From the President

By Ross Demant, MRPA President

Getting to Know Your Neighbors

One of my objectives while serving as the MRPA president is to get out and meet MRPA members throughout the state. My fi rst adventure has taken me to the City of Hutchinson where Lynn Neumann has taken over the helm as the parks, recreation and community education director. Lynn has held this position since March 15, 2021 after taking over for Clifton E. French Award recipient, Dolf Moon. Hutchinson is a small, vibrant Minnesota community that maintains a strong collaborative relationship with its citizens and surrounding community members to provide a high quality of life that creates healthy, active community members. Hutchinson Parks, Recreation and Community Education (PRCE) has a unique partnership with the school district and community education department to provide recreation facilities that can be utilized by both students and community members. The City provides maintenance for school recreation facilities, such as playgrounds and ballfi elds, while the school district provides the capital cost for replacement of facilities and a budget for maintenance costs. The PRCE director is 50/50 split between Hutchinson public schools and the City of Hutchinson. Hutchinson PRCE is supported by over 20 full-time and permanent part-time staff. Sara Witte is the park supervisor and oversees fi ve of the full-time staff. The parks maintenance division is responsible for 41 city parks, four shared school-park sites, a campground, and many other amenities. While talking with Lynn and Sara about their experience with the MRPA, they stated that the MRPA is an outstanding organization and that Michelle and her staff are always very supportive and inclusive. Lynn and Sara like to stay involved in the MRPA and are currently serving as the volunteer coordinators for the 2022 MRPA Annual Conference. This year’s theme is The Power of Parks and Play. Tune in for my next adventure which will have me venturing even further into Greater Minnesota!

Hutchinson PRCE Staff Ugly Sweater Celebration The Stage at Masonic West River is the host to many concert events throughout the summer Hutchinson PRCE Director, Lynn Neumann

Hutchinson Aquatic Center opened June 2017

Hutchinson Farmer’s Market at the Depot