Take Part in the “50 for 50 MRPF Challenge”

By Jennifer Fink, MRPF President

I am excited to share with you the incredible opportunity to celebrate our 50 th anniversary in true parks and recreation style. As we are gathering this fall at our conference, I invite you to honor this milestone with us. I want to take a moment to revel in the best part of our profession: the extraordinary networking opportunities that come with our professional connections.

Picture this: a world where parks and recreation professionals from all corners of Minnesota come together, forming a web of friendship, collaboration, and shared enthusiasm. It’s like the ultimate Pawnee Harvest Festival, but with less waffles (sadly). Through the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation, we’ve built a community that thrives on these invaluable connections. Whether it’s swapping stories at a conference, sharing innovative ideas during workshops, or collaborating on groundbreaking projects, our professional network is the lifeblood of our success.

Survey after survey shows that one of the most important things for professionals in our line of work is the networking that we get from our professional organizations. So, in the true spirit of parks and recreation passion, I challenge you to seize this momentous occasion and embrace the power of networking. Reach out to your fellow professionals, those bright sparks who share our unwavering commitment to making our communities vibrant and joyful.

Challenge them to participate in our “50 for 50 MRPF Challenge,” where we aim to raise $50 (or more!) in honor of our 50 years of existence. Encourage them to join this celebration of our shared journey and inspire them to rally their own networks. Together, we can create a ripple effect of support, strengthening the ties that bind us in this beautiful profession. This challenge will run through the end of the year.

To embark on this noble mission, simply visit our website to donate. Share your park and rec story online or at a staff meeting, make a department challenge, and unleash your networking prowess. Let’s ignite a wildfire of generosity and camaraderie among our colleagues and friends. Use the hashtags #50for50 and #MRPF50YearsStrong or tag the Foundation Facebook page in your posts to help others know.

Remember, the funds raised through the “50 for 50 MRPF Challenge” will fuel our mission of providing scholarships, research opportunities, and funding for special projects that shape the future of our industry. By harnessing the power of our network, we can propel our shared vision forward.

So, my fellow parks and recreation enthusiasts, let us embrace this moment and channel our inner Leslie Knope. Let’s connect, challenge, and support one another as we celebrate our 50 th anniversary with gusto!

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and passion, which makes our network thrive and our mission soar.

With boundless enthusiasm and a heart full of waffles - Jennifer Fink, CPRP, Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation president

50 th Anniversary Logos

Thank you to Nicole Greenwell from Anoka County Parks and Recreation for designing not one, but two 50 th Anniversary Logos! These logos remind us of when the Foundation was created and use the current logo as inspiration. That logo was designed by another member, Andy Soltvedt. These logos are going to be featured on your favorite sweatshirts, vests, and even retro t-shirts, allowing everyone to not only help raise funds for the Foundation but wear their MRPF pride. You can access the merchandise store by visiting www.mnrpf.org or scanning the QR code at right. You can either pay to have items shipped directly to you, picked up in New Brighton, or you can pick them up at this year’s conference in Plymouth!

Celebrate with the Foundation

We look forward to celebrating with all of you at this year’s Annual Conference social events. Stay tuned for ways to remember the last 50 years of Foundation history and connect with