MRPA Magazine - Fall 2021

MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 4 • FALL 2021

2021 RECOGNIZING MINNESOTA AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

ALSO INSIDE:

• Art Where We Play

• 2021 Annual Conference in Review • CorporateConnections: Specialty Product & Service Providers

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Publisher Minnesota Recreation and Park Association 200 Charles Street NE, Fridley, MN 55432 www.mnrpa.org Tel: 763.571.1305

Emerg ing Re c re L ea de rs Inst ation Novem itute 1 be L ast Se r 18 ssion

An affiliate of National Recreation and Park Association

Editorial Staff Michelle J. Snider Bethani Gerhard Editorial Board Scott Berggren, Crystal Jennifer Fink, New Brighton Lori Hokenson, New Brighton John W. Stutzman, Golden Valley Advertising Sales & Graphic Design Todd Pernsteiner Pernsteiner Creative Group todd@pernsteiner.com 952.841.1111 MRPA Board of Directors 2021 President: Chuck Stifter, Maple Grove President-Elect: Ross Demant, Otsego Past President: Chris Esser Secretary: Chris Fleck, Eagan Treasurer: Ben Boldt, Rochester RSC Chair: Jerome Krieger, Blaine East Metro: Lake Johnson, Roseville East Metro: Alex McKinney, Washington County East Metro: Reed Smidt, Woodbury Northeast Region: Tonya Love, Elk River Northwest Region: Marcia Larson, Bemidji Southern Region: Paul Peanasky, Faribault West Metro: Scott Berggren, Crystal West Metro: Nicole Gorman, Edina West Metro: Annie Olson, Minneapolis 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 Winter 2022 issue.................. December 23, 2021 Spring 2022 Issue..................... February 26, 2022 Summer 2022 issue...........................May 22, 2022 Fall 2022 issue..............................August 27, 2022 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 todd@pernsteiner.com.

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MRPA Annua l Conference 2022 October 11-1 4, 2022 Cragun’s Reso rt and Conference C enter Brainerd, MN

WATCH WWW.MNRPA.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION & UPDATES.

TABLE OF CONTENTS From the Board President...............................4 Member Listening Session Update...............4 MRPA in Action................................................6 Someone to Know: Jasmine Ellingson..........6 Keeping Up..................................................8-11 2021 MRPA Conference in Review.......... 12-13 MRPA Professional Awards...........................14 MRPA Corporate Members..........................15 MRPA Awards of Excellence................... 16-45 Art Where We Play Eden Prairie..........................................48-48 Bloomington........................................ 50-52 Eagan.................................................... 53-55 Hutchinson........................................... 56-57 A Style All His Own: Adam Turman....... 58-59 CorporateConnections...........................60-62

On the cover (bottom image): River Rapids painting in Eden Prairie by artists Liv Novotny and Ramon Madden

Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 3

FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

By Chuck Stifter, MRPA President

It was a great feeling to welcome back our members at the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference and Exhibit Hall. Two years apart was too long, so for me, the 2021 conference was particularly special. As always, the conference provided the opportunity to set aside our challenging work and gather with like-minded professionals to share in education, inspiration and camaraderie.

next year’s work plan. The Board also reviewed the 2022 budget proposal to ensure the Association is aligned for the next year.

We continue to seek ways to generate revenue as we recover from the past few years. The success of the conference and educational sessions continue to provide optimism. Your agency’s participation, whether planning, organizing or attending these opportunities, is key to the sustainability of a successful association.

This year, participation with over 300 members and 60 vendors matched pre-pandemic numbers and was a sign of good things to come. Thank you to the annual conference committee who organized and delivered an exceptional event. Thank you to Neelay Bhatt and Jo Saxton, our keynote speakers, who so powerfully shared the importance of building a culture of inclusion within our team and in our communities. And thank you to all who attended this valued event. It was great to see you all in person.

This publication of MRPA magazine focuses on the MRPA Awards of Excellence. This a wonderful showcase of the creative dedication parks and recreation professionals provide to their communities.

Check out this month’s issue to see the excellent work taking place throughout our great state. Congratulations to the more than 30 award recipients.

In October, the MRPA Board gathered at their regular meeting to hear from the member resources network, which is reporting on the member listening sessions. These sessions provided members, outside the structure of the Board, to share their ideas on the future of the MRPA. This feedback will help us in planning

Fall is quietly upon us and winter is coming - as it always does.

What a better state than Minnesota to get outside for the seasonal changes. There’s still some warm sunshine to be soaked up before we have to resort to the fireplace for some warmth.

Enjoy!

Chuck

Fall is quietly upon us and winter is coming - as it always does. What a better state than Minnesota to get outside for the seasonal changes.

MEMBER RESOURCES LISTENING SESSIONS UPDATE At the October MRPA Board of Directors meeting, the Membership Resources Committee presented their feedback and findings from recent member, non-member, and student listening sessions.

The listening sessions were conducted from March – October 2021 with a total of 47 participants. During the focus group discussions, participants were asked to provide perspectives and opinions related to MRPA’s focus, role, career development, and membership. Transcripts from the listening sessions were then analyzed by the Membership Resources Committee for themes in order to provide findings and recommendations to the MRPA Board.

The MRPA Board would like to recognize and thank the Membership Resources Committee for their leadership, time, and analysis to bring forward this important and relevant initiative.

Committee members are: • Carrie Anderson, Roseville • Brooke Burk, Minnesota State - Mankato • Janelle Crossfield, Brooklyn Center (Co-chair) • Carissa Goebel, Brooklyn Center (Co-Chair) • Kevin O’Brien, Faribault • Priya Tandon, Chanhassen

The emerging themes from the listening sessions focused upon (not in any particular order of emphasis): advocacy, communication, education, networking, and organizational structure. After hearing the findings of the listening sessions, the MRPA Board will next be analyzing and discussing these emerging themes at future meetings for enhancement and/or inclusion in the evolving Strategic Plan for 2022 and beyond.

The MRPA Board would also like to thank the professional members, non-members, and students who participated in the listening sessions. We have heard you, which will lead to future discussion, and ultimately action to develop and support the future of MRPA in service to our membership.

4 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

- MRPA Board of Directors

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Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 5

MRPA IN ACTION

MRPA Race, Equity and Inclusion Fall Workshop Almost 50 members attended the Race, Equity and Inclusion Fall Workshop, held virtually on September 14. MRPA extends a warm thank you to the MRPA Race and Equity Advisory Committee for securing the speakers, Radious Guess and Kori Shingles, who provided valuable information to members.

Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course and Exam The Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) program was held in-person from September 29 – October 1 at the New Brighton Community Center. The class had 25 participants, National Recreation and Park Association’s maximum enrollment during the pandemic.

The CPSI course is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods that is offered today. Advance reading and 15 hours of training prepares attendees to take the CPSI exam. MRPA plans to hold another in-person CPSI course and exam in March 2021.

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW:

JASMINE ELLINGSON

Jasmine Ellingson became interested in parks and recreation when she was quite young. “I grew up at the ball fields and then transitioned to being at the pool almost daily during the summer months,” Ellingson states. “I love to be active and train staff and Park and Recreation allows me to combine my passion for helping others and engage in my community.”

Ellingson is currently the aquatics recreation supervisor for Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation. “I started my career as a lifeguard at the City of Albert Lea,” she states.” I quickly realized that I loved what I was doing and what the job entailed. I became a manager at the outdoor pool and I again learned that I loved to help mold staff into finding their passion and love for aquatics and for teaching lessons. I transitioned to the YMCA and was there for almost 10 years before seeing the application for the City of Eden Prairie. Four years later, I still love what I do and the people I work with.”

Ellingson attended a few MRPA aquatics and program network meetings. “I knew I wanted to get involved more and it felt like a safe place to share and receive knowledge,” she adds. “I have been the aquatics chair the past year and have loved every second of it! I have met many aquatic professionals and have been able to continue to learn and grow in my position. It’s an exciting group to be a part of.”

Ellingson says MRPA is a great resource to be involved in because it provides members with diverse opportunities.

“Working as a chair, I’ve been able to see more behind the scenes of programming and the intense work that many wonderful professionals take part in to make these programs happen,” she adds. “The more involved you are, the more you will get out of this amazing group.”

MRPA has offered unwavering support in a very hard year for many, according to Ellingson. Parks and recreation has changed for her this past year. She states, “It went from being a profession that I enjoyed and saw others enjoying. Now I feel that park and recreation is what has kept many of us going in a very dark time. I have seen many professionals switch gears and offer innovative programming that we never thought we could, and it was such a success. Our community has responded to this and it has been rewarding to see this rejuvenated passion for parks and recreation. More families want to be involved and we will gladly continue to provide great programming for all!”

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.

6 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

KEEPING UP

Bill and Marcia Bach Retire After 50 years Marcia Bach retired in September 2020 and Bill Bach retired in September 2021. They both reflect over their long career. Marcia Bach states, “As a young girl growing up at Lynnhurst Park in Minneapolis, I became interested in parks and recreation. I spent a lot of time at Lynnhurst, participating in many programs.”

Marcia was very active in organizations, activities, and sports at Washburn High School. She knew it was the beginning of her career future. “I had worked at a summer camp throughout college, and my experience planning activities and working with youth was something that I wanted to pursue,” she states. “I was also on the homecoming committee at the University of Wisconsin, and was responsible for the homecoming dance, which was a huge undertaking. It was apparent to me that I enjoyed coordinating special events.”

Marcia started her recreation career as a recreation supervisor for Bloomington Parks and Recreation and then was promoted to assistant director. “I was passionate about providing meaningful experiences for the Bloomington community,” she states. “I then became the first executive director of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Northern Section and was able to build an organization from the ground up. I joined the USTA National staff as Tennis in the Parks Coordinator, combining my passion for tennis and parks. Tennis in the Parks was a collaboration with NRPA and the USTA, so I reported to both organizations.”

During the last ten years of Marcia’s career, she was at Crystal Recreation part-time.

“I loved my main role as supervising the Crystal Senior Center,” she says. “I also worked part time at the Jewish Community Center with the senior program and at Bloomington Parks and Recreation as the summer tennis coordinator. I continue to coordinate the Bloomington Parks and Recreation tennis program and am grateful for that opportunity. It brought my career full circle after starting the tennis program 50 years earlier!”

Bill Bach says he attended his first MRPA Annual Conference a week after working for Bloomington Parks and Recreation in 1970. “I appreciated the professional education and networking opportunities, and volunteered on multiple committees,”

as the local chapter and national Board for Women in Leisure Services. He considers it a privilege to serve the professional recreation organization over the years.

he states. “I have made lifelong friends through MRPA and encourage all members to get involved.”

Bill says, “My interest in parks and recreation stems from what recreation gave to me as a young boy. It provided me the interest and opportunity to participate and explore my two main interests of sports and music in a social, competitive, challenging and determined way. The fact that this passion turned into my lifestyle, finding the love of my life and wife because of recreation, is truly a full circle.”

Bill has had a full range of experiences with a career that spans 50 years. “I have worked in four municipalities, one non-profit and one commercial business,” he states. “I have been a recreation coach, recreation volunteer, recreation programmer for two senior citizen facilities, the executive director of a senior citizen non-profit organization, managed a one-of-a-kind park facility, and a vice-president of a commercial recreation business.”

Bill most recently was the facilities manager for New Brighton Parks and Recreation.

“I have been given the opportunity to experience recreation as a provider, developer, and user,” he says. “I am greatly humbled and awed more by what I don’t know and have not experienced in the wide and expanding universe of recreation.”

Bill was on the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation Board for 34 years, as well

Bill’s initial exposure to MRPA was as a student at St. Cloud State University.

“I remember how impressed I was with the way people seemed connected and had so much in common,” he says. “The state conference continued to capture my enthusiasm. I chaired the exhibit hall followed by co-chairing the conference during the Clifton E. French era. I was on the MRPA Board during the time the organization hired Jon Gurban as the first full-time director. I also served as chair of the membership committee. When my career changed to commercial recreation, MRPA provided another volunteer opportunity. I became a member of the first Leadership Academy steering committee.

My capstone experience was the involvement with the 2010 NRPA National Congress. I was the MRPA chairperson for the “Leave it Better” community project which created an inspirational playground along the Mississippi River in partnership with the Minneapolis Park Board and Landscape Structures.”

Bill’s immediate plans are to get away from a schedule. “I am not sure how long or successful that will be as I have a disciplined routine of exercise, volunteer activities, yard work and being a privileged full-time grandpa,” he adds. “As most people know I am married to a very active wife who does not leave a rock unturned. Marcia is still involved in tennis, and I suspect a few tennis tournament trips will show up on the calendar. I am project driven and have a few ideas that will immediately keep me busy around the house. After a break, I plan to look for a part-time job, possibly at a health club. Ultimately I intend to stay in shape, socially engaged and remain recreationally active!”

According to Bill and Marcia Bach, “We have much more time with our five grandchildren, ranging in ages three to 12. We love attending their baseball and hockey games. We enjoy walks and bike rides and getting together with friends. We look forward to some travel when times are safe to do so.”

Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 7

Get involved with Minnesota Recreation & Park Foundation! Let your membership work for you!

The Minnesota Recreation & Park Foundation (MRPF) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Minnesota by supporting recreation and parks through education, networking opportunities, programming grants, student and professional continuing education scholarships, and providing support to the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association.

Our primary objective is to support the education, innovation, and training of all recreation professionals and students.

Become a member of MRPF and enjoy these benefits: • Annual

donation 501(c)(3) tax benefit fees for MRPF sponsored trainings, programs & events • Access to Program Initiative Grants • Access to Education Grants • Student Scholarships • Professional Scholarships • Networking Events member rates • Fundraising Events member rates • Conference & Workshop/ Training Financial Assistance • Reduced

Visit www.mnrpf.org to learn more and to become a member.

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KEEPING UP

David Pribbenow Retires after 23 years at Faribault Parks and Recreation David Pribbenow recently retired from Faribault Parks and Recreation. “In my youth I was always in a ball program of some sort,” states Pribbenow. “During high school, I lived in a small town that did not have parks and recreation, but the neighboring town did. I got a job in their summer programs the summer of my senior year.”

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Pribbenow adds, “I attended Mankato State, now Minnesota State – Mankato, and received my recreation, parks, and leisure services degree. After college, I worked at Minneopa State Park for about ten years. During that time, I went back to school and worked on a master’s degree in sport management.”

Pribbenow was hired as adult recreation supervisor for Faribault Parks and Recreation 23 years ago. “I have so many good memories with working with youth and adult sports that picking one or two would be impossible,” he states. “But I must say, hopefully not offending any other park and recreation department, I have had the best co-workers anyone could ask for. These 23 years just flew by. And they all made my job so much easier.”

According to Pribbenow, he was fortunate to have a department that valued involvement in MRPA. “My supervisor Paul Peanasky always believed in attending workshops and serving on committees helped you to grow as a professional. I was involved in the Southern Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (SMRPA), the recreation sports committee (RSC), and the annual conference and awards of excellence committees. The staff at MRPA with Michelle, Deb and Bethani have been amazing to work with and their professionalism and their ability to connect to everyone is what makes them stand apart. Parks and recreation departments are lucky to have them.

Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do. It is appreciated by all.”

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Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 9

KEEPING UP

Apple Valley Names their new Splash Pad Bernstein Memorial Sprayground

Owatonna Parks and Recreation Receives a 100 Hometowns Project Grant

Dedication of the Barry Bernstein Memorial Sprayground was held August 21, 2021. City dignitaries, co-workers, parks and recreation colleagues, family members, and friends of the Bernstein family gathered at the Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center to honor the memory of Barry and his positive impact through parks and recreation. Barry served as director of parks and recreation for the City of Apple Valley from 2012 until his unexpected passing in March 2020. Prior to Apple Valley, he served in the cities of Hastings and Lino Lakes. Barry left behind in his office a tag line for us all, “Do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason.”

Owatonna Parks and Recreation is thrilled to be one of 100 projects that are the cornerstone of 100 Hometowns, an initiative to celebrate Lowe’s centennial.

Lowe’s received more than 2,200 submissions to the 100 Hometowns program, which invited people across the country to nominate their hometown projects in need. Owatonna Parks and Recreation is replacing their oldest play structure at Lake Kohlmier. The new playground is an inclusive, ADA-accessible structure that includes sensory and interaction features.

North Creek Park will be known as Distad Park and Greenway

Randy Distad attended his last City Council meeting as Farmington’s parks and recreation director in April of 2021. City Administrator David McKnight read a resolution that would rename North Creek Park as Distad Park and Greenway. The City Council approved the resolution unanimously. Distad’s last day with the city was April 30, 2021 when he completed 18 years as parks and recreation director.

Distad helped the Farmington parks and trails system expansion by making a goal and putting the plan in place. As the parks and recreation director, Distad made sure it came to fruition.

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2021 MRPA Annual Conference a Huge Success!

The MRPA Annual Conference and Exhibit Hall was held October 12-15, 2021 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center. MRPA is grateful for the outstanding work of the year’s Annual Conference Committee members.

MRPA says thank you to all the delegates, volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors of the 84th Annual Conference. The conference included 327 delegates, 62 exhibit hall participants, and 29 students. MRPA appreciates the support of this year’s sponsors, whose contributions marked an all-time high.

This year’s conference included the following new features: an opportunity for networks to meet; extended exhibit hall time; an annual conference app; and a livestream option that included session held in two rooms.

2021 MRPA Annual Conference Committee The Annual Conference Committee chairs and their committees have organized an excellent education opportunity for all delegates. This conference would not be possible without their time and dedication.

Conference Co-Chairs Aimee Peterson John W. Stutzman Program Committee Heidi Weiler Meredith Lawrence Rachel Mikel Stephanie Schutta Sam Murphy Exhibit Hall Committee Steve Anderson Michelle Margo Brooke Burk Lana Huberty Catering & Networking Events Committee Kelsey Coy Kelly Distad Amber Moon Peterson Ali Lukin

THANK YOU! MRPA Annual Conference 2021 Sponsors

Logistics Committee JJ Williams Aaron Thelen Scott Berggren Patrick Menton Digital Marketing Jenna Smith Volunteer Committee Angie Barstad Gina Robinette Kiley Rondeau Sponsorship Committee Nicole Gorman Nate Rosa Virtual Support Jacob Andersen Jessica Christensen Buck Chris Morrow Greg Simmons Seth Shanley

MINNESOTA R EC R E ATI O N & PAR KS M AGA Z I N E

WOMEN IN LEISURE SERVICES ZETA CHAPTER

Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 11

Photos by: Todd Pernsteiner, Pernsteiner Creative Group

MRPA 2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

12 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

MRPA 2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 13

Minnesota Recreation and Park Association’s

By Bethani Gerhard, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association

This years’ professional awards ceremony was held in conjunction with the MRPA Annual Conference at the Earle Brown Center on October 12, 2021. MPRA recognizes members and agencies that have made outstanding contributions to parks and recreation. Past MRPA president, Chris Esser, emcee’d the luncheon and distributed awards to the winners.

The Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award is MRPA’s award of highest distinction. The 2020 recipient for this award was Sandy Breuer, parks and recreation director for Washington County Parks.

The Jack Niles Award is presented to a male professional member with 10-plus years of outstanding service to the parks and recreation profession and to MRPA. The 2020 recipient was Nate Rosa with the City of St. Louis Park.

The Dorothea Nelson Award is presented to a female professional member with 10-plus years of outstanding service to the parks and recreation profession and to MRPA. The recipient was Nicole Gorman with the City of Edina.

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.

Chris Fleck, Eagan Parks and Recreation, and JJ Williams, Washington County Parks, received the Horizon Award. This award is given 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.

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 2020 recipient was Dale McCamish with Rochester Parks and Recreation.

The Tommy Johnson Award was presented to the City of St. Louis Park. The MRPA Awards Committee selected one “Award of Excellence” project to receive this award for best exemplifying the values that

Congratulations to all MRPA professional award recipients. MRPA extends a special thank you to Landscape Structures, Inc. for their generous support of the awards program.

Chris Esser, Nate Rosa, and Michelle Margo

Left to right: JJ Williams, Chris Esser, Sandy Breuer, Jason West, Mark Oestreich, Chris Fleck, Nicole Gorman, and Nate Rosa; (Dale McCamish not pictured - not in attendance)

Alex McKinney, JJ Williams, and Chris Esser

Chris Esser, Chris Fleck, and Jared Flewellen

14 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Chris Esser, Nicole Gorman, and John W. Stutzman

Chris Esser presents the City of St. Louis Park’s award to Jason West and Mark Oestreich

Professional Awards Sandy Breuer - MRPA Clifton E. French Award Recipient The Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award recipient for 2020 was Sandy Breuer, director of Washington County Parks. This award is the highest distinction presented to a person who has provided long and outstanding service to MRPA and the parks and recreation profession.

Breuer states, “I am grateful that the Randy’s (Randy Johnson and Randy Quale) encouraged me to get involved with MRPA early in my career. I have gained far more than I have given to the Association. When we serve on MRPA committees and/or the Board of Directors, it means we are away from work or home. Those at the office or at home, cover for us. Without my immediate family and all of my work families, I would not have received this award. I am so very blessed!”

Breuer says, “When I enrolled at Mankato State University, now MN State University – Mankato, I was planning to be a physical education teacher with a dance minor. I took a parks and recreation class and “voila”, I ended up switching my major; and I kept the dance minor.”

“As a young college student I volunteered at the National Parks and Recreation Association conference in Minneapolis,” says Breuer. “I drove from Mankato with other recreation students to stuff conference packets in the basement of the old Minneapolis convention center. This was my first introduction to a professional association.”

Left to right: Chris Esser, MRPA past president; Randy Johnson, former Apple Valley Park and Recreation Director; Sandy Breuer, Washington County Parks Director; and Randy Quale, former Bloomington Parks & Recreation Manager

“I got very involved in MRPA as a student at Mankato,” adds Breuer. “I was in the recreation club and was an officer. I did internships at the YWCA in Mankato and the YMCA in New Hope. Upon graduation, I took a position at the YMCA in Port Arthur, Texas. I then accepted a position at the YMCA in downtown Minneapolis and returned to Minnesota. My career turned to the municipal side as I worked for the cities of Apple Valley, Shoreview, Eagan and New Brighton. I have been with Washington County for four years.”

Breuer has been a member of MRPA since 1989. She served on the Board of Directors from 2000-2001 and again from 2009-2010. Breuer received the Dorothea Nelson Award in 2000, the MRPA Meritorious Award in 2005 and 2006, and the Presidential Citation Award in 2006.

“I have chaired, co-chaired or served on the aquatic section, facilities section, awards committee and conference committees,” says Breuer. “I have volunteered for many special events. One of my favorites has been working the Minnesota USSSA Hall of Fame Banquet for nearly 20 years.

Being part of MRPA led me to the many friendships I have today. I am grateful for the relationships and friends that I have gained by being part of this profession.”

Congratulations to Sandy Breuer for receiving this distinguished award, and for all her years of service to MRPA and the parks and recreation profession.

Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award receipt Sandy Breuer and family (left to right): Kollin Michels, Melanie Wagner, Cassidy Breuer, Sandy and Scott Breuer, Molly O’Day and James Wagner.

Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 15

2021 RECOGNIZING MINNESOTA AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

SPONSORED BY HIWAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

2021

HIWAY CREDIT UNION – WITH YOU ON THE ROAD OF LIFE Hiway Credit Union has been around for more than 90 years, since it was started in November, 1931 by employees from the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The credit union’s beginning was very modest, conducting business out of a cash box, while never losing sight of its purpose: to help members succeed financially.

Founded to serve the employees of the Minnesota Highway Department, thus Hiway Credit Union, Hiway has since grown the membership to include state agency employees, military service members, small businesses, individuals and families throughout Minnesota.

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In addition, Hiway Credit Union has supported the Minnesota Park and Recreation Foundation for years. Hiway’s association with the Foundation has led to a variety of beneficial programs through the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association, including the Awards of Excellence. MRPA extends a huge thank you to Hiway Federal Credit Union for their support of this awards program.

In 2021, Hiway was again named one of the Top 175 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. This is the eighth year in a row that Hiway has earned the distinction of being one of the state’s best employers.

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Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 17

By Bethani Gerhard, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association

Each year, MRPA recognizes Minnesota agencies or organizations for outstanding achievements. Congratulations to the 38 recipients of the MRPA Awards of Excellence for projects completed in 2020.

ADMINISTRATIVE OR MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES EDEN PRAIRIE – VIRTUAL MEMBERSHIP The pandemic forced the Eden Prairie Community Center to close for months and left many residents without the ability to participate in group fitness workouts and wellness activities. Many fitness-streaming services became available. Staff began to research with other municipalities to see what streaming services they were using, what worked, and then started up conversations with various vendors to see how this project could get off the ground.

After vetting multiple software vendors, Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation ultimately decided to utilize Microsoft Teams for this project since staff was familiar with it for overall operational functions during the pandemic. They were able to pair Microsoft SharePoint in conjunction with Microsoft Teams to have a customer-facing landing page for their membership platform.

THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT – 2040 SYSTEM PLAN The 2040 System Plan identifies Three Rivers Park District’s strategic priorities for the next 20 years, providing guidance for decision-making, resource allocation and focus areas. Facebook, Instagram, the Let’s Talk, Three Rivers online engagement site, and Mentimeter, as well as in-person options were used to engage community members and partners. The vision is that every person can connect with nature every day. The goal is to engage and embrace all people with respect, kindness, and dignity, as well as identify barriers and actively remove them. The plan is to offer something for everyone. Three Rivers Park District plans to lead their natural resources partners to identify and protect a system of natural resources to buffer and connect their parks.

They also plan to recruit and retain industry experts, invest in training and professional networking, and purposefully share their knowledge with others.

18 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

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MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS BEMIDJI – SOCIAL DISTANCING EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT VIDEOS The project goal was to communicate with the greater Bemidji Area during the pandemic the importance of safely using parks and trails.

The Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department (BPRD), in partnership with Visit Bemidji, created a fun way to involve community leaders in a marketing campaign to demonstrate activities and ways to use the parks, trails and amenities to the health and well-being of residents.

Although the focus was social distancing videos, BPRD also created social media posts, press releases, and flyers/posters and had a park steward. The park steward “patrolled” the parks in the evenings and weekends giving information and handing out Frisbees in a social distance appropriate manner. The videos were then posted on the Facebook pages, newsletters and Bemidji’s website. In addition, posters were placed in the parks.

SAINT PAUL – COMO LIVE: DIGITAL LEGACY LEARNING The pandemic changed the landscape of how zoos engaged the public. It became important to restructure visitor engagement and communications to a virtual format called Como Live: Digital Legacy Learning. The primary goal was to reach and engage the community with Como’s extensive plant and animal collection, while keeping people connected with the zoo and conservatory’s mission. To reach this goal, Como Live included daily talks that premiered live on the Facebook platform, allowing visitors to interact with real-time zoo, horticulture, or educational programming, getting an up-close view of plants, animals, and never before seen behind-the-scenes areas. This format allowed visitors to ask questions and re-watch video segments, creating a lasting library. Subtitles were also added to each video to make content accessible.

THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT – THE WANDERING NATURALIST PODCAST The overall objective of the Wandering Naturalist podcast was to promote environmental stewardship by exploring the natural and cultural history of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Wandering Naturalist podcast first launched in 2019 and is now beginning its third season of episodes. In 2020, popularity of The Wandering Naturalist increased substantially, as unique downloads increased from 20,000 in the first year to more than 30,000 in 2020. It offered a way for people to learn about and connect with nature even during the challenging circumstances of the pandemic.

The podcast also helped build awareness of the efforts to protect natural resources. They hoped it would prompt current park users to try a program or explore a new aspect of the parks, and that non-park users could choose to visit the parks and ultimately become park users.

20 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

WASHINGTON COUNTY – LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE WAYFINDING The wayfinding project was a comprehensive and systematic overhaul to re-do all trail-related signage at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, a 2,179-acre park with nearly 29 miles of trails. This project was designed to be a tool to gain a fundamental understanding of where they were within the park. In order to create a user-friendly experience, multiple avenues addressed wayfinding. In the end, over 200 new signs and maps were placed throughout Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Benches and bike racks were installed in order to create better user experiences. Signage was designed to be easily accessible throughout the park. Symbols highlighted uses, not words. This allowed park users with limited English, to know how they can utilize the trails and resources the park had to offer.

The top priority for the wayfinding project was to keep it simple for park users.

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Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 21

PARK & FACILITY BURNSVILLE – RED OAK PARK INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND AND BANKSHOT™ COURT As of 2020, the City of Burnsville did not have a fully inclusive playground. Recognizing this service gap, staff began the planning process to add an inclusive and equitable playground and Bankshot court to the park system. In fall 2020, the Red Oak Park inclusive playground became the first inclusive playground in the Burnsville park system. The Bankshot court became the second facility in the state and the first in the metro area. Bankshot™, a game that has been described as the “mini-golf” of basketball for players, is inclusive to all ages and abilities. The Red Oak Park playground was designed to be a place where all are welcome, providing opportunities for everyone to play, socialize and learn.

CRYSTAL – BECKER PARK REDEVELOPMENT

Photo: Flagship Recreation

Becker Park was developed to be a community gathering place for residents and visitors of Crystal to enjoy. The goal of the Becker Park redevelopment was to create a park that encouraged community gathering regardless of age, ethnicity, culture or ability. For many years, Becker Park consisted of two lit softball fields and a performing arts building. A public planning process took place and the decision was made to remove the softball fields and building. Based on public feedback, a large inclusive play area, interactive splash pad, and a performance area were built. To ensure inclusiveness and safety, the City of Crystal implemented various design elements.

The accessibility improvements, security cameras and addition of Wi-Fi were intended to make the park feel safe and inviting to people of all abilities and backgrounds.

22 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

PARK & FACILITY ELK RIVER – FURNITURE AND THINGS COMMUNITY EVENT CENTER In the fall of 2020, construction wrapped up and the new Furniture and Things Community Event Center opened.

Prior to 2020, the Elk River Arena was located on the same site with two rinks, The Barn, constructed in 1972 and The Olympic, constructed in 1996. The City council initiated a facilities task force in 2016 to research and propose options for the ice arena, activity center (for those 55+) and the Lions Park Center, all of which needed significant improvements. The task force recommended construction of a new multipurpose facility as a first option.

The council directed staff to prepare for a communitywide referendum on a multipurpose facility held during the 2016 general election. The referendum failed by 818 votes with 12,528 votes cast. The city has studied ice arena improvements for over 10 years. The increasing repair costs at the Activity Center and Lions Park Center resulted in the city identifying the need for a reinvestment plan that met expectations of residents. After receiving input at community meetings and reviewing options from the city staff, the Council voted to submit the Active Elk River plan for residents to consider.

Congratulations MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS Park and Facility Category City of Elk River Furniture and Things Community Event Center

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24 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

PARK & FACILITY ELK RIVER – WOODLAND TRAILS REGIONAL PARK UPGRADES Woodland Trails Regional Park consists of 427 acres dominated by oak woodland, wetlands and restored native prairie habitats. After achieving Regional Park status in August of 2016 by the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, a grant through the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment was applied to add additional amenities. The facilities constructed during the first phase of development included a large children’s nature play area, trailhead improvements and wayfinding signage, a picnic shelter, and upgrades to the existing biathlon range. The addition of the picnic shelter and nature-based playground enhanced the overall use of the park by providing for familyoriented activities drawing a larger demographic of users from the region.

Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 25

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NEW ULM – JOHNSON PARK IMPROVEMENTS In 2020, a major $1.4 million project with multiple elements was completed to enhance spectator experience and improve ADA accessibility at Johnson Park. The City of New Ulm invested in new play surface improvements, restrooms, a maintenance building, scoreboard, press box, dugouts, and a batting cage. The main front entrance improvements were a large mainentry gate, ADA compliant ramp, new ticketing room and service windows.

In addition, a new first and third base sunken viewing plazas were added, as well as a new, modern full-service concession stand near first base. The metal roof panels on the upper and lower grandstand roofs were replaced with a new, higher-grade commercial steel roofing product. In addition, a large, elevated observation deck along right field was added for spectator viewing and private functions.

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26 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

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Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 27

PARK & FACILITY RICHFIELD – OFF-LEASH DOG AREA AT ROOSEVELT PARK The off-leash dog area at Roosevelt Park project had several key goals and objectives as well as efficiencies built-into the plan.

The main goal was to create a dog park that is equitable for the whole community to enjoy and brings wellness to both pet owners and pets. The objective was to design a space that gives ample room for pet owners and pets to exercise and socialize. Both small and large dog areas were designed into the park so dogs can play safely with other dogs that are similar in size. The City of Richfield utilized an existing hockey and ice-skating area that was underused. The rink lights were replaced with LED lights to help save energy.

STILLWATER – NORTH AIPLE PARK MASTER PARK AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN The long-term goal for this project was to transform a 15-acre strip of land north of downtown Stillwater into North Aiple Park - a park that preserves and protects the site’s natural resources and offers low impact activities for park users. During the master planning phase, the objective was to engage the community and other agency stakeholders in identifying community needs. Software applications were then used during this planning process to include data analysis and 3D rendering software to aid the planning team in illustrating and evaluating potential developmental concepts. Social Pinpoint, an online engagement tool, was used to collect input from community members and stakeholders. Social Pinpoint enabled engagement efforts to continue and provided stakeholders with a critical method for contributing to, and participating in the planning process.

28 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

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PARK & FACILITY ST. LOUIS PARK - INTERPRETIVE CENTER BUILDING PROJECT The Westwood Hills Nature Center interpretive center building was designed to achieve net-zero energy, one of the first commercial buildings in Minnesota to do so. Sustainable, energy efficient technologies included geothermal heating and cooling, natural daylight harvesting, and solar energy. In the summer, the large roof overhang helps block direct sunlight, reducing electricity needs. The new building has increased visibility and the exhibit space was created separate from the programming areas, designated animal and raptor spaces. The creation of a large community gathering space and a much needed restroom, open to trail users outside business hours, were part of creating a highly functioning building. In addition, the unique butterfly roof design of the building invites nature in and people out while helping the building blend in with nature.

ST. LOUIS PARK WINS NRPA INNOVATION AWARD The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) presented their Innovation Awards and NRPA Spotlight Awards at the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference in September. The NRPA Innovation Awards recognize park and recreation agencies nationwide that have improved and strengthened their communities through innovative practices in park design, health and wellness, conservation and social equity.This year, City of St. Louis Park, Operations and Recreation department won an Innovation in Park Design Award for the Westwood Hills Nature Center Interpretive Center Building Project.

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PARK & FACILITY ST. LOUIS PARK - REC CENTER AQUATIC PARK ENTRY RENOVATION Since 1997, the users of the St. Louis Park Rec Center Aquatics Park had to enter through the front doors of the Rec Center to pay admission, and required staff to roll out of a large cart with the point of sale system. With the new design feature, the entrance renovation has addressed this concern by establishing a secure admission booth, providing the current safety measures for staff, as well as patrons personal information (such as credit card transactions) by accessing the ticket counter from inside the building. This new entrance design was almost solely responsible for allowing the operation during summer of 2020, due to the pandemic restrictions limiting people congregating indoors. Without this new renovation, the St. Louis Park Rec Center Aquatics Park would have had to substantially change how they operated.

THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT – MONARCH SINGLETRACK TRAIL AT CARVER PARK RESERVE Over the past decade, Three Rivers Park District has added singletrack trails at Elm Creek Park Reserve and at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve. Three Rivers Park District staff identified Carver Park Reserve in Victoria as a park as a possible location for a new singletrack trail. Carver Park Reserve contains more than 3,700 acres of land, making it the second largest park in Three Rivers Park District. Despite identifying Carver as a potential favorable location for a new trail, the Park District didn’t have immediate plans to construct a new singletrack trail there. Early in 2019, the Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners authorized Park District staff to negotiate a cooperative agreement with One-Track Mind Foundation. That agreement outlined the Park District’s and Foundation’s goal of partnering to design and construct a sustainable singletrack mountain bike trail within Carver Park Reserve.

CONGRATULATIONS CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK 2021 MRPA Award of Excellence Recipient for the Rec Center Aquatic Park Entry Renovation

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32 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

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PARK & FACILITY WINONA – LEVEE PARK BOULDERS The Levee Park Climbing Boulders are two fabricated boulders built for the purpose of bouldering - a technical rock climbing form where the climber is free of ropes. The idea of the boulders was first presented to Winona Park and Recreation by a local organization, Recreation Alliance of Winona, who helped advocate for outdoor recreation opportunities in the community. The boulders were installed side-by-side along the Mississippi River in the City of Winona’s picturesque Levee Park. Both boulders were made to look and feel as realistic as possible by using a material made out of recycled rubber resistant to cracking from the harsh winters. The climbing boulders have attracted a variety of users to a part of Levee Park that went somewhat unused in past years. People of all ages and abilities are able to climb in the same space.

WOODBURY - CARVER LAKE PARK BIKE PARK PLAYGROUND The off-road cycling trail at Carver Lake Park in Woodbury has seen a substantial increase in youth and family riders over the past five years, but the park and mountain bike trail system lacked an area specifically designated for toddlers and youth. A bike park playground could provide the ability to ride, practice skills, and have fun in a designated area separate from the main mountain bike trail. City staff researched ways to use a combination of soil stabilizers and red rock limestone aggregate to create a natural dirt, all-weather, trailriding surface. The trail surface has the natural dirt feel of the main mountain bike trail system, but sheds water and does not soften when it gets wet. The bike park playground is open to all riders, but the playground area and tot-track was designed specifically for the youngest riders to enjoy.

34 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

PROGRAMMING & EVENTS BLOOMINGTON – PROJECT P.L.A.Y Project P.L.A.Y. (Providing Leisure Activities for Youth) was created and implemented in response to the pandemic in 2020. With a large budget deficient and extreme restrictions to programming in Bloomington, new programs were needed to provide recreational opportunities that were fun, engaging, active, imaginative and inclusive for youth of all ages and abilities. Through Project P.L.A.Y. Bloomington youth have had opportunities to participate in programs, including a medallion hunt, pop-up soccer, take home summer camp kits, winter BINGO and more.

The quantity and diversity of programs, activities and events developed within Project P.L.A.Y were noteworthy. Nearly 30 unique programs were offered, providing 200 individual opportunities for recreation.

CRYSTAL – STORYBOOK TRAIL The Storybook Trail is a multigenerational activity that allows participants to enjoy physical activity, reading and nature at the parks in the City of Crystal. The pages of select children’s books are laminated, and then attached to wooden stakes along an outdoor park trail. At the end of the story, a sensory walk and painted kindness rocks related to the book, were added to enhance the experience.

Crystal Parks and Recreation utilized social media pages to spread the word about the Storybook Trail. The program goal was to promote literacy and physical activity, while exposing participants to new parks within the City of Crystal. In addition, the trail provides a free multigenerational activity for residents as a safe alternative to group programs.

Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 35

PROGRAMMING & EVENTS CRYSTAL, GOLDEN VALLEY, NEW HOPE AND ROBBINSDALE – VIRTUAL BIKE RODEO The Annual Bike Rodeo focused on bike safety and allowed participants to have their helmet properly fitted and bikes tuned-up safely, navigate their bikes through safety skills courses and have the opportunity to win prizes. Due to the pandemic, the Bike Rodeo was changed to a virtual format on May 7, 2020. The goal was still to provide bike safety knowledge to families, but instead of an inperson event, the cities of Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope and Robbinsdale collected bike safety videos, worksheets, and fun activities, and then uploaded them to a website for participants to view. In addition, staff created an online survey that participants filled out, which entered their name into a drawing for one of seven new bicycles. They partnered with CCX Media to live-stream a short video where staff announced the raffle winners, provided additional bike safety, and thanked the community partners. The Bike Rodeo website on Robbinsdale’s page was available for one week before the raffle drawing, and available for viewing after the event for another month.

BURNSVILLE – YAPPY HOUR Prior to creating the new Yappy Hour event, the City of Burnsville did not have any program or event offerings that were centered around animals. Burnsville is home to one of the most popular dog parks in the state with Alimagnet Dog Park. The goal was to provide an opportunity for dog park users, and dog lovers in general, to gather with other pups and pup owners at a dedicated time and in a dedicated space. The Yappy Hour event was a three-hour time period for people to could gather in the park where they know others would be there with their dogs, and to gather safely during a time when not many events were going on in the area. There were multiple safety protocols with proper spacing guidelines in place. To capitalize on the Yappy Hour name, two different food trucks were available and a local pub was on site selling alcohol. Many people attended and enjoyed being with others and their dogs in a safe environment.

36 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

PROGRAMMING & EVENTS EDINA – “DEAR EDINA” – A PEN PAL PROGRAM

EAGAN – HEART OF EAGAN The HeART of Eagan was an art on loan program created for residents to have a sense of place and engagement. These public art pieces created an accessible Art Walk in Eagan and were within the municipal complex. The goal was to increase the overall public art inventory within the City of Eagan, enhanced through public art on Eagan’s Art Block, and created a more concentrated opportunity for visitors to experience an enriching environment. An additional goal was to provide a cost effective way to provide this art in public spaces for the community to enjoy. Technology used throughout this project included Geographic Information System (GIS) technology that mapped the public art inventory so the community knew where the art was located.

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Communities County • Dakot rces Updates Natural Resou nnections: • CorporateCo Engineering & Architecture

Sculptures by artist Rick Graves: Meandering Connections (above), Maestro (below).

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ISSUE 2 VOLUME 16 |

The Edina Senior Center, Edina Community Education and the Edina Library came together to collaborate on an intergenerational Pen Pal Program as soon as businesses closed due to the pandemic and students began learning online. As screens started dominating activities at home for the youth, the goal of the program was to create an activity without a screen that still contributed to fostering one-on-one human connections while encouraging socialization during an isolating time for older adults.

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Minnesota Recreation & Parks Magazine Connects MRPA Professionals and Suppliers To see previous issues on MRPA’s new website, scan the QR code at right or visit www.mnrpa.org/Publications.

Park and Recreation Suppliers: Interested in information about advertising? Contact Todd Pernsteiner to learn about value-added packages at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 37

PROGRAMMING & EVENTS EDINA – RECTIVITY BOX Edina Parks and Recreation created the RECtivity Box to have recreation delivered to residents’ doors. Each month featured themed boxes to create something fun at home. A variety of boxes were available and catered to different age demographics. Edina Parks and Recreation offered three different types of boxes: art, youth, and everyone. The goal of the RECtivity box was to provide a convenient, easy way for people to participate in recreation activities at home. It has also provided Edina Parka and Recreation to stay connected with the community during a time when many of their programs and events were not feasible.

MAPLE GROVE – STUDIO AT THE SHOPPES – FITNESS, WELLNESS, PICKLEBALL AND INDOOR

GOLDEN VALLEY –HOMERECED: A NAVIGATIONAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY RECREATION Golden Valley Parks and Recreation focused on how to continue to provide recreation services for the community in a safe manner in March of 2020. HomeRECed: A Navigational Guide to Everyday Recreation was launched as a free daily program. Examples included a lava lamp craft, low impact exercises, virtual escape room, cooking recipes and tours of the police, fire, and public works buildings. It offered people an opportunity to follow online, utilizing their social media platforms to post videos and engage the public and the website to post written directions and a video library. This program will continue for residents even after the passing of the pandemic.

38 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Maple Grove recreation staff have traditionally offered many fall and winter recreation programs for the community to stay healthy and active.

With the restrictions and safety guidelines in place due to the pandemic, indoor programming was questionable.

With very limited access to school facility space, staff needed to get creative to find space that would allow for such activities in a safe environment. The Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Studio Space at the Shoppes was the creative solution. Securing the 17,000 square foot retail space allowed the team to move essential traditional fitness and well-being programming to this new location that otherwise would have been canceled. The large open space also allowed new pickleball programming, as well as a venue for the indoor Farmer’s Market.

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PROGRAMMING & EVENTS NEW BRIGHTON – MISSION POSSIBLE DAY CAMP The goal of Mission Possible – Distance Learning Day Camp was to provide a safe and fun place for kids to be during the day when not physically at school. With the majority of schools in Minnesota starting the 2020 school year in either a hybrid or full-distance learning model, the City of New Brighton saw a need to provide kids with the opportunity to socialize and recreate with their peers. The City had just provided care over the summer through the Ed-Ventures Day Camp program for 40+ children safely.

The City knew they could use the EdVentures model as the backbone to create a new care option for the school year.

OTSEGO – SANTA DAY, DRIVE-THROUGH STYLE

OWATONNA – ELF IN THE PARK – THE GREAT ESCAPE

At the end of 2020, Otsego Parks and Recreation created Santa Day, Drive-Through Style through their city public works shop. Various “stations” were set-up along the way, including the mayor, Mrs. Claus, Santa Claus and a live reindeer. Staff used an IPad to record a message that everyone could listen to through their radios in their cars. Holiday music was broadcasted through a radio transmitter and an electric sign was used to let visitors know what channel to tune to.

Residents could participate in an “Elfie Selfie” and submit photos of themselves driving through the event. Prizes were given out to the best photos. The event was promoted through Otsego’s website and social media pages. About 450 cars participated and drove through this event.

Elf in the Park was a program designed to get families into parks safely during the pandemic. The Elf on the Shelf “Timmy” escaped his home and traveled through the parks in Owatonna.

Families followed along on his journey by watching elf sightings on the Facebook page, and followed the picture clues to find out which park he was located in. Families would then take an Elfie “selfie” with Timmy’s sign and post to Facebook or send an emailed photo for a drawing for passes to the water park.

The goal was to increase interaction and participation at Owatonna parks and the Owatonna Parks and Recreation Facebook page, while offering a free program to the community.

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PROGRAMMING & EVENTS RICHFIELD – RECREATION VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING The robust Richfield Recreation Virtual Program had several goals along with technology that helped help guide efforts and initiatives.

By creating a wide-variety of virtual programming in a safe and accessible way during the pandemic, participants were both mentally and physically engaged. The program was free for all participants and accessible via phone, tablet, or computer, and included activities that kept people active. Multi-cultural programming was offered and when possible, programs were translated in Spanish. The virtual programming used internal staff and the use of grant funding to help keep costs minimal.

Richfield Recreation staff organized the program internally, utilized team and partner talents and was able to form connections with program participants in a safe virtual format.

SAINT PAUL – POP-UP TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM Saint Paul Parks and Recreation created the Pop-Up Technology program with the goal of engaging teens and exposing them to technology and STEM careers and as a proactive approach to decreasing juvenile crime.

Pop-Up Technology locations were determined in partnership with the Saint Paul Police Department using data to identify areas with higher rates of juvenile crimes. The Pop-Up Technology program utilized a mobile video game truck with flat screen TV’s, and comfortable indoor seating and paired it with a variety of remote controlled drones that teens could fly in the parks. The program was extremely popular at each of the 12 different locations.

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PROGRAMMING & EVENTS ST. LOUIS PARK – MOBILE ART WALKS In partnership with the St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts (FOTA), the City of St. Louis Park offered a program to engage citizens within a multi-level program. FOTA targeted artists to produce art pieces to place on display in the fall of 2020 in rotating parks.

The program goal was to engage local artists by providing an outlet to express themselves through artwork. The Mobile Art Walks added to community pride. The program created a safe and inviting atmosphere to entice the public to get out and be active during a pandemic and specifically during the winter months when people tend to stay inside more often. Social media was the driving force during the entire process, including calls out to artists to produce art pieces.

Social media pages also advertised the program and offered video tours for those who were not able to attend in-person.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – NATURE’S ART GALLERY A new program installed at Washington County Parks in 2020 was Nature’s Art Gallery, a way to see nature from an artist’s perspective. The goal was to encourage visitors to hike park trails while enjoying spectacular views and natural elements like they would in an art gallary. Natural elements were “framed” using simple black picture frames installed with metal stakes at regular intervals throughout a park trail. The location of the installations were selected to highlight areas of the parks that had unique features, stunning views, or quiet and reflective locals. The project was initially planned to include one gallery installation at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, to be on display for one week. However, due to the influx of positive feedback, the first gallery was extended for a second week and the program was eventually expanded to include a second gallery at Pine Point Regional Park and a children’s art gallery at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

Visitors are invited to share their photos on social media with the hashtag #WashCoNaturesArtGallery.

This project was created by Parks staff and independent curator Megan Arney Johnston.

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PARTNERSHIPS & SPONSORSHIPS EDEN PRAIRIE – BOO DRIVE THRU

Photos: FDan Reisig, City of Edina

Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation annually hosts a “Halloween on the Mall” event attended by 8,000+ residents. The event was traditionally held on October 31 at the Eden Prairie Center Mall and offered a safe, indoor opportunity for trick-or-treating plus a DJ, games and activities.

When it became certain that a large-scale event of this type would not be possible during the pandemic of 2020, department staff gathered to brainstorm ways for the community to celebrate Halloween and for families to have a unique, fun and safe experience together. What resulted was the “Boo Drive Thru” at Miller Park. It featured a number of in-car activities, as well as a trick-or-treating zone where local businesses and organizations set up drive-by booths and delivered treats to participants through their car window.

EDINA – PUMPKIN SMASH BASH In 2020, the City of Edina launched citywide organics recycling for its residents. The primary goal of the Pumpkin Smash Bash was to promote organics recycling, offer a fun family activity and provide a safe event during the pandemic. Edina Parks and Recreation partnered with the Edina Health Division, Vierkant Disposal and the Edina Fire Department to execute the event. The postHalloween event invited families to bring their pumpkins to a local park where they could have fun smashing and recycling their pumpkins.

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PARTNERSHIPS & SPONSORSHIPS FARIBAULT – HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS DRIVE-BY TREE DISPLAY Faribault Parks and Recreation has traditionally held an all-community ‘Hometown Holiday’ gathering in early December featuring Santa, movies on the big screen, live music, crafts, popcorn, cookies, hot cocoa, and carolers. However, due to the pandemic, staff decided to adapt the event to bring joy to their community during a dark time. They contacted local businesses to donate and decorate trees in Central Park. At the conclusion of the two-week Hometown Holidays Drive-By Tree Display, staff arranged with St. Vincent de Paul, a local food shelf, to donate the 24 trees and decorations. The main goal of this event was to provide a glimpse of joy in a time of uncertainty, while also benefitting local community members.

NEW BRIGHTON – COMMUNITY RESOURCE GROUP were portions of the community that were identified as vulnerable and most in need of resources and social interaction (older adults, low-income, individuals with physical disabilities, and immigrant populations). The goal was to establish social capital with the New Brighton residents by creating two-way communication and make sure that staff were available to respond to these needs. Staff was reassigned to the CRG. Utilizing existing data from parks and recreation programming, along with information from the City’s Public Safety incident database, staff began making calls to residents to make sure they had the necessities. This information was shared with the public safety department as a way to identify areas of concern before a need for an emergency medical response and provide residents information on the available grant and relief programs that were available. The City also created a resident hotline to respond to resident questions and needs as well as connect volunteers to those programs that could use assistance.

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PARTNERSHIPS & SPONSORSHIPS SAINT PAUL – YOUTHPRISE MEAL PROGRAM To address the growing food insecurity in Saint Paul due to the pandemic, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation partnered with Youthprise, the Sanneh Foundation and Arts Us to provide free meal service to families in need. Many children receive their breakfast and lunch at school, but when schools closed, there was a large gap.

The meal program provided curbside meal pickup for Saint Paul families in need at seven locations. Recreation centers in areas of high concentrated poverty were identified to increase the impact and serve those most impacted by school closures and food insecurity. Each meal bag contained seven dinner meals and seven snacks, including fresh fruits and vegetables, juice, a variety of sandwiches, crackers, cheese, and milk.

VOLUNTEER INITIATIVES ROSEVILLE – SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTING THE NATURAL RESOURCES STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM DURING THE PANDEMIC Roseville Parks and Recreation has a long history of volunteerism. In 2014, the City undertook a $1.5 million comprehensive Natural Resources Restoration Program to revitalize and maintain Roseville’s public natural resources. Over the past couple of years, the program began to transition from the initial staff-led program to more volunteer-led program. When the pandemic hit, the success of the program was very much in doubt.

Staff recommitted to figuring out methods to safely engage volunteers in the Natural Resources Stewardship Program. This recalibration established new goals for 2020 to ensure that any events and activities that were held were safe and exceeded CDC/MDH guidance for safety measures. The goals were to engage with as many volunteers as possible during safe events, and maximize the number of contacts with volunteers instead of total hours worked, as multiple contacts were more likely to yield long-term engagement.

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i t v a e e Spaces r C :

y a l W t r here W e P A PUBLIC ART STIMULATES CREATIVE THINKING AND BRINGS VIBRANCY TO GATHERING SPACES

River Rapids path in Eden Prairie by artists Liv Novotny and Ramon Madden

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Eden Prairie Makes Art Part of the Landscape

By Jes Schrom, Supervisor, Arts & Events, Eden Prairie Art Center

The City of Eden Prairie is committed to supporting public art and community-based programming to support creative expression, spark dialogue and reinforce a sense of community.

In June 2017, the city received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for creative place making projects and the Rotating Sculpture Series was created. In 2018, the series focus moved from only sculpture to a wider array of media to include installations, murals, projections, and temporary art.

The title of series changed to the Rotating Art Series to reflect the shift in focus.

The city puts out an annual call for Minnesota artists to submit work or proposals to be on display for one year in strategic locations across Eden Prairie. The city looks for innovative artists to display existing work, create new work, or propose a purposeful art happening for the series. Artists retain ownership of their work unless the nature of the work prevents it or they choose to donate it to the city. Physical artwork must be appropriate for Minnesota’s extreme weather if exhibited outdoors; there are a few indoor locations that may be used for installations or art happenings.

All proposals are reviewed by various city staff, local artists, and residents. Artist and project selection is based on artistic merit, safety, durability and relationship to the site.

For more information on the series, visit edenprairie.org/ publicart or email jschrom@edenprairie.org.

RIVER RAPIDS Artists: Liv Novotny and Ramon Madden River Rapids has turned part of the walking path around Staring Lake into the mighty Mississippi. This ground mural is designed so viewers can imagine themselves in the ecosystem and interact with it. Along the river there are rocks, white water, local vegetation, fish, bugs, and mammals. It starts with a bog then flows into a beach, shallow water, then deeper water, and finally the rapids. The water collects to form a waterfall at the top of the playground’s slide, so children can picture themselves sliding down. Pick out your favorite scene, animal, seashell, let your imagination run wild! This mural is a permanent installation as part of Eden Prairie’s Rotating Art Series.

For more information on the artist, visit livnovotny.com or check out liv.novotny on Instagram.

Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 47

THE GOAL OF EDEN PRAIRIE’S ROTATING ART SERIES IS TO INFUSE ART INTO THE NATURAL SURROUNDINGS AND PUBLIC SPACES OF THE CITY.

Eden Prairie continued…

FIRST PERSON PLURAL (WE) Artist: Cadex Herrera First Person Plural (We), is a project centered in recognizing the contributions and stories of immigrants from various parts of the world residing right here in Eden Prairie. First Person Plural (We) is an effort to honor their stories and journey as they established a life for themselves and their families in the United States and the impact that they have had through their efforts and determination to overcome adversity and fulfill their dreams to be a part of Eden Prairie’s history.

The installation consists of 8’ x 8’ photographic portraits actualized by using various black dots which represent community, mobility and representation on a white background.

This is accompanied by the participants’ narratives which are available on the Eden Prairie Rotating Arts Series web site.

First Person Plural (We) is on loan from the artist and is part of Eden Prairie’s Rotating Art Series, which infuses art into the natural surroundings and public spaces of the city.

For more information on the artist, visit cadexherrera.com.

48 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

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Community Mural Highlights Diversity in Bloomington

By City of Bloomington Staff

The City of Bloomington collaborated with the firm Ua Si Creative to create one of the longest murals in Minnesota. The new mural, titled WE, is located in the city’s South Loop District on the 9,000-square-foot walls at the corner of American Boulevard and 30th Avenue South.

engagement with the community resulted in a captivating mural that highlights stories, enhances the walkability of the area, and contributes to the vibrancy of the South Loop,” said Alejandra Pelinka, Bloomington’s director of creative placemaking.

“We are so pleased to announce that a stakeholder panel selected Ua Si Creative as the curator and producer of the WE mural in South Loop. Ua Si’s thoughtful process for artist selection and coordination, approach to the theme, and

Ua Si Creative is a collective started by Ka Oskar Ly, Christina Vang, and Teeko Yang that promotes culture, creativity and play to create meaningful experiences. Ua Si was selected by the City of Bloomington and Artistry (a Bloomington independent

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Photos: City of Bloomington

Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 51

theater and visual arts nonprofit) to curate and produce the South Loop mural in 2019, but had to hold off the execution of the project until COVID-19 restrictions eased.

“Art deepens connections between people and places by intersecting culture and creativity. We were excited to partner with the City and Artistry to bring this vision to life and are hopeful this will inspire more community-powered investments for the wellbeing of local residents,” said Ka Oskar Ly, Ua Si co-founder.

The theme of the mural, titled WE, reimagines the South Loop of Bloomington – past, present and future. South Loop is a place that houses many things, including intersections, creativity, diversity and growth. The mural intertwines narratives, roots and futures by intersecting differences and commonalities.

Our truths, validated through experiences, live in our bodies, our words, our actions. These realities have pushed us together yet apart, breaking our spirits, searching for hope.

WE find common ground when we listen, empathize and share stories. WE is a mural tapestry weaving the abundance of these narratives as depicted by local BIPOC and womxn artists.

Selected artists executed the mural from August to September, and a Sunset Block Party was held on September 18 to celebrate the completion of the mural.

For more information, visit blm.mn/southloopmural or contact 952-563-8744 or placemaking@bloomingtonmn.gov.

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WE Artists: (back row, left to right) Martzia Thometz, Thomasina Topbear, Marlena Myles, Xee Reiter, Andres Guzman; (front row) Reggie LeFlore.

Eagan Showcases Art Throughout the Community

By Tanya Mozingo, CPRP, Recreation Manager, City of Eagan

The City of Eagan’s robust public art program features large installations, art benches, community art and art on loan. With an inventory of more than 30 artworks, visitors find something that delights all around town.

WOODHAVEN INSTALLATION In Eagan, parks and recreation opportunities are for everyone! Our team is continually challenging ourselves to take the next step in creating spaces for everyone. And engagement, listening, and being creative are at the heart of how we do that.

We know kids (and adults) learn through both play and creating. That’s why when we created Destination All-Play at Woodhaven Park, as an inclusive space allowing everyone, young and old, and all abilities, we encompassed art into the parks design process.

Through engaging kids, families, and local artists, we incorporated beautiful art at Woodhaven Park that is calming, simple, and joyful, and is also sensitive to potentially triggering colors or designs. With this mural, which was designed and installed by a local GoodSpace Murals, and painted by children and adults in our community, we added an additional enhancement to this amazing park.

Fall 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 53

ART BENCHES The most relaxing way to enjoy art in Eagan is to visit one of the four new art benches that are being installed in 2021.

Since 2017, the City of Eagan has installed 20 art benches across the City, in parks and public spaces, that add to our community’s sense of place, while also creating ways to relax, observe, and connect. We’ve created a collaborative process for creating art benches, where we work with the local arts community to interview and commission local artists to create these functional art pieces for the benefit of our entire community.

The art benches being installed in 2021 include a piece at Northview Park, which is the largest tennis complex in the City and the home courts of the Eagan High School tennis teams. We also installed an art bench at Henie Pond, which

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The city’s website features an interactive map showcasing public art installations.

reflects the adjacent dock and fishing access unique to that park. A bench created for Patrick Eagan Park’s depicts a sense of Minnesota’s nature. The final bench will be installed later in 2021, at Sky Hill Park, is scaled and contoured to integrate with the existing landscape while its innovative and unique form makes new connections with nature’s diverse creatures imagined in the park’s overhead clouds.

Eagan continues to invest in and grow our public art inventory throughout our community in our park system by adding functional art, large pieces, and rotating art on loan through the City’s HeART of Eagan program. More information about Eagan’s public art is available at cityofeagan.com/public-art.

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Hutchinson Sculpture Stroll Expands

By Justin Beck, board president, Hutchinson Public Arts Commission

Founded in 1855, Hutchinson was created by a creative, musical family that originally set aside 15 acres for parkland. Today, the city is home to 13 rotating sculptures and 15 permanent pieces. Most of the sculptures are in one of the 41 City Parks, or nestled along the Luce Line Trail and Crow River.

In 2013, the Hutchinson Public Arts Commission created the Sculpture Stroll as a way to showcase work from artists and to beautify public spaces.

The Sculpture Stroll has grown; initially featuring 6, now 13. In 2021, the Sculpture Stroll added four movable blocks that are designed to showcase smaller sculptures on the newly renovated Main Street (State Highway 15). The new blocks have expanded the Sculpture Stroll’s artistic reach by creating spaces for smaller scale artwork.

Artists apply each year and pieces are chosen by the Public Arts Commission. The sculptures are juried in based on artists merits like creativity, ingenuity, material, durability, and cohesiveness with the environment where it will be displayed.

“It’s important to make sure that the piece fits the local environment, for example in 2021, we placed Shark! along the river. It almost feels like it came out of the water.” shared Morgan Baum, Public Art Commissioner. “Last year we had more than fifty applicants for our thirteen spots. Our Stroll is one of the best in the state and the caliber of the artists goes up every year.”

To learn more about the free Hutchinson Sculpture Stroll visit: https://hutchinsonpublicarts.com/

Metamorphosis by Hilde DeBruyne

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Fluid Connections by Ryan and James Pedersen

Reflective Moments by Ruth Gee

Mod Pod by Gail Katz

Gaia by Karman Rheault

Time to Fly by Kyle Fokken

Shark! by Dale Lewis

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A Style All His Own AN INTERVIEW WITH BELOVED MINNESOTA PUBLIC ART CREATOR, ADAM TURMAN

By Todd Pernsteiner, Pernsteiner Creative Group

When it comes to well-known Minnesota artists, one person surely comes to mind. You’ve likely seen his work in locations across the state – on walls, bridges, and at the State Fair. We talked to Adam Turman about his favorite public art projects and solicited advice on the best ways to work with an artist when considering a public art project.

TP: Give us some background on your education and career path.

AT: I hold a BA in Graphic Design from the School of Design, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. During school, I loved courses about the theory of design, art and design history, and color theory. Each course formulated a great base to be able to create my own style.

The most important time though, was inspiration and constructive criticism from fellow students, it provided a challenge to do the best possible work.

TP: What have been some of your favorite large-scale, public art/ community based projects?

AT: The most recent public art project with the City of Northfield for the Hwy 246 & Jefferson Pkwy pedestrian tunnels was an amazing experience from start to finish, and a joy to be a part of the community. This project had a very well-organized RFQ detailing the exact project scope, artwork theme and criteria. A selection committee, led by one liaison, was a part of each art approval process.

On another project, working with Three Rivers Park District Hyland Hills Teen Council for a mural at the Ski Chalet was also a dream. The Teen-led committee was well organized, engaged and knew exactly what they wanted. This group sought out my creative style specifically to express their vision for the mural.

Working in partnership with Three Rivers Park, Adam created signage for the regional trails wayfinding signs and intersections.

Saint Paul Palace Community Center mural by Turman Artwork Company

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Cuyuna Lakes is home to a series of murals, all depicting various historic and outdoor activities to do in the area.

Turman’s most recent public art project with the City of Northfield for the Hwy 246 & Jefferson Pkwy pedestrian tunnels. The project involved a series of four tunnels, each representing a biome of the Northfield area – a total of 16 illustrations.

TP: What arrtistic medium(s) do you use to create your art?

AT: The sky’s the limit! All of my work starts with a custom sketch that is finalized to digital artwork and can be transformed into any media required. Most recently this has been painted murals, sculptures of fiberglass, and printed vinyl graphics. My other primary mediums are original screen prints and mixed-media paintings.

TP: What is the best way for a park and recreation agency to get you the details for a new public art project? Do you meet with them to create a creative brief?

Prefer an RFP? AT: The best way is to contact my studio directly, or send an invitation to apply to a Request For Qualifications. Note, not a Request For Proposal. The best projects are led by the people who will appreciate

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the work I am hired to create (RFQ). I am not an artist who will dictate the project or who will work on speculation (RFP).

Ideally a committee or board has created an outline of the artwork theme they would like for a project.

TP: How far in advance should a community agency approach you for a new public art project?

AT: This will depend on the scope of the project (mural vs large sculpture) and can be anywhere from six months to a year (considering fabrication).

Consider the size of the project, consider the material requested - who is going to be the point person of the project? Do the research, ask questions. So many public art projects require the artist to provide concepts, image revisions AND materials for their work without understanding the costs involved. Small budgets for large projects are oftentimes eaten up by materials alone.

TP: What are some challenges that make public art difficult to accomplish?

TP: How should a community budget their project? Are there any general rules of thumb?

AT: Similar answer to the above question but with the addition of time. Wanting a public art project for a 75th anniversary this summer and soliciting RFQs in March is too late.

AT: Public art projects are very similar in construction projects that require budgets and bids and Project Management.

You can see samples of Turman’s work at www.adamturman.com.

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All Corporate members will be contacted to be included in one issue according to their market specialty.

60 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

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Helping Communities Make Art a Part of Our Every Day Adam Turman’s bold illustrations riff everyday icons with stylized takes on everything from the BWCA to Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. His work celebrates a distinctive Minnesota love of the great outdoors.

Adam’s murals can be found throughout the Midwest, and his screen prints in private collections world wide. He and his team work with Minnesota communities to help them make art a part of our every day.

Turman Artwork Company, www.adamturman.com

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Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours and Canoe & Kayak Rental The St. Croix River is one of the cleanest and most beautiful riverways in the country. Enjoy the worldfamous dalles and rock formations and learn a little history with a narrated tour aboard one of the authentic paddlewheel boats with Taylors Falls Boat Tours. Then, appreciate the serene nature of the valley with a peaceful paddle downriver with Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental and return shuttle to your car.

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A Fresh Name in Sport Surfacing – ATE Recreation Sport surfaces and recreation equipment are a significant investment. Fortunately, proper maintenance significantly extends their longevity. ATE Recreation is there not only at the ribbon cutting, but also throughout the life of a facility to ensure that sport surfaces and equipment are professionally maintained. We have the expertise to construct new courts and equipment, and the flexibility to be there for annual maintenance.

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62 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

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