MRPA Magazine - Summer 2022

MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 3 • SUMMER 2022

Breathing New Life Into Gathering Spaces Transformed Community Recreation Centers and Facilities

MRPA 2022 CONFERENCE GUIDE INSIDE!

ALSO INSIDE: • Mississippi Gateway Regional Park • Record Rise in Regional Job Vacancies • Creative Sourcing Strategies

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MINNESOTA RECREATION & 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 Scott Berggren, Crystal Jennifer Fink, New Brighton Lori Hokenson, New Brighton John W. Stutzman, Golden Valley

Regis ter today!

2022 UPCOMING EVENTS

MRPA MN -USSSA Tourname nts Various dat es & locatio ns throughou t the summ er Details at m nusssa.com

Emerging Recrea tion Leaders Institu te (ERLI) 2 Fall 2022 Locations and da tes TBD

Advertising Sales & Design Todd Pernsteiner Pernsteiner Creative Group todd@pernsteiner.com 952.841.1111 MRPA Board of Directors 2022 President: Ross Demant, Wright County President-Elect: Jerome Krieger, Blaine Past President: Chuck Stifter, Maple Grove Secretary: Annie Olson, Minneapolis Treasurer: Ben Boldt, Rochester RSC Chair: Scott Heitkamp, Burnsville East Metro: Andrew Pimental, Eagan East Metro: Becky Sola, Shoreview East Metro: Reed Smidt, Woodbury Northwest Region: Marcia Larson, Bemidji Southern Region: Joey Schugel, St. Peter West Metro: Nicole Gorman, Edina West Metro: Mike Ramirez, Brooklyn Park West Metro: Jason T. West, St. Louis Park This magazine is the official quarterly publication of Minnesota Recreation and Park Association and is provided complimentary to members as part of their MRPA membership. The editorial board encourages the submission of articles and photos for publication by agency members.

Articles of approximately 500-700 words or less may be submitted, but may be edited for length and clarity. Contact Michelle Snider, MRPA, at 763.571.1305 x100 if interested in submitting an article for a future issue.

Articles and Advertising Deadlines Fall 2022 issue .............................. August 27, 2022 Winter 2023 issue................... December 28, 2022 Spring 2023 Issue .............................March 2, 2023 Summer 2023 issue ........................... May 22, 2023

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS From the President ............................................ 4 MRPA in Action ............................................... 6-7 Keeping Up ......................................................... 8 MRPF Corner .....................................................10 MRPA Flashback................................................11 College Updates ..........................................12-13 MRPA Conference Guide ............................17-28 Record Rise in Regional Job Vacancies ...34-36 Creative Sourcing Strategies.....................38-39 Breathing New Life Into Gathering Spaces Lino Lakes ................................................ 41-43 New Ulm ...................................................44-49

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.

Plymouth ..................................................50-55 Minneapolis .............................................56-57 Mississippi Gateway Regional Park ..........58-61

On the cover: New Ulm Recreation Center Photo: RJM Construction

2022 MRPA Corporate Members ................... 62

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 3

FROM THE PRESIDENT

By Ross Demant, MRPA President

On the Road: Nisswa Parks and Recreation As I continue my quest to get to know more about those parks and recreation departments that many people may know little about, I got a chance to catch up with Amber Moon Peterson with Nisswa Parks and Recreation. If Amber’s last name sounds familiar, well it might. Amber is a secondgeneration parks and recreation director.

Her father, Dolf, is the retired director of Hutchinson Parks, and Recreation and Community Education.

Amber has been the director for Nisswa Parks and Recreation since 2020. Prior to the director position, she worked at the Hallett Community Center in Crosby, Minnesota for four years. Amber is also proud graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato with

a degree in recreation, park, and leisure services.

The City of Nisswa lies within Crow Wing County and is part of the Brainerd Lakes Area with a population of approximately 2,200. Nisswa is home to two school districts and works closely with its Chamber to host all their special events.

The parks and recreation department is comprise of two full-time staff and up to 4 seasonals. These staff do everything from taking care of the 21 miles of the Gull Lake Trail, community center, and community park to running up to 30 annual programs from senior fitness to summer nature camps. In my conversation with Amber, she stated the

MRPA is a great way for her to stay up to date on current trends and to network with other professionals across the state.

The future of Nisswa is also looking bright!

Amber is currently work with HKGi to create the Department’s first system wide masterplan which will help steer the further development of the City for many years to come.

Stay tuned to the fall issue when I take my adventures to the southern part of the state!

Jeff Heroux (left) and Amber Moon Peterson (right)

DONATING TO MRPF HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER! 1. Shop for your Amazon purchases at smile.amazon.com.

2. Designate Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation as your beneficiary.

A portion of your purchase proceeds automatically go to MRPF!

4 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

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MRPA IN ACTION

Someone You Should Know: Aaron Thelen RECREATION SUPERVISOR, CITY OF NEW HOPE Aaron Thelen has always enjoyed being outdoors, playing sports and being active. “Growing up, I was the kid who always organized the activities and sports for people to play,” says Aaron Thelen, recreation supervisor for the City of New Hope.

“Even when I was young, I knew I wanted to pursue some sort of education or sports degree working with kids.”

director and at the University of Northwestern – Saint Paul as an assistant women’s soccer coach.

“By gaining more work experience and learning more about different programs, I soon realized there were jobs in parks and recreation,” states Thelen. “I knew what I wanted to pursue.”

He adds, “I accepted my first parks and recreation position as a recreation programmer for the City While in college, Thelen took a of Arden Hills and worked there philosophy course and heard a quote Aaron Thelen (left) and his family for a little over two years. In 2017, I from the philosopher Confucius: accepted the recreation supervisor “Choose a job you love and you’ll for the City of New Hope, overseeing youth programs, adult never have to work a day in your life”. Since then, Thelen has really programming and special events.” resonated with that quote. “I believe parks and recreation is where I’m supposed to be,” he states. “Yes, there are days that may be Thelen became a member of MRPA when he started working for busy or hard, but I love what I do and love going to work every day.” the City of Arden Hills. “MRPA does a fantastic job in providing networking opportunities through the annual conference, various Thelen graduated from the University of Northwestern – Saint Paul workshops and other events,” says Thelen. “Over the years I have with a degree in physical education and health education. “I soon volunteered on the annual conference logistics and programming came to the realization that I did not want to teach in a classroom committees, attended the Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute setting,” he says. “I knew I still loved programming and working (ERLI), and was the past programming network chair. with kids, but I wasn’t sure what that looked like in a full-time position.”

“Through MRPA I have gained a lot of experience, met new colleagues, friends and am very thankful for all that MRPA does for Thelen ended up accepting a full-time job working in another our profession,” adds Thelen. “I am so thankful to be part of parks field and then over the years he picked up a few part-time and recreation, and am passionate about creating activities and athletic positions. He worked at the YMCA as a sports instructor, events that bring joy and bring people together in a community.”

Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS) as an athletic tournament

THANK K YOU TO OUR 2022 MRPA NORTH STAR PARTNERS

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MRPA IN ACTION

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

The teaser episode was launched the beginning of June. Visit mnrpa.org/podcast to listen to the episode.

Hosts Bryce Shearan and Meredith Lawrence discuss everything parks and recreation throughout the entire state of Minnesota, including the latest MRPA news and events and what’s going on in your association.

New MRPA Member Forums MRPA’s new member forums launched in mid-June. Members received an email directly from the MRPA website with their unique password.

To login, visit the MRPA homepage, or the forums page under the membership tab on the website. Members can subscribe to the forum(s) at www.mnrpa.org/Forums This site is provided as a service for the members of MRPA. To ensure the best experience for all members, please visit the forum rules and etiquette on the MRPA website.

Please reach out to MRPA with any questions at 763.571.1305 ext. 109 or gerhard@mnrpa.org Thank you for your contributions!

Thank you to the Podcast Pack: • Jamie Anderson, Bemidji • Nicole Gorman, Edina • Sierra Hietala, Little Canada • Jeffrey Johnson, New Brighton • Meredith Lawrence, Mendota Heights • Tonya Love, Elk River • Bryce Shearen, Little Canada •

Reed Smidt, Woodbury

We are grateful for our MRPA On the Air podcast sponsors, Landscape Structures and Flagship Recreation.

MRPA Mentorship Program 2022 The MRPA Mentorship Program was offered again this year from January to May 2022. This program was sponsored by the MRPA Young Professional and Student Network and the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation.

The MRPA Mentorship Program was formed to help park and recreation students and professionals grow professionally in the field through meaningful connections.

It enables students and professionals newer to the field to be paired with a distinguished professional for an experience that will last a lifetime.

There were approximately 24 mentor / mentee pairs for the program’s second year. A special thank you to mentorship committee members John Stutzman, Meredith Lawrence, Jenna Smith, and Jessica Christensen Buck.

At right: Sierra Hietala, mentee, City of Little Canada, and Tracy Peterson, mentor, City of Edina

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 7

KEEPING UP

Saint Paul Receives #2 Ranking The City of Saint Paul was again named one of the best city park systems in the nation by the Trust for Public Land. The ParkScore index measures park systems according to five categories: equity, access, acreage, investment, and amenities.

According to the City of Saint Paul’s website, they are proud of the progress they have made providing access and investment in Saint Paul, and the steps taken towards leveraging their effect on climate. They will continue to strive for improvement and to strategically invest in areas that have been historically underserved, or are experiencing rapid population growth, to further meet the needs of all who call Saint Paul home. To learn more about the Trust for Public Land ParkScore index, visit tpl.org/parkscore

National Park and Recreation Professionals Day As part of Park and Recreation Month, National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is celebrating Park and Recreation Professionals Day on Friday, July 15. This is a day to rise up for all the dedicated professionals who build strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.

On July 15, NRPA encourages all park and recreation agencies to host an event celebrating their staff. Be sure to share how you’re celebrating on social media by tagging NRPA and using #RiseUpJuly and #NRPAParkandRecDay! Promote the celebration in your own community and create a tribute to those who selflessly deliver high-quality experiences and opportunities and keep our parks clean, safe, welcoming, inclusive and ready to use. Park and Recreation Professionals Day originally began with the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) as a statewide celebration in 2019, and NRPA is taking it nationwide again this year.

8 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

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MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 9

FOUNDATION CORNER

Foundation Board Busy Planning for Fall

By Elizabeth Owens, MRPF Communication’s Liaison The MRPF Board has been busy creating new fundraising opportunities, reviewing grant applications and reviewing scholarship applications.

Thank you to those who joined us for our first happy hour of 2022, after MRPA’s annual awards celebration this past April. It was an incredible time together networking and celebrating with professionals in our field. Thanks to our member’s generosity, we were able to raise over $500 for the Foundation! Keep your eyes open for another happy hour opportunity in late August.

We are working on a collaboration so part of the sales for the August happy hour will go towards the Foundation. Also, be on the lookout for a new MRPF online store where you will be able to purchase MRPF swag!

We are looking forward to offering a few new interactive fundraising opportunities, like a wine and beer pull and “Heads or Tails game,” at the annual conference. Mark your calendars for the annual MRPF Golf Tournament, at Cragun’s Resort on Tuesday, October 11 and make sure you visit the MRPF booth at the exhibit hall on October 13.

While you are planning your conference schedule, don’t forget to attend the New Initiative Grant session on Thursday, October 13 at 9:30 a.m. During this session you will hear from past recipients of New

10 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

Initiative Grants, learn about the amazing projects, programs and events these grants help fund and perhaps, this presentation will spark an idea you can bring to your community. The fall round of New Initiative Grants will be due Friday, November 4.

In June, former MRPF board member Marcia Bach, had the honor of presenting Ms. Sally Callahan with Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation’s 2021 Cornerstone Award (pictured at left). This award was given to Fran and Sally Callahan. The Cornerstone Award is presented annually to someone who has made a significant contribution to the Foundation. We are grateful for the Callahan family’s support, generosity and legacy in our field.

We look forward to seeing you at Cragun’s this fall as we learn, grow, and support our professional field together!

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. Learn more at www.mnrpf.org.

Flashback: 1941 The 2nd Annual Minnesota Conference was held at the Curtis Hotel in Minneapolis on November 7, 1941.

It was sponsored by the Minnesota Recreation Association, State Board of Education, League of Minnesota Municipalities, University of Minnesota, and the State Welfare Defense Advisory Committee.

Save the date!

MRPA Retiree & Friend Luncheon Tuesday, September 13 Lunch & conversations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | $20 per person Springbrook Nature Center - Fridley Parks and Recreation 100 85th Ave. NW, Fridley, MN 55432 Registration forms will be emailed to retiree members in July.

Questions? Contact Bethani at gerhard@mnrpa.org.

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 11

COLLEGE UPDATES

Minnesota State University, Mankato Complete your Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services (RPLS) Bachelor of Science degree with Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Mankato takes pride in this accredited RPLS degree program which offers learners opportunities to expand their skillset and advance in their professional goals.

This program is designed for those who have completed, or nearly completed, an Associate’s degree. All courses are taught at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, MN. For more information, call 507-389-2127 or email rplscohort@mnsu.edu.

University of Wisconsin, La Crosse University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s online Recreation ManagementProfessional Development Master of Science Program is designed for working professionals. Focused on advanced management skills, the program empowers professionals currently working in the field to build on a base of recreation education and/or experience to advance knowledge, skills, and careers.

The 100% online program incorporates evidenced-based best practices for adult learning and interactive and collaborative instruction—providing the flexibility that busy adult learners need. You will benefit from collective learning opportunities consisting of projects, discussions and research based content and best practices in the field of recreation management. Students can tailor class

projects to directly address issues and demands in their current jobs and progress through the program in a cohort of learners.

Each fall, a new group of students will begin coursework consisting of 30 credits. The culminating course will be the Capstone Seminar in Recreation Management in which you will integrate your skills and knowledge into an actionable plan for addressing an issue in recreation or leisure service delivery. You are provided the option to present your capstone project at UWL, connect with your instructors and peers, and participate in the university’s commencement ceremony.

DONATING TO MRPF HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER! Shop for all your Amazon purchases at: smile.amazon.com.

Designate Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation as your beneficiary.

We thank you!

A portion of your purchase proceeds automatically go to MRPF! 12 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

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Recreation Management Professional Development Master of Science Now accepting students for Fall 2023

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EARN YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE FROM UW-LA CROSSE • • • • •

100% online instruction Designed for working professionals Dedicated, personalized faculty support and advising Interactive and collaborative instruction using evidence-based best practices for adult learners Affordable tuition

YOU WILL: • • • •

Progress though the program and network with a cohort of recreation professionals Benefit from the flexibility of online courses Gain skills that can be immediately applied to your current job Graduate from an institution with a known reputation for quality and innovation

The professors were great and they built a solid curriculum which was both beneficial and appropriate for working professionals and the cohort’s classmates were amazing to work with and great additions to my professional network.

JJohn ohn Stutzman 2021 program graduate

Learn more: UWLAX.EDU/REC MINNESOTA M INNE IN NE ESOTA SO OTA Recreation Re eccre eat atio ion n & Pa P Parks ark rkss | S Summer umme um mer 2 20 2022 022 2 15 15

Hyper-targeted.

Reach more customers in Minnesota Recreation & Parks magazine!

MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS

MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS

MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS

VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 1 • WINTER 2022

VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 4 • FALL 2021

VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 2 • SPRING 2022

What Event Planners Look for in Rental Spaces MARKETING YOUR EVENT RENTAL VENUES POST-PANDEMIC

Second Chance Playgrounds How Kids Around the World gives new life to playgrounds

Themed Playgrounds

2021

An interview with Landscape Structures’ creative director

THE PLAYGROUND ISSUE

MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS

SHAP SHAPING SHAPIN S SHA HAPIN PI G PI PING TH WAY WAY WA THE FAMILI FAM A ILIES ILI LIES L S FAMILIES

Facility Rental

GUIDE

2022

RECOGNIZING MINNESOTA AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

Destination Playgrounds Creating spaces that attract both residents and visitors

PLAY PLAY ALSO INSIDE:

ALSO INSIDE:

• Art Where We Play

ALSO INSIDE:

• MRPA Professional Awards • Seasonal Staffing Shortage • Creative Sourcing Strategies

• Unique Ice Rinks in Minnesota • Continuing Education Survey • MRPF Year in Review

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www.mnrpa www.mnrpa.org ww mnrpa.org or

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

www mnrpa org www.mnrpa.org

MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS

MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS

MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS

VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 3 • SUMMER 2021

VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 2 • SPRING 2021

VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 1 • WINTER 2021

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CONFERENC UAL E

Rising to the Challenge

Combating Invasive Species in Minnesota

How Minnesota agencies have met community needs during the COVID-19 crisis

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IDE! • OCT OBE E I NS

ALSO INSIDE: ALSO INSIDE:

• Aquatics in Minnesota Communities • Dakota County and Wright County Natural Resources Updates • CorporateConnections: Architecture & Engineering

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Managing Uninvited Guests

www.mnrpa.org

• Robert Piram Regional Trail • MRPA Race & Equity Advisory Committee is Formed • Corporate Milestones www.mnrpa.org

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, 2021, Brookl yn 2-15

FALL 2022 ISSUE CONTENT 2022 MRPA Awards of Excellence Dog Parks & Off Leash Areas - creative uses & behind the scenes COVID-19 Fallout - Two years of impact & programming changes Annual Conference 2022 in Pictures 2022 Commercial Buyer’s Guide

Advertising deadline: August 26, 2022 View advertising specifics at www.bit.ly/MRPA2022 or scan QR code.

Questions? Contact Todd Pernsteiner at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

OCTOBER 11 - 14, 2022 C R AGUN’S RE SORT AND CONFERENCE CENT ER

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 171

CONFERENCE WELCOME

T H E P O W E R O F PA R K S & P L AY MRPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The conference committee has been hard at work to bring MRPA back to Brainerd for the 85th annual Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference.

This dynamic committee is pulling out all the stops to provide the best in-person experience at everyone’s favorite northern escape, Cragun’s Resort and Conference Center. The year 2020 proved to be a challenging year that kept us from connecting with each other, redeeming ourselves in the Adventure Race and engaging in the top education opportunities MRPA has to offer.

The Power of Parks and Play. This year’s theme directly impacts how we professionals operate. We are pleased to be offering educational sessions that are related to current issues, and relevant to the everyday challenges and struggles we face. Make sure you enter your organization into our infamous “Adventure Race,” it will not be as grueling as 2017’s marathon.

Our annual conference success is based on your participation and excitement! We are all united by the park and recreation profession and our ability to live, learn and pass this knowledge along. We also couldn’t be successful without our many supportive sponsors and partners.

In 2020 we focused on connecting with each other in an extraordinary moment in our careers; 2021 we fought to rebuild, to rethink our profession and how we each fit into that new mold. Now, 2022 is the time to put into practice the power that playing, working, and living in today’s new world can bring to the lives of our MRPA members and each of our unique communities.

Don’t forget to pack your flannel for the Plaid Ball!

Chelsea Swenhaugen, City of Inver Grove Heights & Nick Jacobs, City of Otsego 2022 Annual Conference Co-Chairs

M I N N E S OTA R E C R E AT I O N A N D PA R K S A S S O C I AT I O N OUR MISSION TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN MINNESOTA BY ENHANCING THE PROFESSION OF PARKS, OPEN SPACE, RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES.

CORE VALUES

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

LEADERSHIP

The Annual Conference would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of these individuals:

Providing professional development, networking, best practices and informational support for our customers

STEWARDSHIP

Proactively advocating for preserving our parks, conserving our natural resources and advancing the values of recreation and leisure services

WELLNESS

Impacting health and active living through educational and social opportunities

CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS

Nick Jacobs Chelsea Swenhaugen

PROGRAMMING Gina Brady Rachel Mikel Ross Demant

EXHIBIT HALL

NETWORKING

LOGISTICS

SPONSORSHIPS

MARKETING

VOLUNTEERS

Mike Bauer Zac Dockter

Adam Farrell

Nikki Greenwell

ENGAGEMENT

Building relationships and seeking collaborative partnerships with community members and organizations

MRPA CONTACT INFOR M ATION

INTEGRITY

200 Charles Street NE Fridley, MN 55432

INCLUSION

T: 763-571-1305, ext. 100 F: 763-571-5204

Serving fairly and professionally while building trust through our interactions Respecting our differences and supporting opportunities for everyone

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MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

Ann Mosack Roxann Maxey

Sam Werle

Sara Witte Lynn Neumann

CONFERENCE SPONSORS*

T H A N K YO U TO T H E 2 0 2 2 A N N UA L CONFERENCE SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS EVENT POSSIBLE.

C O N F E R E N C E AT A G L A N C E TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11

MRPF GOLF TOURNAMENT ................ 11:00 am PRE-CONFERENCE INSTITUTE............. 4:00 - 6:30 pm

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12

WELCOME ...................................... 9:00 - 9:30 am OPENING KEYNOTE - ERIC HARKINS ... 9:30 - 10:30 am SESSION BLOCK 1 ........................... 10:45 - 11:45 am LUNCH ........................................... 11:45 am - 12:45 pm SESSION BLOCK 2 ........................... 1:00 - 2:00 pm SESSION BLOCK 3 ........................... 2:15 - 3:15 pm ADVENTURE RACE ........................... 4:00 - 5:30 pm

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13

NETWORK SESSIONS ........................ 8:30 - 9:15 am SESSION BLOCK 1 .......................... 9:30 - 10:30 am SESSION BLOCK 2 .......................... 10:45 - 11:45 am LUNCH ........................................... 12:00 - 1:00 pm SESSION BLOCK 3 .......................... 1:15 - 2:15 pm EXHIBIT HALL .................................. 2:30 - 5:30 pm PLAID BALL ..................................... Following the Exhibit Hall

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

SESSION BLOCK 1 ......................... 9:00 - 10:00 am *SPONSORS AS OF PRESS TIME.

CLOSING KEYNOTE - GAYLYNN LEA ... 10:15 - 11:30 am

B EA R TR AP WELCOME

M R P F GO L F O U TI NG

Welcome Meet and Greet at the Bear Trap Lounge main lodge lobby, conveniently located by conference check-in.

MRPF Golf Outing - It’s Back!

The Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation Golf Tournament is returning for a visit to Cragun’s! You may have played the Legacy courses before, but this is your chance to play the course after $10 million in renovations!

Tuesday, October 11 at 6:30 pm Get settled in and head down to the Bear Trap Lounge to network with fellow professionals. Grab a bite to eat, catch some sports on the TVs, or listen to some music.

Dress in your college alumni (or your favorite sports/recreation theme) gear to mingle with your fellow collegiate professionals.

Tuesday, October 11 - 11:00 am Start Finish in time to attend the pre-conference at 4 pm!

Registration information coming soon! Start organizing your foursomes! More information at www.mnrpf.org Not a golfer, but would like to help plan this fun event?

Contact Kelly Distad at Kelly.distad@newbrightonmn.gov MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 193

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

ERIC HARKINS

GAELYNN LEA

Eric Harkins is the president and founder of GKG Search & Consulting, a Minneapolis-based consulting firm that helps organizations Get talent, Keep talent & Grow talent.

The ABCs of Disability: Raising Awareness, Eliminating Barriers & Shaping Culture: Gaelynn Lea will share her personal experience of living, loving, and learning with a disability. She will discuss the barriers that still face people with disabilities and highlight everyday activism to help further the goal of equality for all.

Gaelynn will discuss why accessibility and inclusion for recreational and art activities are so important. She’ll then explain her true passion - teaching others how the concept of Disability as Sponsored By: Diversity can help transform our culture for the better. Gaelynn will end her talk by sharing how disability can change the narrative about what constitutes a successful or meaningful life - shifting the focus from progress to enrichment.

CART captioning provided.

His goal is simple: Help every company he works with make sure Monday morning doesn’t suck for their employees. Eric is a motivational speaker, consultant, executive-coach, and an expert in helping companies create a culture of high performers that employees want to be a part of.

During his 25-year career in corporate Sponsored By: America, Eric held leadership roles ranging from manager to chief human resources and chief administrative officer.

T U E S D A Y, O C T O B E R 1 1

11:00 AM MINNESOTA RECREATION AND PARK FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNA MENT 3:00 – 6:00 PM REGISTR ATION AND CHECK-IN 4:00 – 6:30 PM TRUE COLORS: YOUR KEY TO PERSONAL SUCCESS

Kori Shingles, Senior Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist, JE Dunn Construction Each of us has our own style, preferences and ways of operating. So how can we all work together? This interactive workshop helps participants explore their own distinctive personality strengths and stressors, learn to respect and appreciate differences and lays the foundation for relationship building, effective communication and team building.

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Sponsored By:

W E D N E S D A Y, O C T O B E R 1 2

7:30 AM A M HIKE OR BIKE Explore Cragun’s campus and the surrounding area. Wake up and move before a day of learning.

Meet outside the main lodge for a stroll around the resort and surrounding trails.

8:00 – 9:00 AM REGISTR ATION AND CHECK-IN 9:00 – 10:30 AM

Sponsored By:

WELCOME AND OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER Eric Harkins

10:45 – 11:45 AM THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF ROBINSON PARK: A CHANGING L ANDSCAPE

Heidi Bringman, Senior Landscape Architect, LHB Inc. Robinson Park is a 65-acre site located along the wild and scenic Kettle River in Sandstone, Minnesota.

Learn how the landscape has evolved over the past 130 years from a historic stone quarry to an outdoor recreational hub for rock climbing, ice climbing, rafting, kayaking, camping and picnicking.

WHERE YOU WORK M ATTERS: THE ROLE OF WORKPL ACE CULTURE IN PARKS AND RECREATION AGENCIES

Marissa Moravec, Recreation Supervisor, Mundelein Parks and Recreation District In some situations, it may be the workplace culture that is getting in the way of your happiness and success at an agency. In this session, we’ll explore two different types of workplace cultures and how to identify which one is the best fit for you.

AQUATIC A MENITIES INCLUDING NINJACROSS

Tom Schmitz, Park & Recreation Director, New Ulm This session includes information on aquatic amenities, some less common, including the 2nd indoor NinjaCross in America. Climbing walls, Zip‘N, Keylog Roll, Splashpads, children’s play features and more will be discussed, along with innovative programming ideas.

ARE YOU A MONDAY MORNING LEADER?

Eric Harkins, President and Founder of GKG Search & Consulting Do you have the energy, mindset, motivation, and expertise to get the job done? With his free assessment, ex-C-suite renegade Eric Harkins uses the principles behind his leadership philosophy to identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in your readiness to become a Monday Morning Leader. Make sure you bring the energy and enthusiasm to make sure Mondays never suck. Get Your Monday Morning Leadership score from Eric Harkins.

R.I.P. RECREATION IMPROVEMENT PL AN. DON'T LET DATA BE THE DEATH OF YOU

Jared Flewellen, Assistant Director and Tonya Mozingo, Recreation Manager, Eagan Many cities plan for facilities and parks through capital improvement plans but don't do the same things for their recreation activities. Learn what Eagan worked through with the help from Recreation Results to analyze their software database to see where they are now and where they will go.

321 NET WORK Welcome to speed networking - a whirlwind session offering students and new professionals the opportunity to connect with recreation professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Be prepared to discuss your career interests quickly and efficiently, show-off portfolios, get feedback on your resume/cover letter, and ask questions.

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10:45 AM – 2:00 PM OFF-SITE INSTITUTE - CUYUNA L AKES MOUNTAIN BIKE TR AIL SYSTEM We will meet up at the Cykel Bike Shop in Ironton, which is a few minutes ride from Cuyuna. From there participants will jump on their bike, which is provided by the bike shop, and ride on a guided bike tour of the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails.

Sponsored By:

We will need all participants to provide their name and height approximately a week before the event in order to properly fit their bike correctly. Participants are also welcome to bring their own bike.

Transportation will be provided. All OSIs will depart from and return to Cragun’s main lobby.

1:00 – 2:00 PM PROMOTING THE PROFESSION

Jonathan Hicks, Associate Professor of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services & Michelle Margo, Assistant Professor of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services, Minnesota State University, Mankato To work in the recreation field means to do critically important work while navigating a world of budget cuts and diminishing resources. This highly interactive session/panel explores strategies for communicating the value of the profession, community impact, and enhanced quality of life to stakeholders and decision makers.

TACKLING ADA BARRIERS

Brad Phenow, Communications Coordinator, Faribault Parks and Recreation The City of Faribault found itself behind the eight-ball during a website redesign when it was discovered all of its meeting documents were noncompliant for ADA standards. With no money budgeted, staff were able to start breaking down those barriers, and soon found out ADA goes much deeper than documents.

P & R: PROGRESSION AND REFLECTION

Jessica Christensen Buck, Recreation Supervisor, Corcoran & Matt Colwell, Recreation Coordinator, Mendota Heights (YPSN) Join the Young Professional and Student Network as we ask a panel of seasoned professionals the paths they've taken to get to where they are. These experienced individuals will give tips and tricks of working in various areas of the field and help you determine your next steps!

CREATE A STRONG AND MEANINGFUL CA MP CULTURE

Roz and Jed Training & Consulting Whether it is intentionally created or grows randomly, every camp has a culture. Each camp’s culture lays the foundation for its personality and helps differentiate the program. This interactive session will explore the importance of your camp’s culture and provide a plan for growing or changing and developing it!

INDOOR FACILIT Y VIRTUAL TOUR VIDEOS

Tom Schmitz, Parks and Recreation Director, New Ulm & Derek Tonn, Founder and CEO, Mapformation LLC Presenting how the City of New Ulm, and many other organizations, have had their facilities Matterport filmed; and then via the internet, anyone can take a virtual self-guided tour of facilities.

DO YOUR PARKS NEED A PARTNER?

Steve Madson, Owner, SRO Productions Inc. Creating events takes time - something you and your staff don’t always have, especially these days.

So how do you maximize your event calendar without breaking the budget? Partnerships. Join the discussion about cultivating effective relationships with organizations to create new opportunities.

CONFERENCE APP The WHOVA APP is back for the 2022 conference. This app allows you to schedule your day, converse with our speakers, and connect with fellow collegues.

FOLLOW THE CONFERENCE FACEBOOK EVENT. «««

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2:15 - 3:15 PM CREATE R AVING FANS: PR ACTICAL TIPS TO DELIVER A WORLD-CL ASS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

SPURRING INNOVATION IN PROGR A M DESIGN

RECRUIT, REACH, RETAIN, AND THE REWARDS – ALL THINGS SEASONAL AND PART-TIME STAFF AND THE IMPACTS ON YOUR ORGANIZ ATION

COMMUNICATING THE VISION

HOW DID WE GET HERE AND WHERE DO WE GO? THE EVOLUTION OF R ACE, R ACISM AND WHITENESS

STOP HOLDING YOURSELF BACK: WOMEN IN PARKS AND RECREATION

Roz and Jed Training & Consulting Creating raving fans can propel our departments and agencies to new heights. This session will review the importance of super-serving all our customers and focus on providing a series of practical actions that every staff member can easily use to consistently deliver world-class customer service.

Joey Schugel, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services, Saint Peter Are you scrambling to staff programs and facilities?

Does it seem like your applicant pool is getting smaller? Join this interactive discussion on the importance of seasonal and part-time staff, while learning and sharing successful strategies for recruiting, connecting, and retaining quality staff, while setting up your organization for success.

Ryan Virden, Founder, LIR Cultural Coaching The country is still grappling with race. This dynamic presentation offers a framework for understanding the origin, history, and evolution of race and racism that allows for meaningful conversations and actions towards a world free from racism.

Elizabeth Owens, Recreation Program Specialist, Woodbury Innovation…we’ve heard it, we know what it means, and we know it’s important; but how do we actually achieve it? Engage with this presentation and learn four ways to spur innovative thinking in program design and answer the question, “How do we create innovative and trend-setting programs for our agencies?”

Michelle Margo, Assistant Professor of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services & Jonathan Hicks, Associate Professor of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services, Minnesota State University, Mankato A follow-up to MNSU Topics I, this session emphasizes strategies for building professional relationships with Generation Z. Anchored by research and a panel of current students, we will document our communication shortcomings with an emphasis in utilizing human infrastructure to ensure the indefinite success of programs, facilities, staff, and leadership.

Marissa Moravec, Recreation Supervisor, Mundelein Parks and Recreation District Many of us can agree that there are challenges to being a female in the workplace. Women are often misunderstood or labeled based on their management style because they are female. It is time to own our strengths and stop holding ourselves back.

4:00 - 5:30 PM ADVENTURE R ACE

ADVENTURE R ACE CHEER CREW

JOIN US FOR ANOTHER ADVENTURE RACE AT CRAGUN’S Challenge your mind and move your body, while making lasting memories and connections. We promise there is no training or running required for this year’s event. Sign-up as a team of two. Each person receives a race t-shirt. Involvement in this race will provide ideas on how to replicate this program in your community and potentially generate revenue for your department. There are limited participant slots, so register early!

Registration deadline is Friday, September 9.

Support the racers, cheer them on, and network with one another. Wear your agency gear to help connect with fellow conference delegates.

Cash bar and snacks available.

$15 PER PARTICIPANT INCLUDES R ACE T-SHIRT.

BIRCH, BREWS, AND BANTER - 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Sponsored By:

MRPA Annual Conference Networking Experience at the Northland Loop around Gull Lake Resort Area.

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T H U R S D A Y, O C T O B E R 1 3

8:00 – 8:30 AM REGISTR ATION AND CHECK-IN FOLLOW THE PARK M AINTENANCE TR ACK TODAY. Look for sessions with this symbol.

8:30 – 9:15 AM NET WORK SESSIONS Programming and Aquatics Athletic Management Park Maintenance and Operations Facilities Leadership and Development Young Professional and Student Network

SELFIE STOPS As you are stepping your way through Cragun’s this week, stop and enjoy the sites and sounds. Capture the memories at our selfie stops and post them on the conference app or social media to preserve the opportunity and reflect on your professional journey.

9:30 – 10:30 AM ACTIVITIES IN A PINCH

Roz and Jed Training & Consulting It starts to rain, a staff member is absent, an event ends early, what do you do? Come learn some fun, easy, no-prop games that you can share with your out-of-school time staff and pull out of your back pocket to fill time with engaging activities when you are in a pinch.

BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR AND STEWARD WITH PARK AND TR AIL RESOURCES

Ken Grieshaber, SRF Consulting Group; John Elholm, Recreation Director, Crystal; Kelly O’Dea, Recreation Director, Minnetonka With some types of recreational programming facing public criticism for not being compatible with surrounding land resources, adding amenities like off leash dog areas or mountain bike trail systems can be challenging to implement for cities. Learn how proactive community engagement, planning, and design can contribute towards successful project outcomes.

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FEEL WHAT YOU CAN DO

Tammy Ebert, CEO & Visionary & Rachel Koch, Director of Operations, Feel The Water dba SwimPossible SwimPossible provides safe, calming, and fun lessons that are customized for students who need a 1:1 personalized approach adapted to their needs for learning how to swim. We do not focus on diagnoses or labels. Swimming is taught to students of all ages who are not served by traditional swim lessons.

MRPF NEW INITIATIVE GR ANT - POWER OF INNOVATION

Lisa Abernathy, Board of Trustee, Contact Information & Grant Recipients Use your power of innovation to bring play to your parks and communities through a New Initiative Grant! Get inspired by recent grant recipients and ignite innovative ideas to bring to your community.

Come learn about this great opportunity it offers to Foundation members.

9:30 – 10:30 AM CONTINUED THE 7 L AWS OF SELF-LEADERSHIP

Jason Hunt, Owner, Eye Squared Leadership We often tend to put the needs of others first, leaving our personal growth and development up to chance. This message encourages you to leave your comfort zone, imagine what is possible, and become intentional in your daily habits, helping you master your thinking, routines, and growth.

EVOLUTION OF PROGR A MMING

Sue Bohnsack, Recreation Supervisor, Eden Prairie & Lesley Young, Recreation Supervisor, Prior Lake Over the last few years, programming has evolved dramatically. Hear instances of what has changed, what has stayed the same, and where the profession is heading next.

9:30 – 11:45 AM Sponsored By:

DIRECTORS’ FORUM Gather with fellow directors of parks and recreation departments from across the state to discuss topics impacting your work as agency leaders. Directors will come together to network, share ideas, and discuss the latest trends.

10:45 – 11:45 AM INCLUSIVE PARK DESIGN FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM & OTHER PHYSICAL CHALLENGES

Chuck Evens, Sr Landscape Architect, Damon Farber Landscape Architects How can park design accommodate parents that are raising kids on the autism spectrum or kids with physical challenges? Can good park design accommodate everyone of all ages and abilities without compromise? Trane Park's grassroots parentled effort strives to be truly inclusive.

ASSET M ANAGEMENT: A LOOK INTO THE USE AND BENEFITS CARTEGR APH CAN OFFER PARK M AINTENANCE OPER ATIONS

Sonya Rippe, Project Coordinator, Plymouth & Robert Heitke, Parks Maintenance Supervisor, Maple Grove Managing a parks department is no small feat: handling facilities, tracking trees, work orders, and budget reports. How can leveraging data and technology make your day to day operations more efficient? Discover how the City of Plymouth Parks & Forestry team along with the City of Maple Grove Parks & Recreation team streamlined the management of their assets, work and requests.

KEEPING YOURSELF SAFE IN ALL WORK SETTINGS

Sue Bohnsack, Recreation Supervisor, Eden Prairie & Nicole Gorman, Recreation Supervisor, Edina Work environments are ever changing. Everyone needs to be more aware of where they are and what potential harm could come to you at work. In this session, you will be given insights of what to watch out for, situational awareness and tactics to keep you safe.

LEAD FROM WHERE YOU STAND: HOW TO INFLUENCE AS A MIDDLE-LEVEL LEADER

Jason Hunt, Owner, Eye Squared Leadership Being a leader in the middle is tough. While trying to please your boss and make your direct reports happy.

It's no wonder middle-level leaders are stressed out.

In this session, learn how to succeed as a middlelevel leader.

SEEING THE FOREST FOR THE TREES AT MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK

Jason Amberg, WSB Principal / Director of Landscape Architecture, Jeff Feulner, WSB Associate / Sr. Landscape Architect, Jordan Gedrose, WSB Landscape Architect Laser scanning technology to create a virtual 3d forest with exact locations of all limbs/branches.

This detailed 3d data allowed our team to design a treetop trail integrated within the limbs/branches of the forested canopy. This wouldn’t be possible with traditional group topographic survey methods. We will also share other design elements of this project being designed for Three Rivers Park District and the City of Brooklyn Park.

FINE-TUNING THE FACILITATION OF TEA M BUILDING

Phileshia "Phil" Dombroski, Assistant Professor, Winona State University From staff trainings to childhood clubs, the overuse of lame name games and bonding activities has brought us to a time when the words "teambuilding" and "icebreakers" often result in eye rolls and groans. To turn this tide, fine-tune your facilitation skills with Dr. Phil in this lively session.

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1:15 – 2:15 PM RESOLVING CONFLICT AND DE-ESCAL ATING INTENSE CUSTOMER SCENARIOS

EMER ALD ASH BORER HAS BEEN CONFIR MED, NOW WHAT?

Annie Olson, Director of Customer Service & Iris Pahlberg Peterson, Customer Service Supervisor, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Conflict is inevitable, now more than ever. Conflict resolution does not require a winner. This training will explore and define this while identifying strategies to apply on-the-job to de-escalate customer interactions.

Participants will feel empowered to establish expectations and apply preventative steps to avoid unexpected surprises.

Tom Pawelk, Parks Superintendent, Monticello Emerald ash borer populations have been spreading across the state and may soon make it to homes in your community. How can you be better prepared to handle this pest once it reaches you? Learn how the City of Monticello has written and adopted a City ordinance that allows the parks department to take measures to help slow down the spread of emerald ash borer, and keep the damage to a minimum in their community.

ALL KIDS DESERVE TO BE INCLUDED

GEN Z: READY, SET, CHANGE!

Emily Orr, Director of Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion, Reach for Resources INC. Parks programming should be open to individuals of all abilities. We will review ADA law including what types of accommodations are considered reasonable.

Discuss the basics of providing inclusion support, and go over some specific examples of accommodations/ adaptations that are easy to implement but can make programs successful for all.

KNOWLEDGE ON TAP IN THE BEAR TR AP LOUNGE

MRPA Leadership Network, Moderator: Jason T West Participate in an interactive discussion with some of the most seasoned veterans in our industry. Topics include influential mentors, professional accomplishments, and parks and recreation as an area of human service.

Kristen Twitchell, Aquatic Operations Supervisor, Eagan/Cascade Bay Waterpark Most new employees are part of Gen Z (born 19972012). Research shows Gen Z has the potential to be fantastic employees IF employers are ready for them. Learn more about Gen Z workplace values and how applying Positive Youth Development theory can impact hiring and retaining Gen Z employees.

HOW TO WRITE A WINNING AWARD SUBMISSION

MRPA Awards Committee Members The MRPA Awards Committee will provide helpful tools to professionals so they can feel better prepared when submitting an Award of Excellence, Professional Award or Grant Proposal. (Working title and description)

2:30 - 5:30 PM EXHIBIT HALL & THE NEW INITIATIVE SPOTLIGHT

PL AID BALL - 6:00 PM

There is something for every professional waiting for you in the exhibit hall! This is a great opportunity to connect with suppliers who support our profession, and make this event possible.

• Visit with nearly 70 exhibitors • Gain new ideas related to the newest technology, products, services, equipment, and program • Hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and prizes • Please take time to visit the exhibit hall partners as their contributions are integral to the conference’s success.

• The New Initiative Spotlight (Or Best In Show?) will highlight award winning projects from different Sponsored By: agencies throughout the state. Visit these spotlights on the upper track at the exhibit hall. Food and beverages served.

Following the exhibit hall, join us at the beach for further networking opportunities with delegates and vendors.

Come dressed in buffalo plaid or your most comfortable cabin wear.

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Bonfires, cash bar, food service, live music and northwoods influenced competitions included.

F R I D A Y, O C T O B E R 1 4

8:00 – 9:00 AM REGISTR ATION AND CHECK-IN 9:00 - 10:00 AM ARDEN PARK AND MINNEHAHA CREEK RESTOR ATION: CREATING AN URBAN RECREATIONAL RESOURCE

INNOVATION IS INVITATION: DEFINING WHAT'S NEXT IN INCLUSIVE PL AY

ONLINE SCHEDULING SYSTEMS BEST PR ACTICES

CREATING SHELTER IN OUR PARKS: INCORPOR ATING ICC 500 STOR M SHELTERS IN PARK BUILDINGS

Chris Meehan, Senior Principal, Water Resources Engineer, Stantec The Arden Park project is part of a larger effort along Minnehaha Creek that is returning the stream into a healthy resource that connects and enhances communities. Construction was completed in 2020 and created of an urban recreational resource with immersive nature-based learning, kayaking, tubing, fishing, walking, and ice-skating.

David Benson, Recreation Supervisor, Bloomington Are you still using outdated, cumbersome spreadsheets to complete your staff schedules and shift trades? The time is now to switch to an online scheduling system to help your managers and staff be more efficient and save time. Participants will learn best practices related to online staff and facility scheduling.

RE-IM AGINING AN ICON: THE BIG POOL'S TR ANSFOR M ATION & DELIVERY OF SOCIAL EQUIT Y

Terry Berkbuegler, Senior Principal, Confluence The original Big Pool was developed almost 100 years ago and was touted as the largest free admission hand-dug community pool in the world. The story of the replacement focuses on public engagement, history, dreaming for the future and providing localized social equity options for the community.

Jill Moore, Inclusive Play Specialist, Landscape Structures The conversation surrounding inclusive play is progressing beyond the basics towards what’s next. Looking at communities creating innovative spaces, this session articulates how design choices are defined by who’s coming to play. Integration of intentional ramp play, DeafScape Principles, wayfinding and more - we understand that innovation starts with invitation.

Stacee Demmer, Principal & Nikki Schlepp, Senior Landscape Architect, LHB Is your community considering how park buildings contribute to resilience? Should they provide shelter in severe weather? This session will present two projects built in the City of Brooklyn Park that incorporated ICC 500 design standards for storm shelters, focusing on the lessons learned from a design and cost perspective.

COME DRESSED TO PL AY Down time at Cragun’s can be spent playing disc golf, pickleball, boating, or golf. Take advantage of your Par 3 round included in your stay. This fall retreat is packed with professional and personal growth experiences. Embrace the True North!

10:15 - 11:30AM CLOSING KEYNOTE PRESENTATION Gaylynn Lea

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M R PA A N N UA L C O N F E R E N C E R E G I S T R AT I O N F O R M EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: AUGUST 26, 2022 • REGISTER ONLINE AT MNRPA.ORG

First Name

Last Name

Title

Organization

Address

City

Phone

Fax

Email

Website

State

Special Accommodations (ADA, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free) Payment Method

Zip

This is my first MRPA Conference

Check Enclosed

Check Requested

Paid Online

MRPA Preferred Method

MRPA MEMBER

DELEGATES

NON-MEMBER

Until Aug. 26

After Aug. 26

Until Aug. 26

After Aug. 26

Pre-Conference Institute (Tue) only

$45

$45

$45

$45

Full Conference Package (Tue - Fri)

$395

$445

$545

$595

Conference Package (Wed - Fri)

$375

$425

$525

$575

Daily - Wednesday only

$205

$255

$255

$305

Daily - Thursday only

$205

$255

$255

$305

Daily - Friday only

$99

$149

$149

$199

Continuing Education Units (CEU)

$10

$10

$20

$20

RETIREES & STUDENTS

WITH MEAL

WITHOUT MEAL

Volunteer Package (Wed - Fri)

$145

$170

FREE

FREE

Non-Volunteer Package (Wed - Fri)

$245

$270

$40

$60

$75

$85

$25

$30

Non-Volunteer Daily Rate Wednesday Thursday

Friday

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL ENCLOSED

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Off-Site Institute - Wednesday, October 12, Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trail System Adventure Race - Wednesday, October 12, $15

Teammate’s Name -

Height Unisex T-Shirt Size -

CONFERENCE FOOD AND BEVER AGE

HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS

Please note any food allergies. We have tried to incorporate healthy eating throughout the menu selections.

Cragun’s Resort and Conference Center 11000 Cragun’s Drive Brainerd, MN 55401

Meals included for each day: • Wednesday - lunch, dinner • Thursday - lunch, exhibit hall hors d’oeuvers • Friday - continental breakfast

CANCELL ATION POLICY Cancellations accepted through September 15, minus a $50 handling fee. No refunds will be given after this date.

Alternate attendees are permitted. Registration fees are used toward educational sessions and meals.

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Room rate: $134.22/night plus tax For reservations: MRPA has a reserved room block available. Call 866-988-0562 by September 10, 2022 to make your hotel reservation - ask for the MRPA rate.

PLEASE SUBMIT PAYMENT TO MRPA, 200 Charles Street NE, Fridley, MN 55432

Your Complete Resource for Recreation Splashpads® • Playgrounds • Shade & Shelters • Site Furnishings • Design • In-house Installation MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 29

Serious About Fun | 877-896-8442 | crs4rec.com

Like print, but better.

5 powerful features that help showcase your programs Issuu helps you engage with your community by converting your publications into digital flipbooks. Instantly transform static PDFs into dynamic digital experiences. Create additional assets from just one publication at the click of a button, then share with your audience.

1

Upload content with a few clicks of a button

You don’t have to be a computer programmer to use Issuu. The platform hosts a number of valuable, userfriendly features that can help you quickly and effectively distribute content via an innovative fl ipbook.

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Optimize your social media presence

Custom stories are more important than ever and can be a great way to get your content noticed. Repurpose publication content for all your social channels. Issuu’s visual story and article story features can help you increase engagement through visually appealing, motion-graphic stories for Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram.

3

Drive web traffic with active links

4

Embed videos into your flipbooks

5

Make data-driven publishing decisions

Embed brochures, branding and external websites (like your park and recreation home page) directly into your publication. It’s a useful way to cultivate a broader audience as well as generate interest in your department’s offerings.

Embedding YouTube and Vimeo videos directly into your fl ipbook is a great way to boost engagement and deliver a multimedia experience.

Videos help readers interact with your content and propels them to learn more about programs.

Once you’ve launched and sharer your content, check out your dashboard for up-to-date information on impressions, reads, read-time, clicks and more. Unlike traditional printed publications, Issuu’s digital statistics feature allows you to track real-time data and properly evaluate the overall effectiveness of your marketing strategy. You’ll gain beneficial insight into your publication’s audience.

Impressive budget savings!

“We typically do four brochures per year, sent out to 12,000 households. By going fully digital with Issuu, we save around $55,000 ever year in printing costs.”

- THOMAS ROMANO, TOWN OF LEXINGTON RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Minnesota Park & Rec Agencies:

SAVE 30%*!

Rates shown are with an annual subscription and discount code applied.

Number of users

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CHOOSE THE DIGITAL PUBLISHING PLAN THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT *Receive 30% OFF your new annual Issuu subscription now through November 30, 2022. Scan QR code or visit bit.ly/IssuuParks to subscribe.

Enter Park30-ACQ discount code at checkout if prompted.

More than a place—a space of belonging and legacy Design that celebrates the human experience and the history, people, and stories yet to be told.

Stimulating outdoor spaces to support gatherings, ceremonies, and play.

Interior spaces blend seamlessly with the nature environment.

Situating the main super structure to fit into the contours of the site preserving long revered viewsheds.

Meskwaki Nation Community + Recreation Center

Architecture + Engineering + Environmental + Planning | ISGInc.com

Salem Hills Park, Inver Grove Heights

Langton Lake Park, Roseville

Riley Lake Park, Eden Prairie

BITUMINOUS ROADWAYS, INC.

PROVIDING SUPERIOR ASPHALT PAVEMENT SOLUTIONS TO PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENTS

• Installing asphalt trails, parking lots, and tennis, basketball and pickleball courts • Maintaining all types of asphalt pavements • Correcting drainage issues • Repairing concrete

Visit u the M s at RP Confe A Fall rence !

Q VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION!

651-686-7001 • info@bitroads.com • www.bitroads.com

#MN-TMA-P01-120518-BRI

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 31

PICKLEBALL STARTS HERE BUILD A COURT IN !

FOUR DAYS

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To learn more visit www.cccourtsinc.com or call 952-746-4545.

LOOK WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU!

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Financing and lease purchase programs available.

PAD & POUR We also supply all the accessories you would need: • Basketball Hoops • Court Lights • Nets and Ball Containment Fences • And Much More

To learn more visit www.cccourtsinc.com or call 952-746-4545.

Record Rise in Regional Job Vacancies

By Cameron Macht, Minnesota Employment and Economic Development (Permission to reprint) The tight labor market that Minnesota employers had been experiencing up until the pandemic recession returned to a much greater extent in the second quarter of 2021, with the state setting a record for the number of job vacancies while the number of unemployed jobseekers dropped back to pre-pandemic levels. Employers reported 205,714 job vacancies, which was an 84% increase from the second quarter of 2020 at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic and up 40% compared to the second quarter of 2019, which was the previous record high.

With more than 205,000 vacancies and less than 125,000 unemployed workers, the state’s jobseeker-per-vacancy ratio dropped back to 0.6-to-1, meaning there were again more jobs available than workers available to fill them.

That has been the case in Minnesota in four of the past five years, with vacancies steadily increasing without enough workers to fill the open jobs (see Figure 1).

These 205,714 vacancies translate into a job vacancy rate of 8.0% or 8 job openings per 100 filled jobs. This is the highest rate on record and is double from 4.0% one year

ago. It is also unique in comparison to past recessions, when unemployed job seekers typically outnumbered job openings as the economy recovered more slowly and hiring demand took longer to recover. For example, the job vacancy rate hovered between 1.0% and 2.5% from the fourth quarter of 2006 until the fourth quarter of 2012.

34 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

Regional Findings Vacancies were up statewide as many employers were poised to grow but struggled to find workers. Compared to one year ago, the number of job vacancies surged 87.9% in Greater Minnesota and climbed by 81.4% in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area.

Table 1. Job Seekers Per Vacancy by Region, 2nd Qtr. 2021 Central

Northeast

Northwest

Southeast

Southwest

Twin Cities

Unemployed Workers

15,991

7,480

11,835

9,842

7,720

70,747

Job Vacancies

21,935

12,886

17,762

21,510

12,116

119,505

0.7

0.6

0.7

0.5

0.6

0.6

Job Seekers per Vacancy

Source: DEED Job Vacancy Survey, LAUS

Regionally, 58.1% of all job vacancies were in the Twin Cities, while the remaining 86,209 vacancies or 41.9% were in Greater Minnesota. During second quarter 2021 both the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota had 0.6 unemployed persons for each vacancy.

While all six planning regions were in a similar situation in terms of a tight labor market, Southeast Minnesota had the most

severe shortage with more than two jobs for every unemployed worker who was actively seeking work (Table 1).

(74.1%) and Northwest (45.8%) lagged the state’s growth rate, but still saw significant growth in job demand over the year.

Vacancies more than doubled in three of the six regions in the state compared to the second quarter of 2020, led by a 123.5% increase in Southeast Minnesota, a 104.5% jump in Central Minnesota, and a 101.8% rise in Northeast Minnesota. Both Southwest

Every region except Southwest set a record high number of vacancies in the second quarter of 2021. Both the Twin Cities and Central Minnesota were about 40% above their previous peaks, while Northeast was up 32%, Northwest was up 26%, and Southeast surpassed its record from the fourth quarter of 2018 by more than 16%. Southwest nearly matched its previous peak from the second quarter of 2019, down less than 3%, a difference of fewer than 350 openings.

Wages Rise Across Most Regions At $16.64 the median hourly wage offer was up 4.3% from one year ago and is the highest ever reported in the history of the survey.

Wage offers rose in four of the six regions in comparison to last year, with only Southwest and Northeast seeing a decline. In Northeast vacancies rose fastest in Health Care and Social Assistance, whereas Southwest saw a doubling in openings in both Health Care and Retail Trade. Wage offers increased fastest in the Twin Cities, jumping 6.5% over the year, followed by Southeast, increasing 5.3% (Figure 2).

During second quarter 2021 both the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota had 0.6 unemployed persons for each vacancy.

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 35

Wage offers are highly correlated with experience and education requirements. In general, wages are much higher for occupations that require additional education, training, or more years of related work experience. The largest number of vacancies require lower levels of education or training – just over two-thirds of current openings could be started with a high school diploma or less, and just over half required less than one year of experience (Figure 3).

In addition to raising wages and lowering education and experience requirements to attract a wider candidate pool, employers who are struggling to find workers have also started to change hours required. Over the past three years prior to the pandemic recession in 2020, an average of 39% of openings were part-time. In the second quarter of 2021 just 32% were part-time, which is tied with the fourth quarter of 2020 for the lowest ratio of parttime job vacancies in the history of the survey going back to 2001.

This suggests that employers are finding it more beneficial to try to fill one full-time job rather than two part-time jobs or responding to job seeker preferences for more hours and higher wages. Five of the six regions in the state saw a decline in parttime offerings as well, with Northeast being the only exception, mainly from a huge increase in Health Care and Social Assistance vacancies (Figure 4).

With unprecedented demand spread across every region of the state and every industry, the most recent Job Vacancy Survey data show clear signs of a job seeker’s market. Wages are rising, education and experience requirements are dropping, and full-time opportunities are increasing. These data provide job seekers and counselors with information on occupations showing hiring demand within their region. The information also helps employment, training, and education providers understand current labor market conditions in their region and tailor services to meet customer and employer needs.

With unprecedented demand spread across every region of the state and every industry, the most recent Job Vacancy Survey data show clear signs of a job seeker’s market.

36 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

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Creative Sourcing Strategies: Actionable Advice for Tackling Hard-to-Fill Roles and Programs

By Janel Stedtler, Marketing Manager, RippleMatch (Reprinted with permission) Almost every recruiter is faced with the challenge of filling challenging positions or programs. Unlike those positions where you have dozens of qualified applicants and your biggest struggle is deciding who to advance among a number of great candidates, these roles might receive few applicants each season. Or perhaps you receive hundreds of applications, but very few candidates fit the requirements of the role. What do you do when you have a role you just can’t fill?

We shared some tips during RippleMatch’s User Conference. Here are the top takeaways from that presentation.

Shortage of Qualified Candidates There are a few reasons you might be having difficulty finding qualified candidates for your roles. Chances are, it’s not just because there are no candidates to choose from.

Your qualifications are too limiting.

Students don’t know they’re qualified.

The first thing to consider is whether your job description itself is filtering out otherwise qualified candidates. Do you have a strict, yet unnecessary GPA requirement? Are you expecting candidates to have skills that can be taught or trained? If you’re hiring for a specialized position like a mechanical engineer, you won’t be able to consider English majors, but if the student only had one internship instead of two, are they really unqualified for the role? It’s important to decide which requirements are truly critical, and which are simply nice to have.

Do you have a relatively obscure role that candidates might not know about? Similar roles often have different titles at different companies, which can be confusing to students who aren’t familiar with the opportunities available to them.

Or you might have an entry-level management position, but students automatically assume a job with “manager” in the title requires years of experience. It’s important to educate potential candidates on the requirements of these types of roles, or you risk losing applicants who don’t realize they’re qualified.

How to resolve: Remove gate-keeping qualifications.

How to resolve: Source candidates and focus on education.

Take an audit of the job description requirements that could be needlessly limiting your candidate base. Remove those that aren’t completely necessary. Once you have expanded your preferences, renew your search for talent.

Reach out to students who could be successful in your role, even if they don’t feel they are an obvious fit. Tools like RippleMatch can help you easily find good fits for your role and allow you to reach out to them with a click of a button. It’s also important to create robust educational and marketing materials for the role to ensure more students apply on their own.

There’s a skills gap and systemic shortage.

In some cases, there really are more roles than qualified candidates. How is your company helping close the overarching skills gap?

How to resolve: Invest in Early ID programs & support.

Work to help students develop the skills necessary for these types of roles. In order to ensure your pipeline is filled with more qualified candidates in the future, make long-term investments in helping candidates learn the skills they need.

Take an audit of the job description requirements that could be needlessly limiting your candidate base. Remove those that aren’t completely necessary.

38 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

Lack of Candidate Interest The other type of challenging role is one where there is no shortage of qualified candidates, but you have difficulty getting students to apply. There are a few reasons this might happen.

Student perception (or lack of) toward industry/company Some industries and companies are much more well known, or perceived as more exciting and interesting than others. Students might gravitate towards industries they’re most familiar with or to companies that they think will look the best on their resume.

How to resolve: Educate candidates on the benefits of your company and industry Candidates may not understand why your company or industry can help them in their career.

It’s important to educate them as to what makes you special. For example, if your industry offers great job security, that can be very appealing to students. If your company has standout benefits,

make sure candidates know that early in their career search. If your company lacks brand recognition in general, you can also invest in Early ID programs to help students learn more about you months or even years before they begin applying for jobs.

that you can help students see beyond their first impressions and understand why that role could be perfect for them.

Student perception toward a role

Barriers to relocation—like cost of living, perceived lack of activities, and lifestyle differences—can keep students from accepting offers. If the role requires employees to work in person, it’s important that you help candidates see why your city would be a great place to live.

Some roles—like sales—are surrounded by misconceptions. As a result, they often aren’t heavily pursued by students. This is especially true if candidates don’t understand the career potential at a company or don’t know what career paths are available to them.

How to resolve: Educate candidates on role fit and career path.

Students may have misconceptions about what a position entails or how they can progress in their careers. Help them see themselves in the role! Share what a day in the life looks like for someone in that role. Make sure they know all of the opportunities available to them once they begin their career in that position. It’s important

Lack of interest in relocating

How to resolve: Highlight the benefits of your location Review the data on why candidates would choose to relocate (or not relocate) for a job. Let them know what makes your city standout, life if it has a low cost of living or a great culture. If your company offers relocation assistance, also make sure to highlight that during the interview process for candidates who may be concerned about the upfront costs of moving.

Don’t let hard-to-fill roles keep you up at night. Once you’ve analyzed why the position is so difficult to fill, you can start to take steps to find more great candidates. In some cases, it may be as straightforward as tweaking the job description. In others, you may need to dedicate marketing resources to help change the perception around the role. With some intentional planning and a little bit of creativity, you may soon be trying to figure out how to turn down droves of top talent instead!

It’s important that you can help students see beyond their first impressions and understand why that role could be perfect for them.

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 39

Breathing New Life Into Gathering Spaces

40 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

Photo: City of Plymouth

Transformed Community Recreation Centers and Facilities

YMCA Gets Makeover Lino Lakes Converts YMCA into New Activity Center

By Bethani Gerhard, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association

Lisa Lamey, Rookery Activity Center manager

All article photos: Todd Pernsteiner

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 41

The former Lino Lakes YMCA was recently remodeled and renamed The Rookery Activity Center – giving residents a place to exercise and participate in programs again.

The City of Lino Lakes, who owns the building and land, had a long-standing partnership operating agreement with the YMCA. The facility closed in March 2020 as per Covid restrictions, and then permanently as part of a reorganization plan by the YMCA. The City did the feasibility study in November 2020 and the feasibility study

looked at potential models for operations that included partnerships with other community organizations or running it solely with city staff. Ultimately the City decided to move forward with a model of working with a partner and we partnered with Endurance Fitness to run the fitness floor and all dry-land fitness programs.

“This is a great asset, so the city wanted to keep it within their operations,” said Lisa Lamey, Rookery Activity Center manager.

A grant of $1.2M from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding was used by the

42 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

City to remodel the outdated YMCA facility.

The building received new locker rooms, heating and cooling systems, and furniture in the lobby. The gymnasium floor was refinished, and the walls were painted. In addition to new paint throughout, new carpeting and flooring was added.

“We used the all local contractors for the renovations, Hauglie’s Flooring for all new tiling and carpeting, Edina Painting Co. for all new paint in the facility, Aqua Logic for pool renovations and pool start-up, and Tony Stafki painted the mural in the pool

area and behind the front desk (tonyswallsofart.com),” said Lamey.

The next steps in the remodeling process will be refurbishing the water slide in the pool over the summer months. There are plans for expansion in the future if the need and resources arise.

The remodeled activity center opened in mid-May and was renamed using the word rookery because of the great blue herons in the area. A rookery is a communal nesting place for a colony of birds such as blue herons, according to the City of Lino Lake’s website. It was important to give the center a name and brand that is unique to Lino Lakes, as well as a name that will evoke a sense of community and belonging. The name “The Rookery Activity Center” was chosen as it is exclusive to the Lino Lakes community.

“Our hope is that The Rookery Activity Center becomes a gathering location where young and old alike will come together as a community,” added Lamey.

The Rookery Activity Center offers monthly and annual memberships plus 10-visit passes and daily drop-in rates which provide access to weights, treadmills, elliptical machines, two pools (lap and splash pool with waterslide), and other programs. Plus, 52 fitness classes are offered through Endurance Fitness of MN (an independent company the City has contracted with) including the fitness floor, youth programs, pickleball, and senior health and wellness classes. The center also provides swimming lessons and tot drop-in programs, as well as childcare.

To learn more about The Rookery Activity Center visit linolakes.us.

Rookery Activity Center by the Numbers

52 classes in 22 different formats

225

Number of check-ins per day

4

full-time

/ 65

part-time

Number of new staff hired

51% residents 51% of membership is residents, 49% is non-residents

9,281 sq ft

square footage of ceramic tile installed

6,624 sq ft square footage of carpet installed

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 43

A Change of Space City of New Ulm’s Recreation Center receives $15M expansion and upgrades

By City of New Ulm staff

44 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

After seven years of planning and construction, the City of New Ulm’s expanded and updated recreation center officially reopened in September of 2021.

Photo: Steven Silverman, silvermanberemarkable.com

In August of 2019, the City of New Ulm engaged architectural firm JLG to design an expansion and improvements to the facility. For approximately eight months, the team of JLG, RJM Construction Management, and city staff met regularly to discuss needs and design the multi-faceted expansion and improvement project.

Thorough consideration was given to address modern day deficiencies experienced in day- to-day operation of the old facility and eliminate them in the new facility. Special consideration for things like modern design elements that address contemporary social groups by offering private spaces, efficient storage, mechanical spaces that cut down distance traveled, open floor concepts to aid with sightlines and security were a priority and discussed in great length.

After a complete design was approved by the New Ulm City Council, the project was publicly bid and awarded, just as the world entered the COVID pandemic. The demolition and construction schedule encompassed approximately 14 months.

New Ulm’s extensive renovation project included: • New

Aquatics Center with accessibility improvements that included a zero-depth entry and children features, two flume slides, climbing wall, Zip’n, Ninja Cross obstacle course (only the second indoor one in the US), whirlpool, deck showers, Life Floor deck surfacing, and supporting locker rooms.

Photo: Steven Silverman, silvermanberemarkable.com

• Multi-level

Indoor playground with protective surfacing.

• Gymnastics

training and competition facility of a regional size.

• 3,000

SF Fitness Center with cardio, strength and functional training.

• Modern

group fitness studio/ multipurpose room.

• Consolidated

administration space for the Park and Recreation Department.

• New

centrally located main front entrance with welcome desk.

a-percent sales tax that funded this $15 million expansion and renovation.”

• Four

new multipurpose rooms, including one to host parties, conveniently located between the playground and pool.

• Remodeled

Vogel Fieldhouse; fresh paint, drop and perimeter curtain replacement with see-through mesh for increased visibility and safety for track users, and replaced new, synthetic athletic flooring for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, tennis and other activities.

The city implemented a phased opening to allow the community and region to make use of new spaces as soon as possible, starting with the fitness center, then the aquatic center, and finally the gymnastics center. The expansion increases the size of the rec center from approximately 63,000 sf to 93,000 sf.

New Ulm Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz says that this project is a part of a great history of recreation, parks, green space and fitness going back all the way to the founders of New Ulm in the 1850s.

“We started conceiving this project conceptually in 2014, so this has been a long journey,” said Schmitz. “This was our second go-around with a local half-

Thoughtful Planning & Design Functionality and value were core objectives. This was reflected in development of the design and specifications. New technologies were implemented in the project, especially with the new pool. Life Floor is much safer than any flooring alternative on a pool deck with superior traction and density that limits injury if a fall occurs. The Paddock Evacuator system (new technology) significantly improves air quality by exhausting air impurities produced from chemical treatment of water.

New HVAC equipment was specified for various building zones for energy efficiency.

A comprehensive control system was installed to track, monitor, and adjust various components of the system to direct temperature control to specific areas. The system is set up to operate in variations versus being on or off, creating utility savings by using needed energy to

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 45

Photos: Steven Silverman, silvermanberemarkable.com

maintain control in spaces that require it.

LED lighting is used throughout the facility and most fixtures are dimmable to reduce electrical load. Spaces are equipped with occupancy sensors to automatically turn off lighting during non-use.

This project was a breath of fresh air in an old building by utilizing modern design trends to create an inclusive, accessible, and inviting areas throughout, while improving efficiencies. The addition of a gender neutral/family locker room was a modern design element that addresses contemporary social groups by offering private spaces to utilize.

While the construction team experienced procurement delays due to supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, these were resolved through continuous communication, alternate product selections, and flexibility in schedule sequencing.

Aquatics Center Nestled inside the New Um Recreation Center, the aquatic center features several attractions for people of all ages. Visitors can relax in a Whirlpool hot tub or take a dip in the zero-depth swimming pool.

46 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

Those looking for a thrill can ride flume slides, scale the AquaClimb rock climbing wall, take Aquazip’n swing jumps from the zipline, or try Minnesota’s first and only Ninja Cross System course which features two lanes – one beginner/intermediate and the other advanced expert. Also provide are six lanes for lap swimming, a children’s play area with kiddy slide and spray features, deck showers and a contained rental party room. The entire pool deck surface is covered with Life Floor tiles, a special foam rubber that is slip-resistant even when wet. New men’s, women’s and gender-neutral locker rooms have also

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MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 47 SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA

Fitness Center A new open floor plan with expansive exterior windows 3,000 sf collocated strength and cardio fitness center with over 50 machines and exercise amenities.

Services include 24/7/365 access, personal trainers and many varied fitness classes.

Gymnastics Center The new 11,200 sq ft gymnastics center features an in-ground pit and trampoline.

It is home to Turner Gymnastics Academy (TGA) – a new partnership between Turner Hall Gymnastics (THG) and New Ulm Area Gymnastics Academy (NUAGA).

Photo: Steven Silverman, silvermanberemarkable.com

been added. Mechanically, the pool includes regenerative filters, both UV and chlorine puck sanitizer systems, and the Paddock Evacuator stainless steel gutter chloramine removal exhaust system.

Previously, THHG and NUAGA had a total of 4,800 sq ft of gym space. The new center provides more space in one centralized location.

“We brought all the equipment from both spaces and we were able to purchase a lot of new items as well,” said Peterson. “We have much better storage and also a special toddler room for our tiny tots area. Previously neither gym had very much seating and we now have ample bleacher space. We also have a very nice sized party room and office space upstairs.”

Peterson estimates that they’ll have some of the highest enrollment numbers in both of the programs’ history – thanks to the new gymnastics center and that there was two Minnesota women in the Olympics last summer.

Gymnastics photos: Kourtney Peterson

48 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

New Ulm Recreation Center by the Numbers

30,000 sq ft Extra space the expansion created (increasing from 63,000 to 93,000 sq ft)

$15M Recreation Center renovation budget

3,000 sq ft Size of strength and cardio fitness center

11,200 sq ft Size of new gymnastics center

25 199

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MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 49

Accommodating a Growing Community Plymouth Community Center gets a new lease on life

By Todd Pernsteiner, Pernsteiner Creative Group, Inc.

Since the Plymouth Creek Center (PCC) opened in 1999 as a hub for arts, recreation programs and special events, the city’s population grew by more than 14,000 people – and a major expansion was needed to meet demand and better accommodate space needs.

50 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

After two decades of use, the well-used Plymouth Community Center (formerly known as Plymouth Creek Center), needed maintenance and updates – and its popularity means it was stretched to meet the demands and changing needs of a growing community.

Serving a Growing Population The community center was originally designed to allow for a potential expansion project based on expected population growth. Since it was constructed, Plymouth’s population has increased by more than 14,000 residents. That growth spiked Plymouth Community Center’s usage and left the building struggling to meet the demand for space.

Prior to the renovation, the facility hosted senior programs, recreation programming, weddings, rentals and more. Many of the building’s rooms were not suited for recreation programming needs (such as a yoga class on the carpeted ballroom floor).

Additionally, rental demand outpaced capacity.

Photos: City of Plymouth

Feasibility Study Examines Future of the Community Center A 2017 feasibility study examined concerns about the community center’s ability to meet current and future needs. The study confirmed that high demand caused programming limitations at the facility.

To gauge community interest and develop the best fit for facility users, the

city launched a community engagement initiative in 2018 to ask residents for help in shaping the center’s future. Several community engagement tools were available to help residents share thoughts about whether the center needed expansion and, if so, what type of space would best serve the community.

of the community to enjoy recreation activities, sports programs, educational opportunities, arts programs, events and more.

Phase 1: Active Wing Opened January 3, 2022

Input was collected through an online survey tool, an interactive website, open house events, and in-person at city facilities and events. A Community Engagement Report for the center was available for review and was presented to the City Council in late 2018.

The Active Wing, the first phase to open includes a new year-round indoor walking track, exciting new indoor playground, two gymnasiums, dance and fitness studios, and a sensory room.

• Fieldhouse

outfitted with artificial grass, great for year-round team field sports.

Inflatable dome provides an indoor space from November through early April.

A New Community Center Comes to Life

• Fitness/wellness

Renovation of the community center began in September 2020. The roughly $50M project, when all phases are completed, will offer a gathering place for all members

• Two

studios for yoga, aerobics and Zumba classes, with appropriate flooring and amenities. full sized gymnasiums for pickleball, basketball, badminton, preschool, tumbling and more

Creating places for communities at play.

We design parks and trails that invite people of all ages and abilities to gather and play, boosting well-being while conserving community resources. That’s a tall order.

But LHB delivers, time and again.

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MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 51

• Indoor

playground with components similar to an outdoor park. Sits adjacent to two party rooms, perfect for hosting a birthday party

• Sensory

Room provides a calming space with a variety of equipment that provides visitors with a personalized experience to fit a variety of sensory needs.

• Walking

track dedicated year-round indoor walking facility.

Phase 2: Event and Education Wings Opening July 18, 2022 Complete with conference and multipurpose rooms equipped with new integrated technology, the Event Wing features a renovated ballroom and redesigned Black Box Theater, which were staples from the former Plymouth Creek Center building.

Known as the Plymouth Room, the newly renovated ballroom seats up to 300 guests at tables or 400 guests for audience-style seating. This popular wedding and special event venue includes a stage, built-in bar and large windows that overlook the beautiful Millennium Garden and wetland areas.

The renovated Black Box Theater features audience-style seating for up to 180 people and is equipped with a sound system and lighting.

The Education Wing includes senior/adult spaces designated for groups, clubs and social gatherings;

52 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

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multipurpose rooms tailored for education and STEM classes; art rooms for creative programming; and music classrooms for lessons and other acoustical activities.

“To be able to fully open this beautiful facility to Plymouth residents is very exciting,” said Plymouth Community Center Manager Jess Riley. “Each wing of the community center offers something unique, and we are excited to continue welcoming guests of all ages and abilities to this new space.”

Education Wing • Senior/adult

spaces – designated for groups, clubs, cards and social gatherings

• Multipurpose

rooms – designed for education and STEM, as well as corporate and community meetings

• Art

rooms for art and creative programs

• Art

gallery for rotating community displays

• Music

rooms – acoustical spaces for classes and lessons

Event Wing • Conference

spaces and meeting rooms for corporate and community rentals

• Renovated

ballroom for weddings, events, corporate and catering

• Redesigned

black box theater for seminars, education and meetings

The entire Plymouth community is excited for the center to be completed. Mayor Jeff Wosje commented, “while we have made a lot of memories at the original Plymouth Creek Center building over the past two decades – once the project wraps up in summer 2022 with the completion of the Event and Education Wings – the newly expanded and renovated Plymouth Community Center will have more space to truly serve the entire community. I can’t wait to walk through the doors and see it bustling with activities and events.”

Learn more about the Plymouth Community Center at plymouthmn.gov/pcc.

ARCHITECTURAL

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FUN PRODUCTS

AGILITY ITEMS

Sensory Inclusion at the Plymouth Community Center autism, dementia, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease or other conditions. Facility users can download the free KultureCity app to view the sensory features available at the Plymouth Community Center and where they can be accessed, as well as view photos that explain what guests may experiencing when visiting the facility. The free app is available through various app stores.

The City of Plymouth has incorporated numerous inclusive recreation features into the remodeled community center including a sensory room and sensory bags. They also partnered with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization that raises national awareness and helps create inclusive spaces for those with sensory needs, to become a Sensory Inclusive Certified venue.

To help create a calming and inclusive environment, sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards are also available to center visitors. Guests may check out a sensory bag from staff at the front desk or indoor playground.

The sensory room is a space for guests who feel overstimulated a would like a quieter environment to recharge. The room is outfitted with calming amenities, such as lights, colors, activity panels, soft sensory objects, a tactile art installation, weighted lap pad and more. Visitors can check out a key card to use the room.

KultureCity awards Sensory Inclusive Certifications to businesses that have become more accessible and inclusive to all guests, including those with sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation – helping them feel welcome while visiting a facility. Sensory sensitivities may be experienced by individuals with

KultureCity Inclusive Certification

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Rebuilding the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion New pavilion concessions area under construction after historic building destroyed by fire in 2019

By Daniel Elias, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

A rendering of the new Bde Maka Ska pavilion site

56 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

Photos: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

At about 3 a.m. on May 16, 2019, a man discarded hookah embers behind a group of trash and recycling bins next to the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion as a thunderstorm rolled in.

The embers, glowing orange on security camera footage, were sheltered from the storm’s rain, but not its wind, which whipped the coals into the base of a nearby building column. By 3:42 am, the entire historic pavilion was on fire. The 90-yearold building was declared a total loss and razed 12 days later.

The Bde Maka Ska Pavilion is located at one of the most popular areas in the Minneapolis park system. The pavilion building offered lakeside concessions since the 1930s, and the surrounding area also includes the lake’s only boat launch, a sailing school, boat rental kiosk and busy trail junction. It’s been a natural gathering place throughout the history of the park system.

After building rubble was hauled away, the site was paved and utilities repaired to return it to a condition where people could gather again. Food trucks replaced pavilion concessions, the sailing school, boat launch and boat rentals resumed operating, and people enjoyed new lake views afforded by the open plaza where the pavilion once stood.

Rendering by Cuningham / Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

However, the volume of people and activity at the site are best served by an all-season building with bathrooms, storage and a commercial kitchen for concessions. The unfortunate loss of the historic pavilion was also an opportunity to rethink how site infrastructure and design could sustainably serve future generations of park users.

Planning for Future Generations In 2020, a team led by Cuningham was hired to design the rebuilt pavilion. Cuningham solicited feedback from Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board staff across many departments, along with site vendors and other stakeholders.

In March 2021, two potential concept designs were widely publicized for public feedback. A video walkthrough, graphic presentation, online survey, social media posts and in-person and virtual open

Top photo: The original pavilion building before the fire. Bottom photo: Remains of the pavilion after the fire. houses garnered hundreds of comments.

The design team analyzed feedback to refine a single pavilion site design that was approved by MPRB Commissioners in May 2021. Construction documents and permitting were finalized throughout 2021 and Morcon Construction was awarded a $6.2 million contract to rebuild the pavilion area. Construction broke ground on May 23, 2022

The New Pavilion Area The new Bde Maka Ska pavilion site will host two buildings separated by a walkway that connects a variety of outdoor seating.

The buildings contain a commercial kitch-

en, accessible all-gender restrooms and expanded storage areas.

In addition to the varied, ample outdoor seating and gathering spaces, the site will also offer expanded bike parking, accessible vehicle parking and drop-off improvements, upgraded lighting, new trees, landscaping and stormwater BMPs, an improved trail crossing at the boat launch entrance, and opportunities for public art and interpretative signs.

The project will be under construction for the next year, with the new pavilion area scheduled to open for the next generation of lakeside gatherings in summer 2023.

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 57

New Mississippi Gateway Regional Park Will Connect Community and Nature

By Jeff Feulner, Senior Landscape Architect, WSB

Design work is taking place this year on an exciting project that aims to help people connect with the Mississippi River and nature.

58 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, operated by Three Rivers Park District, includes 160 acres of parkland on the western shore of the Mississippi River in the City of Brooklyn Park. Coon Rapids Dam has spanned the river at the location for more than a century; in 1969, Northern States Power Co. gave the dam and 225 acres of surrounding land to what became Three Rivers Park District to establish a regional park on the Mississippi. Three Rivers operates the park on the west side of the river; Anoka County Parks and Recreation owns and operates Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park on the eastern side of the river in the City of Coon Rapids.

For five decades, the park has been a staple in the community, attracting visitors from across the Twin Cities region. Although the park is one of the most unique in the Three Rivers Park District system, it had not undergone significant investment in several years. To revitalize the park and to build better connections with the surrounding communities, in 2017 Three Rivers Park District embarked on developing a new vision for the park.

Nestled just across the road from the park is the city of Brooklyn Park’s Environmental Nature Area, a space full of opportunities to connect with nature. With the parks located adjacent to each other and only separated by West River Road, Brooklyn Park and Three Rivers Park District realized that they could provide better service to residents and park guests by working together.

Renderings courtesy of WSB

The agencies developed a joint park master plan to avoid duplication and to provide a greater array of offerings for the public. Combining the park with the nature area would allow for a broader recreational experience for users. The planning process purposefully targeted equity markets that have historically been underrepresented in the visitor base for nature-based parks: minorities, non-English speaking households, new immigrants, low-income households, and people ages 45+. Throughout the master planning process, the project team engaged community residents in many ways – at community events, cultural gatherings and through user groups. The public identified features and amenities that became the basis of the vision for the park.

This process made it possible for the park to truly reflect the priorities and values of the people who use it, and the resulting master plan described how together the two parks could be combined to create

Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. In December 2020, Three Rivers and the City of Brooklyn Park formalized their partnership by approving a cooperative agreement to design, construct and operate Mississippi Gateway Regional Park.

“This project is the most significant capital investment in a park in the Park District’s history, and it fits perfectly with Three Rivers Park District’s vision that every person can connect with nature every day,” said Three Rivers Park District Commissioner Jennifer DeJournett, whose district includes the park. “Mississippi Gateway will welcome all individuals, whether they’re new to Minnesota or have been here for generations and will offer free and affordable programs to encourage everyone to explore the outdoors.”

With a comprehensive redesign of both areas, and a number of planned new features, the new park was born. Mississippi Gateway Regional Park will bring the vision to life: to connect the community, families, and residents to nature. To develop a strong vision that would cement this iconic park’s legacy, Three Rivers Park District and the city of Brooklyn Park consulted with WSB, a Twin-Cities headquartered

design and consulting firm, to lead the design team which also includes Alliiance Architects, Bolton and Menk and Emanuelson-Podas. Through a robust public engagement plan, master planning and design services, a vision and strategy to update the park for current and future generations to enjoy was created.

Connecting New Audiences with Nature At the heart of this project are people. The goal is that people of all abilities and cultures have access to a fun, welcoming park where they can connect with and explore nature and the river in many ways. The location of Mississippi Gateway Regional Park provides a unique natural environment within the diverse, urban area where it lies. For children and adults alike, parks are a place to learn, exercise, grow and celebrate all Minnesota has to offer.

A major natural feature of the park is the Mississippi River and the unique landscape and habitats that surround it. People may come to the park for a variety of reasons, but all are drawn to the beauty and power of the mighty Mississippi that forms the natural eastern border of the park.

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 59

The park means something different to every user, and it will remain a significant landmark that is safe, accessible, convenient, unique and fun for those looking to experience the beauty and wonder of nature and the Mississippi close to where they live.

Commissioner DeJournett added, “We anticipate that the new Mississippi Gateway Regional Park will be a jewel of both the Three Rivers and Brooklyn Park systems and will be a favorite place for residents of the Twin Cities Metro Area as well as visitors from Greater Minnesota and around the country to connect with the Mighty Mississippi and enjoy the outdoors.”

What’s Coming to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park Meaningful updates and one-of-a-kind experiences will attract visitors and provide significant benefit to the community and region. A new Gateway Center building will offer exhibit areas with learning opportunities focused on the Mississippi River and the park, classroom areas for school groups and park programming, and a space for equipment rentals, allowing further exploration of the park through the use of snowshoes, skis or bikes. A treetop

trail, which will be an elevated walkway through the canopies of existing mature trees, will be developed near the Gateway Center. In addition, a nature-themed play tower and nature play nodes will connect to the treetop trail to create exciting play opportunities for all abilities. During the design process, staff from Three Rivers and WSB are engaging with students from Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy for Math and Environmental Sciences to garner students’ input on the design of the nature play features. A “Mini-Mississippi” interactive water feature will provide a unique opportunity for users to access a stream channel, get their feet wet and manipulate the flow of water to further understand the dynamics of a river. These elements will provide unique perspectives, hands-on experiences, and exciting play opportunities for everyone to explore nature.

Beyond the core development area, Mississippi Gateway Regional Park will provide enhanced trails, gathering places and shelters, nature connection nodes and additional accessible fishing opportunities along the edge of the river. The western part of the park will also include a reservable shelter, playground, off-leash dog area, and an enhanced archery range.

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Even with all the planned renovations, keeping a natural feeling in the park is still an achievable goal. The focus will remain on creating accessible opportunities to connect with the natural environment.

Native plantings will be included with the restoration efforts throughout the park, while other proposed elements will be nestled within the existing vegetation and terrain.

Throughout the master planning, schematic design and design development phases of the project, the design team was careful to provide solutions that are equally engaging in all seasons of the year. The treetop trail and other trails are designed for year-round use, while cross-country ski and snowshoe trails also weave throughout the landscape.

This is an exciting project that will continue to connect the community with nature. The project is currently transitioning into the construction document phase of design, with a grand opening targeted for 2026.

Mississippi Gateway Regional Park will be an inviting, welcoming and vibrant place for everyone to discover nature and the Mississippi River.

W O O D H AV E N P A R K E AGA N , M N

Shaping the future, one project at a time Working with communities to build what’s next in infrastructure.

Forge ahead. wsbeng.com MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Summer 2022 61

THANK YOU 2022 MRPA CORPORATE MEMBERS! Horizon Commercial Pool Supply horizonpoolsupply.com

ATE Recreation ateinstallations.com B32 Engineering Group b32eng.com

ISG is-grp.com

Bituminous Roadways Inc. bitroads.com

RJ Thomas/Pilot Rock pilotrock.com RJM Construction rjmconstruction.com

ISSUU issuu.com

Bolton & Menk, Inc. bolton-menk.com

Premier Polysteel premierpolysteel.com

Johnson Fitness johnsonfitness.com

Rock Hard Landscape Supply rockhardmn.com

Kraus-Anderson krausanderson.com

Safety First Playground Surfacing LLC safetyfirstplayground.com

Custom Builders Inc. custombuildersmn.com

Landscape Structures playlsi.com

Sport Court North sportcourtmn.com

Custom Manufacturing Inc. custommfginc.com

LHB, Inc. lhbcorp.com

Sports Lighting Authority sportslightingauthority.com

DF / Damon Farber Landscape Architects damonfarber.com

Midwest Groundcover Express Blower Service midwestgroundcover.net

St. Croix Recreation stcroixrec.com

Flagship Recreation LLC flagshipplay.com

Minnesota Wisconsin Playground Inc. mnwiplay.com

Commercial Recreation Specialists, Inc. crs4rec.com

Gyms for Dogs gymsfordogs.com H+U Construction hu-construction.com HGA Architects and Engineers hga.org Hiway Credit Union hiway.org Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. hkgi.com

Stantec stantec.com Taylors Falls Recreation taylorsfallsboat.com

MOTI Sports motisports.com

Turman Artwork Company adamturman.com

Northland Recreation, LLC northlandrec.com

Ultimate Playgrounds ultimateplaygrounds.com

Nystrom Publishing nystrompublishing.com

USTA Northern northern.usta.com

Oertel Architects, Ltd. oertelarchitects.com

WSB & Associates, Inc. wsbeng.com

ADVERTISER INDEX Bituminous Roadways ......... 31 Bolton & Menk..........................5 Commercial Recreation Specialists ............................. 29 Flagship Recreation .......... IBC Gyms for Dogs ................ 54-55 ISG ............................................ 31

Issuu ........................................ 30 iZone Imaging ........................ 11 JLG ........................................... 47 John Deere................................9 Kraus-Anderson ................... 39 Landscape Structures ...... IBC LHB ........................................... 51

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VOLUME 16 |

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2021

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Minnesota Wisconsin Playground ............................. 13 Northland Recreation............8 RJM Construction................. 49 Safety First Playground Surfacing ..............................IFC Sport Court North...........32-33 St. Croix Recreation ............ 53

Midwest Playscapes ........... BC University of Wisconsin La Crosse ...........................14-15 Webber Recreational Design......................................37 WSB ......................................... 59 Ziegler CAT .............................. 13

Minnesota Recreation & Parks Magazine Connects MRPA Professionals and Suppliers Be seen and stand out! See past issues on MRPA’s new website by scanning the QR code at right or by going to 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.

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www.mnrpa.org

62 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

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