing to share their time to educate others. The volunteers n i l receive training that delves into issues around recycling, and then are •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER INITIATIV yc given opportunities to share their knowledge throughout the community.

One of the ways they can get involved is to volunteer at community parks TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND and recreation events to help attendees properly sort their recyclable and compostable items from the trash. In 2017, Recycling Champions •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER INITIATIV played an important role in keeping the recycling clean at two major events in the city’s parks. Parktacular is the official kick off to summer TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND held at Wolfe Park each June and put on by the nonprofit Parktacular Inc. Strut Your Mutt is fundraiser walk put on by the nonprofit Best Friends to •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER INITIATIV support homeless animals. Both of these events had collection for both regular recycling and organics recycling (for food waste and compostable TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND foodservice items), and volunteers were integral to ensuring a successful outcome. These are examples of large special events where we have used •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER INITIATIV Recycling Champions.

TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER INITIATIV PLYMOUTH PARKS AND RECREATION – USA HOCKEY SLED CLASSICAND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING The Minnesota Wild•and Minnesota HockeyINITIATIV •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS VOLUNTEER held the eighth annual USA Hockey Sled Classic, presented by the NHL in November of 2017. The TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND City of Plymouth was proud to host the fourday event, which took at the PlymouthINITIATIV Ice •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • place VOLUNTEER Center (PIC) from November 16-19, 2017.

TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS PARKS The national tournament had a • record high of AND approximately 28 teams from the United States •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER and Canada participating with 330 players INITIATIV registered throughout the four day tournament.

TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS The majority of tournament logics (registration,AND rules, schedules, etc.) was organized by USA •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER Hockey, while Plymouth Parks & Recreation INITIATIV took the lead when it came to organizing and TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS scheduling volunteers. Nearly 500 volunteer AND hours were recorded for this four day event.

•ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER City volunteers assisted athletes by carryingINITIATIV equipment, helping with transfers from wheel TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS PARKS AND chairs to hockey sleds, greeting•Ice Center guests, operating scoreboards, and many more •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER INITIATIV assignments.

TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER INITIATIV TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER INITIATIV ALL 2017ANDAWARD WINNERS! TRATIVE OR CONGRATULATIONS MANGEMENT STRATEGIES •TO MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER INITIATIV TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND •ª PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS • SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS • VOLUNTEER INITIATIV 30 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org Fall 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 30 TRATIVE OR MANGEMENT STRATEGIES • MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • PARKS AND

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2018 MRPA CORPORATE MEMBERS

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2nd Wind Excercise Equipment 2ndwindexercise.com

Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. hkgi.com

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Anderson-Johnson Association, Inc. ajainc.net

Horizon Commercial Pool Supply horizonpoolsupply.com

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Anderson Race Management andersonraces.com

ISG is-grp.com

Becker Arena Products beckerarena.com

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Busch Architects, Inc. busch-architects.com

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VES

VES

VES

VES

VES

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LHB, Inc. lhbcorp.com

Bolton & Menk, Inc. bolton-menk.com

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Landscape Structures playlsi.com

Bituminous Roadways Inc. bitroads.com

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Kimley-Horn and Associates kimley-horn.com

CBS Squared cbssquared.com

Partnerships only work when it’s a “win-win” for everyone involved.

When working with an outside service provider, you should feel you’re being listened to and getting the best value for your investment. At Pernsteiner, we work with you to come up with solutions that stretch your marketing budget. We can even come up with solutions that don’t cost you anything at all.

REAL PEOPLE. QUALITY WORK.

• Branding/logos • Sponsorships • Event planning & event marketing • Advertising sales & design • Brochures & catalogs • Sales sheets • Exhibit graphics • Social media • Photography

McKinstry mckinstry.com Midwest Playscapes Inc midwestplayscapes.com Minneapolis Northwest Convention and Visitors Bureau mplsnw.com

Century Fence Company centuryfence.com Commercial Recreation Specialists crs4rec.com

Minnesota Wisconsin Playground Inc. mnwiplay.com

Custom Builders Inc. custombuildersmn.com

MOTI Sports, Inc. motisports.com

Custom Manufacturing Inc. inwave.com

MSA Professional Services, Inc. msa-ps.com

Fahrner Asphalt Sealers LLC fahrnerasphalt.com

MTI Distributing mtidistributing.com

Flagship Recreation LLC flagshipplay.com

Musco Sports Lighting musco.com

FlyOver America flyover-america.com

Northland Recreation, LLC northlandrec.com

Gopher gophersport.com

Nystrom Publishing nystrompublishing.com

Oertel Architects, Ltd. oertelarchitects.com Play & Park Structures playandpark.com RJM Construction rjmconstruction.com Safety First Playground Surfacing LLC safetyfirstplayground. com Sport Court North sportcourtmn.com Sports Technology Inc. sportstechnologyinc.com SRF Consulting Group Inc. srfconsulting.com St. Croix Recreation stcroixrec.com Stantec stantec.com TKDA tkda.com Ultimate Playgrounds ultimateplaygrounds. com USAquatics Inc. usaquaticsinc.com USTA Northern northern.usta.com Webber Recreational Design webberrec.com Wild Mountain wildmountain.com WSB & Associates, Inc. wsbeng.com

(952) 841-1111 • todd@pernsteiner.com

www.pernsteiner.com

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Fall 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 31

MINNESOTA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION 200 CHARLES STREET NE FRIDLEY, MN 55432

Coming soon to Riverfront Park in Wausau, Wisconsin…

• Inclusive/Accessible Playgrounds • Play Surfacing • Inspections by CPSI • Relocation/Repair • Exercise/Strength Training • Sport Courts • Shade/Shelter/ Site Furnishings

www.UltimatePlaygrounds.com (612) 460-PLAY • Andrew@UltimatePlaygrounds.com Based in Prior Lake, MN