From the President

from MRPA Magazine - Summer 2022

MRPF Corner

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 fi tness 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 fi rst 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!