MRPA Minnesota Summer 2018

MINNESOTA What is a Dementia- Friendly Community?

THE AQUATICS ISSUE

Staffing, Safety & Solutions

The Future of Tennis

Interview Tips for Young Professionals

2018 CONFERENCE GUIDE

www.mnrpa.org

100% Employee-Owned ESOP Grand Forks Park District

Bismarck Parks & Recreation

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Valley City Parks & Recreation

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Watertown Parks & Rec

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City of Killdeer Parks & Rec

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Grand Forks Park District

MINNESOTA Recreation and 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 Jennifer Fink, New Brighton Lori Hokenson, New Brighton Lucie Patrick, Maple Grove John Stutzman, Golden Valley Advertising Sales & Design Pernsteiner Creative Group, pernsteiner.com MRPA Board of Directors 2018 President: Boe Carlson, Three Rivers Park District President-Elect: Tom Schmitz, New Ulm Past President: Mary Jo Knudson, Owatonna Secretary: Sara McKay, Waseca Treasurer: Dale McCamish, Rochester RSC Chair: Jerry Ruegemer, Chanhassen East Metro: Barry Bernstein, Apple Valley East Metro: Andy Soltvedt, Anoka County East Metro: Jared Flewellen, Eagan Northeast Region: Jamie Cassidy, Becker Northwest Region: Dolf Moon, Hutchinson Southern Region: Paul Peanasky, Faribault West Metro: Kelly Mertes, Brooklyn Center West Metro: Sonya Rippe, Plymouth 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.

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.

Deadlines for Articles and Advertising Fall 2018 issue...............................August 15, 2018 Winter 2019 issue..................... December 7, 2018 Spring 2019 Issue.......................... March 16, 2019 Summer 2019 issue.......................... May 18 , 2019 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 info@pernsteiner.com.

On the cover: FlashFlood by Aquatix, Central Park, Delano, MN.

FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

By Boe Carlson, MRPA President

In this business, we are always looking ahead.

Instead of pausing to use and enjoy our parks, trails and facilities during the busy summer season, most of us are occupied by planning for fall and winter. There can be precious little time to enjoy what is happening today because brochure deadlines are coming, registration information needs to get out and fall projects need to be wrapped up before the snow starts flying again. Did I mention that budget preparation for next year started two months ago?

MRPA’s annual conference provides all of us with a wonderful opportunity to take time to reflect, learn and reconnect with our colleagues around the state. This year’s conference will be October 9-12 at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester. The Southern Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (SMRPA) folks are doing a stellar job putting together an educational, informative and fun conference for all. The theme of this year’s conference is “Go. Play. Explore.” It’s a perfect reminder for all of us to do just that.

In order to deliver the types of services the public is seeking, we need to be out there seeing and experiencing what people enjoy doing. We need to not just plan, but also experience our parks and programs as well as what others are offering. So, I hope you mark your calendars and free up a couple days to join us in Rochester — I’ll see you there.

This year’s conference will be October 9-12 at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester…The theme of this year’s conference is “Go. Play. Explore.” It’s a perfect reminder for all of us to do just that.

TABLE OF CONTENTS From the Board President............................3

YPSN 5 Interview Tips.................................10

Foundation Corner........................................4

MRPA Flashback........................................... 11

MRPA in Action..............................................6

Aquatic Staffing, Safety & Solutions....12-20

Meet Jenna Smith..........................................6

Why Net Generation?.................................22

MRPA Events Calendar.................................6

2018 CONFERENCE GUIDE............ 26-36

Keeping Up.....................................................8

2018 MRPA Corporate Members...............37

Interview with Bob Kojetin............................9

A Dementia-Friendly Community.............38

Summer 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 3

FOUNDATION CORNER Minnesota Recreation & Park Foundation Update

By John W. Stutzman, CPRP, MRPF President It is an exciting time for our organization, thanks to our partnership with Hiway Federal Credit Union and a few incredibly generous monetary contributions from members. The Board of Trustees started working with a money management firm experienced in working with non-profits to ensure the sustainability of our organization and the membership opportunities, initiatives, and programs we offer.

As the only non-profit organization solely dedicated to the parks and recreation profession, MRPF takes great pride in supporting our membership through the sponsorship of professional development and networking opportunities, inspiring innovation with grant and scholarship programs, and providing continued support for the MRPA and their membership. While we proceed down a new financial path, we believe we are developing the foundation to ensure the support of our membership and MRPA for years to come. Our perpetual commitment to this profession and finding the best ways to support the recreation field remain our priority. If there are areas of the recreation profession where you would like to see MRPF become more involved, contact me at jstutzman@goldenvalleymn.gov.

DID YOU KNOWÖ the Minnesota Recreation and Park FoundationÖ

MRPF Student Scholarship Recipients: Where are They Now?

• Awarded Sarah Hansen, a member from Family Youth Community Connections in Albertville, a $2,000 grant to help her attend the 2018 National Recreation and Park Association Conference, as part of our National Professional Development Grant program?

Congratulations Sarah and thank you to our program sponsor, Webber Recreational Design!

Jennifer Davis: 2001 Recipient

• The Annual Golf Tournament and Networking Event will be held this September? Featuring a great day of golf, fun activities, mingling with parks and recreation colleagues, and great prize giveaways. Registration and event details will be available soon.

• Will be hosting a Minnesota networking event at the 2018 National Recreation and Park Association Conference in Indianapolis? We will sponsor food and non-alcoholic beverages for an evening of networking with parks and recreation from across the state. Watch for more details in early September.

• Awarded three New Initiative Grants to the following member agencies this spring?

- City of Becker’s L.E.A.D program - Cities of Brooklyn Park and St. Louis Park’s mobile fitness classes - Carver County Parks’ 13-person voyager canoe Congratulations to all! Apply today for the New Initiative Grants to be awarded this fall. Applications are currently being accepted now through November 2. Contact Lisa at labernathy@stlouispark.org for more information.

• Is once again is a proud financial supporter of the 2018 MRPA Annual Conference as the sponsor of the delegate gift and student luncheon? Additionally, the MRPF silent auction fundraiser, featured at the exhibit hall, will showcase great sports and golf packages, family activities, themed baskets and much more. Donations for auction items are currently being solicited, if you or your organization is able to donate item(s) please contact Mike at MRamirez@bloomingtonmn.gov.

• Membership is only $25 (retirees $20, students $10)? Members are eligible for fantastic benefits such as financial assistance, Foundation swag, event discounts, and MRPF membership drawings. Additionally, as a member you are eligible to become a Hiway Federal Credit Union member and can take advantage of all the credit union benefits. To become an MRPF member, with a tax deductible donation, contact Nicole at NGorman@EdinaMN. gov.

4 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Jennifer Davis was a small town Southern Minnesota girl who attended Mankato State University. She had eased her way into the recreation, parks and leisure services program as a freshman and received a MRPF student scholarship in 2001. Like many who found this career path, Jennifer spent her younger years gravitating towards parks and recreation jobs each summer, but had yet to comprehend it was an area in which you could receive a college degree.

Now that Jennifer had obtained her recreation degree, she began her pursuit of a career in recreation. With a goal of finding employment in the area of public recreation, she found herself heading north to the Twin Cities area and Waconia Community Education. As a recreation supervisor she developed and supervised youth programs.

During her time “up north,” even though she didn’t realize it yet, Jennifer was unconsciously waiting for an opportunity to return to home, back to Southern Minnesota. While unknowingly pursing this inclination, she moved to Albert Lea to work for the Chamber of Commerce and the Foto Factory while waiting for the right opportunity to arise. In 2006, that opportunity presented itself.

The City of Albert Lea was hiring a recreation program supervisor position. Twelve years after accepting the position, Jennifer continues to work in Albert Lea and does a little bit of everything, including supervising youth and family programs, warming houses, and the aquatic center.

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MRPA IN ACTION

Managing Risk at Your Facility Workshop Are You Ready for Litigation?

National presenter Shawn P. DeRosa provided training for all facility providers who may find themselves involved in litigation arising from injuries occurring at their facilities or events. More than 30 people attended the workshop on April 20 at the Apple Valley Community Center.

DeRosa is the senior associate director of Campus Recreation for Business and Administrative Services at The Pennsylvania State University. As the former northeast regional director for National Recreation and Park Association, Shawn is familiar with issues pertaining to park and recreation agencies.

MRPA would like to thank the aquatics section for organizing this workshop, and Apple Valley Parks and Recreation for hosting.

2018 MRPA Events Calendar Slice of Shoreview Days Sand Volleyball Tournament July 29; Island Lake County Park MRPA / MN-USSSA State Softball Tournaments Throughout August Minnesota Twins Parks and Recreation Days August 1 and 15; Target Field, Minneapolis Woodbury Days Sand Volleyball Tournament August 25; Ojibway Park MRPA Retiree and Friend Luncheon September 10; Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley Building Ships Outside Your Comfort Zone September 13; Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute (ERLI) 2 September 18, October 2, 16 & 30, November 13 & 27 MRPA Annual Conference and Exhibit Hall October 9 - 12; Rochester Civic Center MRPA Entertainment Jamboree November or December Visit mnrpa.org to stay up-to-date with upcoming events.

6 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

< Meet Jenna Smith Jenna Smith became interested in the field of parks and recreation because of her passion for being active and connected to her community.

“I always had a love for the outdoors,” states Smith, recreation supervisor for the City of Bloomington. “I also loved the comradery that came from playing parks and recreation league sports, especially softball. I never thought of a career in parks and recreation as a possibility until towards the end of completing my bachelor’s degree when I was heavily involved in participating in recreation sports and other student organizations. I realized I enjoyed the planning aspect of the programs, which opened my eyes to the possibility.”

Smith started college at Western Kentucky University with dreams of being a photojournalist, but as she approached graduation, she felt a pull to pursue a career in recreation. She says, “I returned to college to work towards a master’s in recreation and sport administration, while taking a job at a camp and conference center. In my last year of my master’s program, I was working part-time in various roles, including one where I worked as a challenge course facilitator at Western Kentucky University.

One of my supervisors informed me of a full-time job opening for Bowling Green, KY Parks and Recreation working with adaptive camps and sports.

After working in that role for a few years, I made the move to Minnesota to work for Bloomington Parks and Recreation.”

Smith was encouraged from one of her colleagues in Bloomington to get involved with MRPA once she moved to Minnesota. “I have been very thankful for that advice,” she states. “MRPA quickly opened its arms to me and gave me many opportunities to get engaged. I was invited in on the early stages of the development of the Young Professional and Student Network and was even given the opportunity to present a session on the network at the 2016 MRPA Annual Conference along with other MRPA members. In 2017, I served on the summer leadership workshop committee, assisting in reshaping the workshop to meet the needs of both supervisors and summer staff alike to bring the Intercultural Confidence / Good Vibes workshop.

Smith adds she also served on Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation’s New Initiative Grants Review Committee. “This was a fun way to see how other agencies are working towards growing the field of recreation and also play a role in helping them achieve their goals,” she states. “One of my biggest areas of involvement has been through the MRPA programming section. I began attending the monthly meetings very early on, and have gotten my feet wet this past year by acting as secretary at each of the section meetings taking minutes. I very much look forward to my upcoming opportunity to step into my role as the next programming section chair.”

Smith states MRPA has played a significant role in contributing to her professional growth. She has attended MRPA conferences and a variety of topical workshops. “I always look forward to gaining additional information, insights, and methods that I can bring back to my organization to keep up with the ever-changing trends in recreation,” she states. “Workshops have helped me enhance both the programs that I offer in my community, as well as giving me ideas on how to better equip to train my staff. My involvement in this organization has also helped me create an incredible networking community, introducing me to other professionals. I know there are many MRPA colleagues that I can count on to call who are more than willing to offer advice or share their experiences or insights. I am grateful for the opportunities MRPA has offered me to enhance my professional skills, and I look forward to continuing to give back to the organization.”

MRPA members are the heart of our organization. They are involved and committed to advancing the parks and recreation programming. MRPA in Action is a new magazine feature which will highlight one section/committee and one professional per issue.

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KEEPING UP Jill Anfang Retires from Roseville Parks and Recreation that encompassed general recreation experiences, sports skill development and academic enrichment.”

“While in college, I worked at Camp Manitou, a YMCA day-camp in Monticello. As a group leader, planning and implementing themed activities for elementary-aged children, I was responsible for providing healthy, active experiences. I loved the planning process and then witnessing those plans come to reality in successful events.”

In April 2018, Jill Anfang retired as the assistant director for Roseville Parks and Recreation. She says her parks and recreation career began with complementary recreation experiences and a “non-traditional” avenue to the profession.

“My professional career began at the University of Minnesota where I worked for 17 years,” states Anfang. “I was employed by the athletic facilities department, which is no longer in existence, and the department of recreational sports, which is now the recreation and wellness center. I gained experiences and skills in program development, staff management, facility management and organizational operations. I am proud to have been part of a small team that developed and implemented the youth programs that began as a golf instruction program, grew into a multifaceted youth experience

While at the University of Minnesota, Anfang was part of a small team that started the youth programs through the department of recreational sports. “The youth offerings were developed to maximize facility use during the summer months and provide quality sports and recreation experiences for area youth,” she says. “The programs were modeled after community recreation programs and capitalized on the many unique opportunities made possible by the U of M.” While working at the University of Minnesota, Anfang received a master’s degree in recreation leisure studies. “During this time I also became involved in MRPA,” she states.

“While I was definitely an ‘outsider’ among the MRPA membership, the programming section welcomed me and provided me with innumerable professional connections and resources. My education foundation combined with my professional experiences and MRPA

involvement opened the door to my 19-year career with Roseville Parks and Recreation.”

“Over the years as an MRPA member, I was involved in the programming section where I was a section chair and involved with planning a number of leadership training workshops.

I also served on a conference planning committee, the MRPA awards committee, the original professional development committee, and I served on the MRPA Board of Directors.”

Anfang adds she truly enjoyed all her experiences and interactions with MRPA, its membership and supporting staff. “MRPA was a valuable tool throughout my career providing professional connections and industry insight,” she says. “I feel blessed to have spent my career working for amazing organizations with strong leadership and unbelievable work teams. I could not have asked for a more complete work experience than what I had in Roseville. I worked with a fantastic team that is talented, supportive, respectful, fun and dedicated. I had the opportunity to develop and grow programs. I was involved in once-in-a-career development projects that involved extensive community involvement, impacted all corners of the community, and set the foundation for a bright future for Roseville Parks and Recreation.”

MRPA would like to extend a thank you to Jill for all her years of service to MRPA and the parks and recreation profession.

Congratulations to MRPA Member Agencies Minneapolis and Saint Paul Named the #1 and #2 Park Systems in America Minneapolis has the best park system in the United States, according to The Trust for Public Land’s 7th annual ParkScore® index. Minneapolis narrowly edged neighboring Saint Paul to earn top honors for the third consecutive year.

A different regional rivalry claimed third and fourth place, as Washington, D.C. barely outscored Arlington, Virginia, to hold on to third. In another big move, Chicago cracked the top 10 for the first time in ParkScore history.

This year, ParkScore rankings are based equally on four factors: park access, which measures the percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park; park acreage, which is based on a city’s median park size and the percentage of total city area dedicated to parks; park investment, which measures park spending per resident; and park amenities, which counts the availability of six popular park features: basketball hoops, off-leash dog parks, playgrounds,

8 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

splashpads and other water play structures, recreation and senior centers, and restrooms.

Minneapolis scored well on all ParkScore rating factors. In Minneapolis, 97 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, and 15- percent of city area is reserved for parks. Second-place finisher Saint Paul outscored Minneapolis for park amenities but fell to second overall because of its smaller median park size (3.2 acres vs. 5.7 acres).

The addition of restrooms and splashpads to the park amenities rating factor is a significant update and improvement for ParkScore in 2018.

The index also now includes volunteer hours and charitable contributions in its calculation of parks spending, providing a ranking boost to cities whose residents strongly support their park systems.

Interview with a Past MRPA Clifton E. French Award Recipient

By Bethani Gerhard, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association

In each issue of the magazine, we will be featuring a past Clifton E. French Award recipient. This award is the highest distinction presented to a person who has provided long and outstanding service to MRPA and the parks and recreation profession.

Bob Kojetin, 1982 The Clifton E. French Award recipient in 1982 was Bob Kojetin. He worked for Edina Parks and Recreation for 32 years, with most of those years as the director. Kojetin retired 24 years ago, and has been enjoying his time with his family and friends, and volunteering with many organizations and agencies, including MRPA. Kojetin grew up in Minneapolis and participated in football, wrestling, and pole vault during high school.

He graduated from Washburn High School in 1951 and received the outstanding all-around athletic award from the senior class.

“After high school, I worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company until I was drafted into the United States Army on December 2, 1952,” says Kojetin. “I was involved in the Korean Campaign from June 1953 to June 1954 and on December 1, 1954 was discharged with the rank of sergeant. I married Joan in 1955, and we have two children and four grandchildren.”

Kojetin returned to work at Northwestern Bell while attending the University of Minnesota.

He graduated in 1961 with a degree in park and recreation administration. After graduation, Kojetin started working for the City of Edina as the assistant parks and recreation director. In 1977, he was promoted to the director of parks and recreation. In the 1980s, he was awarded the Mayor’s Community Accommodation Award from the City of Edina.

Kojetin was involved in the building of Braemar Ice Arena, Braemar Golf Course, Edinburgh, Centennial Lakes facilities, and many parks in Edina. In 1969, he was involved in starting the Edina Historical Society where he was past president for seven years, and is now a lifetime

member of the society.

“I was also the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) state commissioner for Minnesota for 10 years, the second MRPA athletic chair, and later was a field representative for the National ASA for seven years,” states Kojetin.

His work in softball supported MRPA and its recreational programs at the time.

“I have also traveled throughout the world promoting softball for the International Softball Federation.”

Kojetin held softball clinics in the Far East and was recognized by the Department of Army for “appreciation of patriotic civilian services.”

He also conducted umpire clinics in Botswana, Africa. Kojetin is a lifetime member of the Amateur Softball Association and in 1989, was inducted in the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame. He is still involved with MRPA softball by volunteering for the Minnesota USSSA Hall of Fame Banquet, and playing in the benfit golf tournament.

“During the 1970s, I traveled to USSR and initiated and designed the bandy/softball exchange program for the International Softball Federation and the International Bandy Federation,” adds Kojetin. “This was the first such sports exchange program in the world and was recognized as an outstanding achievement by the largest sports federation in the world, the International Sports Federation.” In 2014, Kojetin was inducted into the USA Bandy Hall of Fame.

Kojetin has also been involved in many activities connected with recreation outside of his job that he considers as hobbies. Since his retirement, he has volunteered at Normandale Church. He was appointed to the Nine Mile Creek Watershed Board and served for 15 years. Kojetin is very creative as demonstrated in several of his volunteer projects. He has built many props for the Eagan ice skating show in which his granddaughter skated, and also props for the Edina ice skating show. “I am a lifetime member of the Edina Figure Skating Club,” he states. “I have also been building floats for the 4th of July parade for the Edina Garden Council for the past 10 years. I just finished building a float for the 2018 parade.”

In addition, Kojetin has been a long-time member of MRPA. He developed the athletic recreation division and ability level system for adults to give equal competition to all players. He also developed the first MRPA women’s slow pitch state softball tournament, and started the first state touch football tournament for the Associaiton. Kojetin helped form a special committee to hire a full-time, paid athletic coordinator to manage athletics for MRPA. In 1978, he was elected the first athletic chairperson for the Recreational Sports Commission.

“When MRPA was founded in 1937, I was five years-old,” he states. “I am now 85 years-old and the self-appointed history organizer for MRPA.” Kojetin both developed and maintained the MRPA historical library and a Board Presidents display in the office conference room, which was funded by Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation and the Chris Esser family. He received Presidential Awards in 2012 and 2016 for his volunteer work with MRPA. We thank Bob Kojetin for his commitment and dedication to MRPA and the parks and recreation profession.

Summer 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 9

MRPA Young Professionals and Student Network (YPSN)

5 Interview Tips

By Carrie Anderson, Eagan Parks and Recreation

Congratulations, you’ve been selected to interview for a position in the parks and recreation field! Your education and experience has paid off; now it’s time to prove why you are the best candidate for the position.

2. Portfolios, Resumes, and Handouts

1. Research the Organization

Dress to impress but make sure you are comfortable. You may be nervous already, don’t pick an outfit that is going to make you feel worse. If you aren’t used to wearing heels, don’t wear them. Borrow your uncle’s suit, but if it’s four sizes too big and you can’t actually use your hands because the sleeves are too long, you may be focusing on trying to pull the sleeves up to shake hands with the interviewers instead of focusing on the interview. You need to feel and look good. A cell phone is not part of your outfit. Leave it in the car. Seriously, leave it in the car.

School is back in session. Take time to learn as much as you can about the organization.

Browse activity catalogs, read reviews on Google, skim council or commission agendas, or network with others who may have worked for the organization. If possible, visit the parks and facilities. What intrigues you most about the organization?

What assets do you have that can contribute to the organization? This is your time to jot down questions and talking points.

Leave the giant college binder of projects and flyers at home. Bring organized, concise, and prepared handouts, if applicable. If you are going to refer to a handout during your interview, know exactly what the handout says so you don’t miss a beat. Resumes should be one page, professional, and edited by trustworthy colleagues. Bring enough copies for all interviewers.

3. Dress the Part

Research the Organization

Portfolios, Resumes, and Handouts

10 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

4. The Interview You have prepared for the questions, you have rehearsed your key assets, and now is the time to let your experience and knowledge fly. Skills and experience will get you an interview, but your character and values can lock down that job offer. The interviewers are looking to fill a position, but they are also looking for the right fit into their organization. Allow them to get to know you during the interview by highlighting your soft skills. Be genuine, friendly, a team player, have a sense of humor and show them that you are a motivated and trainable young professional.

At the end of the interview, have meaningful questions prepared.

5. After the Interview Send a thank you email to all interviewers.

Not all candidates do this, therefore this is a way to leave one more impression on the interview panel.

Good luck YPSN members on your interview endeavors! I hope these tips help.

Dress the Part

The Interview

After the Interview

Reach Hundreds of Park & Rec Professionals in MINNESOTA magazine!

MINNESOTA Official Publication of

and Park Association

Recreation and Parks Volume 13, Issue 1 •

Agencies Participate in Race and Equity Cohort Going Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Winter 2018

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Rates start at just $225 per issue!

Fall issue deadline: August 15, 2018 Fall issue features: • MRPA Awards of Excellence

Reserve 2018-19 advertising space by contacting Todd Pernsteiner: todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

View and download the Rate Card at bit.ly/MRPA2018.

t 1984 Annual Conference

The 1984 MRPA Annual Conference was held at the Holiday Inn in downtown Minneapolis.

The theme was “You Bet Your Life.”

Pictured at left is Tom Cook, executive director for the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association in the early 1980s.

MRPA FLASHBACK

w

Minnesota Recreation

Summer 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 11

THE AQUATICS ISSUE

Staffing, Safety & Solutions

12 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks â&#x20AC;¢ www.mnrpa.org

MRPA AQUATICS SURVEY RESULTS

Summer Staffing Incentives for Hiring and Retaining Lifeguards The MRPA Aquatics Section sent a survey about summer staff to aquatics members in March of 2018. Here are some of the responses about hiring and retaining lifeguards: ALBERT LEA Lifeguards pay for their initial training, and we pay for recertification after that. The only competition for lifeguards is the YMCA, but we’ve still never had any issues. Most teenagers would rather work outdoors in the summer.

APPLE VALLEY We do not routinely pay for initial certification, but we do provide recertification for returning lifeguard staff members at no charge.

BROOKLYN PARK The incentive to hire lifeguards is to reimburse a partial cost of the class after getting an employee commitment for a set time. And lifeguards are recertified at no cost.

We currently hold lifeguard classes in-house for current staff.

HUTCHINSON PARKS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY EDUCATION We provide in-house training and re-certification.

LAKE CRYSTAL AREA REC CENTER

SHAKOPEE

We charge a low price of $80 for lifeguard training but no reimbursements. There is no cost for recertification for prior lifeguards.

Up until now, we reimbursed for half of the class after six months of employment. Now we waive all of the fees when they sign a contract that they will work for at least six months.

NEW ULM

SOUTH ST. PAUL

Lifeguards must have certification prior to being hired. If they are hired, we will provide in-services, lifeguard review and payment for re-certification.

If a lifeguard stays employed the entire summer, the City of South St. Paul will refund half of the $200 training fee.

WASECA OWATONNA We reimburse $150 of the training fee after 90 days of employment. Prior lifeguards are gain recertification at no cost.

RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION We charge $100 for StarGuard certification for new lifeguards, but don’t charge them for any recertification. I have a scholarship program for people of color to get more diversity into our lifeguard staff, which brings the cost down to zero.

In terms of retention, we offer raises based on the number of hours an employee works.

We charge a minimal cost of $70.00 for the StarGuard certification and $20 for recertification. Lifeguards, as well as Guest Service Representatives, get raises each year they stay with us.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PARKS In order for lifeguards to be reimbursed for the cost of certification or recertification, after the certification they do not work for another agency before working for us.

Summer 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 13

Waseca’s Busy Water Park Program

By Sara McKay, City of Waseca

The Waseca Water Park opened in 2007 and has been going strong ever since! We offer a selection of different programming options throughout the summer.

Every Wednesday throughout the summer is Wacky Wednesdays when a grandparent gets in free with a child’s paid admission.

Every Friday morning throughout the summer we host Itty Bitty Beach Parties which is catered to younger families and daycares with children under the age of seven. We do not allow swimming in the deep end and do not turn on our big slides.

It’s just a more relaxed atmosphere for the younger ones to enjoy the water park without the big kids running and splashing around. This has proven to be one of our strongest programs in the summer.

We offer water exercise and lap swim Mondays through Fridays in the mornings.

New this summer we are offering evening lap swim along with Aqua Zumba on Mondays and Thursday evenings. Other events include Father’s Day Beach Blast and Mom’s the Bomb where they get in free with a child’s paid admission.

We have partnered with the local Relay for Life committee where we have hosted open swim times in the evening-the same time as the relay (donations accepted, of course).

We have also been lucky enough to be included in the rotation for use of our local Waseca/LeSueur Public Health’s Breastfeeding Tent that was obtained through the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) Grant. This has been a great addition so far for the water park and will be used on the weekends throughout the summer.

We have also partnered with both the Waseca Police and Fire Department to host Nite to Unite the first Tuesday in August.

This has been one of our biggest events of the summer. It is free for everyone and they also can touch a truck or squad car and get their pictures with Fin’ The Safety Shark. We invite local organizations to set up a booth and distribute information. Some examples would be The American Lung Association, Waseca Rotary, Waseca Library, Waseca Historical Society, United Way and the Waseca Arts Council.

The City of Waseca has partnered with Waseca Community Education to provide kayaks, paddleboards, canoes and bikes at Clear Lake Park for rental to the public.

People can come and experience the great outdoors, learn something new, and see the shoreline like they haven’t seen it before!

We are open for rentals on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. and prices start at just $5 per hour.

Waseca has partnered with the local Relay for Life committee to host open swim times in the evening-the same time as the relay.

14 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Also, while the Waseca junior and senior high pool is being renovated this summer, Waseca Community Education is holding swimming lessons in the mornings at the Waseca Water Park.

We help you manage uninvited guests.

GOOSE MASTERS PROVIDES CANADA GOOSE CONTROL WITH WORKING BORDER COLLIES Goose Masters has more than 55 years of dog training experience.

Our dogs help move geese from lawns, picnic areas, playgrounds, marinas, lakes, streams, and retention ponds. Goose Masters helps put an end to goose problem all across the United States! We’re the industry leader in providing goose dogs to property owners. We’ll evaluate the aspects of your property then train and place you with a goose dog that will be able to meet your individual needs. No problem is too large or too small for our dogs and our expert dog handlers and trainers!

Call us today…Goose Masters will end your goose problem!

(336) 465-0939 • WWW.GOOSE-MASTERS.COM LEADING THE INDUSTRY WITH DOG SALES AND SERVICE PACKAGES • JOIN OUR ELITE GROUP OF SATISFIED CUSTOMERS

Summer 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 15

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How Safe Is Your Community in and Around the Water From 2005-2014, there were an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings (nonboating related) annually in the United States – about ten deaths per day.1 An additional 332 people died each year from drowning in boating-related incidents.2 1

Information from CDC website

By Kimberly King, American Red Cross

As a manger of an aquatic facility there are many facets to undertake before you even hire your first lifeguard. The most important is safety…We all know the possible outcome if safety is not taken seriously or is not your primary focus. A well-thought our safety plan is the first step in facility safety.

What makes up a Safety Plan?

• Do you have a current emergency action plan (EAP)? Does it cover normal working hours as well as private after hour functions at your pool?

• How often do you practice your EAP? • Do all staff members participate in inservice trainings? How often do you hold in-service trainings? What happens if a staff member habitually doesn’t attend?

• Do your lifeguards have current certifications? What about other staff members – what certifications are they required to maintain?

• Do you have adequate zone coverage for all your pools?

• Do you have a Certified Pool Operator, and what is their responsibility?

• For members and rentals (including camps) what procedures do you have in place to keep non-swimmers safe?

• Who can close your outdoor facility in case of a storm or murky water?

• Do you have the proper equipment readily available at your waterfront or on pool deck?

• What does lifeguard ready position mean to you?

• Is your guard room equipped with the proper zone coverage posters?

• Who inventories and checks your CPR/ AED and First Aid equipment?

16 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

About one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger.1 For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.

Do you truly understand your aquatic facility or are you relying on previous employees, administrators, directors or health department inspectors to define your operational standards? The most common answer is we look to our own staff to inform us of trouble areas in our aquatic areas.

The most successful facilities in aquatics are the ones that pay close attention to detail.

They are the ones that communicate with their health departments, read other facility safety plans, update their emergency action plans yearly and hold safety staff meeting monthly. They learn from accidents and tragedies that happen at other locations, they hire lifeguards that truly know the importance of vigilance and they never sweep anything under the deck hoping it will not happen to them. These Directors prevent fires opposed to spending their day putting fires out.

Where do I begin?

The Red Cross recommends each facility have an Aquatic Examiner Service, which is a comprehensive risk management assessment that: • Starts with a Red Cross examiner conducting an in-depth facility tour to understand your safety and lifeguarding operations • Develops goals to improve operations, training and performance • Increases lifeguard accountability, attention to safety, professionalism and pride • Reinforces and strengthens the lifeguard’s emergency response skills • Maintains high lifeguarding operational standards

• Comprehends and analyzes your emergency action plan to assure adequate execution of your plan.

• Explores high risk areas in your facility and details findings with recommendations.

Some of our facilities have turned to their insurance company for AES funding.

These companies find it cost effective to analyze risk at the facilities they insure. In many cases after our in-depth inspection we not only find improvement areas we make recommendations and provide resources needed to help you achieve and maintain those facility improvements.

Before an incident occurs in your facility make sure you know everything there is to know about your aquatic center! Find out firsthand how to make your facility safer by having a Red Cross AES inspection.

For more information, contact Kimberly King, Red Cross Aquatic Specialist at 315-264-9427 or Kimberly.king4@redcross.org.

Make your park the env y of communities everywhere.

Unique aquatic play environments create everlasting memories and bring families back again and again.

All through the wonder of water.

AMAZEMENT

R E P R E S E N T E D I N M I N N E S O TA B Y :

Summer 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 17

HydraHub by Aquatix, Veterans Memorial Community Center, Inver Grove Heights, MN

Getting Rid of Problem Geese Populations Goose Masters is the industry leader in providing goosedogs to property owners across the country.

When asked what made Goose Masters so successful, goose master Gwen Kuykendall said, “We are successful because our customers are successful! That’s the Kuykendall’s Border Collies motto! We are different than other goosedog providers because Goose Masters is a direct service of Kuykendall’s Border Collies and after 55 years of breeding, raising, and training working border collies, including three national champions. I think it’s safe to say we know this breed of dog better than anyone else in the goosedog industry.”

“Working together as a family is really what makes Goose Masters so special, said Kuykendall. “Some of our dog handlers are fourth generation family members – so for us it’s much more than just a business. We have the experience, facility, and scope to offer the best dogs and service in the goose control industry.”

Eden Prairie-Based Aquatix Creates Unique Water Play Sun and water go together like kids and play. Creating the perfect spot where friends can gather, cool off and experience the wonders of playing in water. Aquatix by Landscape Structures leads the way. Pioneering experiential activities around the interactive properties of water. Inviting kids and family members of all ages and abilities to immerse themselves in the brilliance of an Aquatix water experience.

With more than 30 years of experience, Aquatix, based in Eden Prairie, Minn., is a leader in water feature and spray park design, fabrication and construction. The company designs and manufactures products and systems for easy maintenance and long-lasting value. But it’s innovative concepts and groundbreaking design that truly set Aquatix apart. Our dynamic aqua play products engage kids’ imaginations, encourage exploration and deliver surprising new experiences with water.

Aquatix continues to advance the world of dynamic aqua play through forward-thinking materials and sophisticated designs. New products introduced in 2018 encourage kids to experience water in novel ways through game-based events and innovative cause-and-effect activities that offer an inclusive, sensory-rich nature play experience in water.

To find out more about Goose Masters, contact Gwen at gwen@goose-masters.com, call 336-465-0939, or visit goose-masters.com.

Design with community in mind

Learn more about new aqua play products by visiting aquatix.playlsi.com. stantec.com/parks-recreation

18 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Woodridge Park Cottage Grove, Minn.

CREATE A DESTINATION FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

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Contact your local consultant Serving Minnesota zip codes 565 & 567

Serving all Minnesota zip codes (except 565 & 567)

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Flooring Products Help Assure Aquatic Safety

By Gwen Ruehle, Life Floor

One park and recreation product partner is doing their part to assure safety around pools and at aquatic parks. Minnesota-based Life Floor has created a foam-rubber flooring system designed for use in wet areas with barefoot traffic. Created as an alternative to concrete and other conventional materials, Life Floor is one of the only safety surfaces specifically designed and engineered to perform in aquatic environments.

Life Floor is made with RepelCell™ technology, which means tiles are completely closed-cell and impervious from top to bottom.

Unlike porous surfaces like concrete, anything that lands on the Life Floor surface will not absorb into the tile, which means more hygienic floors, easier maintenance and a lasting surface. The closed-cell nature of the material also means that Life Floor will not absorb or breakdown from water and does not support the growth of microbes.

Life Floor’s design philosophy is that safety and design are never in conflict because the best design considers safety. With a range of color, texture, and thickness options, Life Floor tiles can match a variety of facility aesthetics from beautiful gradients and whimsical patterns, to die cut logos and themed decks.

Life Floor is the first and only surfacing company in history to win the World Waterpark Association’s prestigious Kelly Ogle Memorial Safety Award. Each year, the Kelly Ogle Memorial Safety Award is given to an individual or organization for significant contributions to guest and employee safety in the water attractions industry.

Nominees are voted on by the Board of the World Water Park Association. The award recognizes Life Floor’s leadership in, and commitment to, improving the safety of guests at waterparks all over the world.

With a British Pendulum rating of 58 when wet, Life Floor tiles are slip-resistant without being abrasive. In fact, Life Floor is designed to minimize impact and keep swimmers comfortable while walking, standing, and playing in the water. With a tile thickness of ⅜3⁄8”, pool decks, multi-level play structures, and water play areas have a 1’-0” critical fall height. Life Floor tiles are also offered in 3⁄16” and 7⁄8” thicknesses and can be layered to meet the specific fall height requirements in facilities.

To learn more about Life Floor’s award-winning products and safety standards, visit lifefloor.com.

Create an Aquatic Solution that Provides all the Fun without Sacrificing Safety Also known as a spray park, spray ground, aquatic play pad or water playground, the dynamic Splashpad is a zero-depth aquatic play area that gives the entire family hours of endless fun. Splashpads combine the sensations of different water movements—flowing, misting and jetting—with over 250 diverse features for an unequaled aquatic play adventure.

With zero water depth surfaces, Splashpads offer parents peace of mind knowing their children are safe. Because Splashpads pose less risk than standard dry-play playground equipment, lifeguard supervision is not required. They are also built for running and energetic play, with non-slip surfaces and “play safe” design standards.

By pairing with a Strike Guard Lightning Warning System, Splashpad safety can really be dialed up. These scientifically proven, patented, fully-automated, early-warning detection systems detect lightning threats up to 20 miles away and can automatically shut off the Splashpad water supply when a credible threat is identified. Once the threat has passed, the “all clear” signal lets everyone know normal play activities can resume.

To find out more about Splashpad benefits and get started planning your aquatic solution, contact Commercial Recreation Specialists at 877-896-8442 or visit crs4rec.com.

20 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Learn more at lifeďŹ&#x201A;oor.com

Why Net Generation?

Did We Mention It’s FREE?

Raschiatore’s favorite features include mandatory background checks, the Net Generation provider directory and marketing generator, the partnership program between tennis providers and schools and the mobile coaching app “Did I mention, it is all FREE,” Raschiatore said with a smile.

Felicia Raschiatore has been in the tennis business a long time - first as a former top-100 player in the world and now as a 32-year teaching professional at Williston Tennis Center in Minnetonka, Minn. Having seen all the efforts looking to increase youth engagement in tennis over the years, Raschiatore thinks she has finally found the ace the industry has been seeking – Net Generation.

Net Generation is the USTA’s groundbreaking initiative welcoming a new generation of players into the next era of tennis. By offering full support of coaches, schools and parents, the USTA is looking to break new ground on and off the court with youngsters ages 5-18 by focusing on empowerment, unity and play. Through a comprehensive program of adaptable curricula, teaching and learning tools, promotional and communications materials and player and provider incentives, Net Generation aims to capture the imagination of kids of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels.

“The USTA has spent an enormous amount of time researching and talking to established and successful tennis professionals in compiling a comprehensive, all-encompassing program for anyone to promote and grow the game of tennis,” Raschiatore, who is one of USTA Northern’s three Net Generation Ambassadors, said.

“Net Generation is fantastic as it is easy to understand and turn-key because the USTA did all the work for us!”

So what makes Net Generation different from past USTA initiatives? A few of

For the first time in history, all providers must submit to a FREE national background check and complete a SafeSport education course developed in conjunction with the United States Olympic Committee before becoming an approved provider.

“The safety of our kids is so important, especially in this day and age after seeing what has happened in other youth sports,” Raschiatore said. “It is definitely a positive selling point for both parents and employers.”

Another great feature of Net Generation is all approved programs and coaches are listed on a national Net Generation directory located at www.netgeneration. com. This allows parents with children that want to play tennis and looking for programming to go to one central location to find the program that works best for them in their community, while coaches and providers have a new outlet to promote and grow their business for FREE. All approved providers also have access to FREE marketing and promotional materials through the Net Generation Marketing Generator. Now tennis deliverers can produce consistent, customized and professional marketing materials with a recognizable brand identity to current and future customers with flyers, posters, post cards, lawn signs and more.

Net Generation also encourages partnerships between community programs and local schools. Schools receive FREE equipment while introducing more kids to the joys of tennis, providing a win-win for everyone.

22 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

But perhaps the greatest asset of Net Generation according to Raschiatore is the new curriculum and FREE mobile coaching app which includes lesson plans, videos, competencies and assessments for red, orange and green ball levels right at one’s fingertips.

“Coaches do not have to create lesson plans anymore as they are already done for them from the warm-up, to athletic and tennis skills, to corresponding games and finally take-home exercises,” Raschiatore said. “It is easy to learn and the kids really love it.”

Raschiatore says the curriculum also creates a consistent level of instruction and advancement to the next level, especially when you have kids taking multiple classes with different coaches.

“With 20 instructors using the app and following the curriculum, we all are doing the same thing from both a teaching and evaluation standpoint. And for those on my staff who are not comfortable using a mobile device on court, the USTA provides the same information in a paper format which is super convenient.

Another great thing about the app and the new curriculum for Raschiatore and her coaches is that they can modify it as needed depending on age and ability level.

“We love that we can adjust the existing curriculum depending on level of play or time frame allotted per class. That is one of the great things about Net Generation as the USTA has emphasized to use the resources however works best for your existing programs and don’t be afraid to add your own personal touches to it.

Right now, all of our players ages 4 to12 are on the Net Generation curriculum, and we cannot wait for the yellow ball curriculum coming soon.”

To become part of the changing face of youth tennis and to receive all of these great FREE incentives, visit www.netgeneration.com.

Committed to ingenious outdoor spaces ISG’s multi-disciplinary team of 270+ professionals anchor the firm to the streets and neighborhoods where we live, work, and play. Powered by our employeeowners and ESOP structure, each of ISG’s 9 offices, embody a spirit of innovation with clients and communities. ISG’s flexibility and accountability make it possible; the firm’s focus and innovative solutions make it happen.

ARCHITECTURE + ENGINEERING + ENVIRONMENTAL + PLANNING

www.is-grp.com

Summer 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 23

Take the Next Step in Your Leadership Journey: Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute 2 Begins September 2018 “We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn.” - Mary Catherine Bateson Join us for the Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute 2, which will run from September to November 2018. The six-session professional development program is designed to provide a curriculum centered on the following five Ps: (1) personal leadership – professional development, selfawareness, and your own leadership journey; (2) people – relationship-building skills, staffing, and how to build your team; (3) process – creativity and design; (4) project management – project overview from concept to completion, and finance and funding options; and (5) presentation – written and verbal communication, working with councils, and facilitating change.

Professional members and outside-the-profession speakers will serve as faculty for each session. Sessions run from September through November, 2018. Times are from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration includes Institute materials and lunches. The class is designed for a minimum of 20 and maximum of 40 participants.

Fees: MRPA Member: $299 Non-MRPA Member: $429 Deadline: August 3 or until filled CEUs: 1.5

SEPTEMBER 18 All About You: Knowing Yourself and Professional Development • Relationships and Communication • How to Build Your Team • Leadership Journey

OCTOBER 2 Understanding and Working with Others: Relationship-Building, Communication, and Conflict Resolution • Staffing and Personnel • Asserting Your Professional Voice

OCTOBER 16 Creativity and Process • Change, Process, and Improved Efficiency • Creativity and Design

OCTOBER 30 Project Management: From Concept to Completion • Project Management Overview • Finance and Capital Improvement Projects • Funding Options

NOVEMBER 13 Strategic Presentations: Writing and Presenting • Facilitating Change • Presentation Overview • Working with Councils

NOVEMBER 27

For program updates and to enroll, visit mnrpa.org.

Putting It All Together: Implementation and Evaluation • Case Studies • Mock Council Presentations

THANK YOU 2018 PROGRAM SPONSORS:

City of Duluth | Western Waterfront Trail and Park Master Plan Duluth, MN

Don’t miss the fall issue of MINNESOTA! Features include: MRPA Awards of Excellence Advertising and content deadline is August 15, 2018 To advertise, contact Todd at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

September 25-27 Indianapolis, IN

8,000 Attendees

100’s of Top Speakers

400+ Exhibitors

This September, 8,000 park and recreation professionals will converge upon Indianapolis for energetic networking activities, inspirational education sessions and an inside look at the latest products for the field at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference.

W W W. N R PA .O R G/C O N F ER EN C E

Summer 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 25

2018 CONFERENCE GUIDE

NEW IN ROCHESTER!

LARGE SCALE, 2-DAY EXHIBIT SPACES & EQUIPMENT DEMOS!

OC TOBER 9 -12

GO. PLAY. EXPLORE. MRPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2018

MAYO CIVIC CENTER | ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA 26 MINNESOTA MINNESOTARecreation Recreationand andParks Parks••www.mnrpa.org www.mnrpa.org 26

MRPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2018 Welcome to the 2018 Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference in Rochester. The conference committee has been hard at work to provide delegates, students, retirees and associates engaging education opportunities, valuable networking events, and the chance to meet with over 70 informative and innovative vendors during the exhibit hall. We extend sincere gratitude to our amazing sponsors and conference partners, as well as the Annual Conference Committee for helping make the 2018 MRPA conference a great success. Thank you for joining us to celebrate our profession through stories, experiences, and the continuing quest to build lasting legacies. This conference is an exceptional learning opportunity and we encourage all delegates to be active, participate and enjoy all the resources this conference has to offer.

Dale McCamish and Rick Schaber, 2018 Annual Conference Co-Chairs

THANK YOU 2018 SPONSORS!

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE The Conference Committee Chairs and their committees have organized an excellent education opportunity for all of the delegates. This conference would not be possible without their time and dedication.

Thank you to the 2018 annual conference sponsors* for making this event possible.

MRPA Annual Conference Commit tee Conference Chairs: Dale McCamish Rick Schaber Programming: Eric Anderson Brad Dushaw Mary Jo Knudson Tyler Luethje Sara McKay Kevin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Joey Schugel Paul Widman Off-Site Institutes: Mike Nigbur

Exhibit Hall: Cheryl Kormann Paul Peanasky Ed Staiert Kim Underwood Logistics: Ben Boldt Food/Beverage: Dani Bakken Nikki Callahan Patrick Menton David Pribbenow Mike Schaber

Volunteers: Robyn Ceurvorst Darla Heikes Karen Meyer Kristi Montandon Becca Schaar Marketing: Jeff Morton Sponsorships: Matt Davidson Tim Truelson

MINNESOTA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION Our Mission: To improve the quality of life in Minnesota by enhancing the profession of parks, open space, recreation and leisure services

Tweet while at the conference using:

#mrpaconference2018

*Sponsor s as of print date.

Summer 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 27

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9 Pre-Conference Institute

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

OPENING KEYNOTE: Laughter Yoga Michael Bork, Parks and Recreation Director, Fairbanks, Alaska North Star Borough; Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher

3:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Re-Positioning Parks and Recreation: Joining the Smart Revolution Jamie Sabbach, President and CEO, 110% Inc. Communities are changing. The economy is unpredictable and technology and globalization are here to stay. Yet the way we commonly think about public parks and recreation seems to be frozen in time. Is it possible that the day has come for us to transform our collective approach to the provision of services? Are we really leading the productive and purposeful organizations that our communities need given today’s realities?

Speaking in the United States, Canada and Europe, Jamie’s provocative and engaging style is why she is sought after by so many within and outside of parks and recreation. Speaking to thousands each year, she brings a fresh, high impact, roll up your sleeves experience to each program she teaches and every project she leads. Past experiences in collegiate athletics, parks and recreation, and as a university professor have fed her passion to help others improve their performance.

Jamie has testified in front of the U.S. Congress on the importance of public lands and recreation and believes all of us in community service industries should be “fueled by anger and love” in order to make sure we say what needs to be said so that the important work gets done.

On a personal note, Jamie is a native of Illinois who lives in the mountains of Colorado, has a Halloween birthday, is a former college jock, enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking and golf, volunteers for community organizations, and is a diehard Chicago Cubs fan!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10 8:00 - 8:30 a.m.

Registration / Continental Breakfast 8:00 - 8:30 a.m.

MRPA Young Professionals and Student Network - Get The Most Out of Your Conference Calling all young professionals and students! Attend this informative morning gathering to learn how to gain the most out of the conference week.

28 MINNESOTA MINNESOTARecreation Recreationand andParks Parks••www.mnrpa.org www.mnrpa.org 28

SPONSORED BY

Learn about the amazingly uplifting and transformative practice of Laughter Yoga. Learn about why unconditional laughter is important and ways to lower stress, improve mood and get happier through laughter. This is a highly interactive keynote address, which will leave you energized and ready to live and work happier through laughter!

In addition to 18 years of municipal parks and recreation experience, Michael is a specialist in laughter, positive psychology, and stress reduction in the workplace. Michael is a certified laughter yoga leader and has a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology.

His goal is to teach people how to live and work better through a process he calls “Laughtership!”

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Energy Savings Ed Staiert, Recreation Center Manager, Rochester Park and Recreation; and Ed Zepeda, Business Development Manager, McKinstry Are you looking for ways to make your facility more energy efficient, lower maintenance costs, and improve occupant comfort, but are struggling with how to fund it? The City of Rochester partnered with McKinstry and the State of Minnesota, Department of Energy Resources and utilized the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program to develop, implement, and complete a project at the Rochester Recreation Center to achieve all of those objectives without the need for upfront capital. The presentation will outline the City of Rochester’s process and project outcomes.

Purchasing 101 For Parks and Recreation Professionals Lenny Klevan Schmitz, Contract Specialist, Dakota County Representatives from Minnesota Chapter of Governmental Purchasing

This session will provide an overview of the best practices, state statutes, and resources available to ensure taxpayers are getting the most for their tax dollars. The information will also ensure professionals are in compliance with the State of Minnesota laws.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

MRPF New Initiative Grants – Awarded Programs and Where are They Now?

11:45 am – 1:15 pm LUNCHEON KEYNOTE: Trends in Park and Recreation: Focusing Beyond 2018 Lisa Paradis, Consultant, 110% Inc.; and Former Director, Brookline, Mass.

Lisa Abernathy, Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation Board of Trustees Lead your community to innovation by creating a new program that will stand out among the rest. Come learn about Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation and the New Initiative Grants opportunity. Take away a new program idea from grant recipients and hear how past recipients are sustaining their innovative programs and events. Also get more information about the grant process.

3, 2, 1 Network

MRPA Seasoned Professionals Calling all students! Come and present your personal best to experienced recreation professionals. In this session, students and professionals will engage in a multi-round “speed-networking” session.

Parks and Recreation Programming Used at the Mayo Clinic: A 100-Plus Year Case Study of Psychological Wellness Rodney B. Dieser, Ph.D., Professor and Licensed Mental Health Therapist, University of Northern Iowa; Rene Ziemer, Coordinator, W. Bruce Fye Center for the History of Medicine and Mayo Clinic Historical Suite Learn how Mayo Clinic uses a parks and recreation framework, linked to cafeteria and quality-of-life leisure programming approaches, to offer patients an array of leisure services to decrease patient stress. This parks and recreation philosophy originates from the clinic’s founders - William W. Mayo (1819-1911), Charlie H. Mayo (1865-1939), and William J. Mayo (1861-1939) – lifespan leisure activities.

SPONSORED BY

Working in the public sector can have a way of insulating park and recreation agencies from the world around us. But running a non-profit business in the public sector is subject to the same kind of ebbs and flows as the private sector, and our leadership needs agility to respond to those needs. What are four areas of influence that are important as we head into the next few years of managing our organizations? Explore the tools needed to navigate the path in uncertain, yet exciting times to create thriving, vibrant, and responsive public parks and recreation agencies.

Lisa Paradis, MBA, CPRP is a consultant with 100% Inc., and the former director in Brookline, Mass., an urban community adjacent to Boston.

Lisa has spoken at dozens of local, state and national venues on a variety of topics in the health, wellness and recreation world; has been a featured guest on both local and national radio; and has published several industry articles in national publications. She is the founder of Agents of Change, an organization of thought leaders who promote, support and implement positive change by engaging in unique problem solving approaches to the challenges in public park and recreation. Lisa also brings her excitement and passion for the profession to organizations nationwide in her role as a business and organizational consultant.

EXHIBIT HALL Wednesday, October 10 • 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

• More than 70 vendors are expected to exhibit

Directors’ Forum

For Agency Parks and Recreation Directors Gather with fellow directors from across the state to discuss topics impacting your work as agency leaders. Directors will come together to discuss trends and share new ideas.

• This is your opportunity to gain new ideas related to the newest technology, products, services, equipment and programs • Please take time to visit the exhibit hall vendors as their contributions are integral to the conference’s success • Hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and prizes SPONSORED BY

NETWORKING EVENT E

Sponsored by:

Wednesday Evening, October 10 Southern Minnesota Recreation and Park Association is proud to present its traditional casino night in Rochester. Featured will be many games of chance, prizes galore, friendship, networking and a chance to show Vegas where the action is, join us! More information will be provided in your registration packet.

Summer 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 29

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 8:00 - 8:30 a.m.

Registration / Continental Breakfast 9:15 – 11:15 a.m.

OFF-SITE INSTITUTE: Regional Parks Tour Limited to 50 attendees Visit and learn about three key parks in the Rochester park system. Each of these parks has unique characteristics to help serve the community. Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center, which is a state-designated regional park with a recent major renovation to the nature center, also has a new prairie house education building and a unique park history. Plummer House of the Arts, which is on the National Historic Register, has its own unique past along with stately architecture and gardens. The institute will conclude with a visit to the project site of Cascade Lake Park, a state-designated regional park. A discussion of the progression of park improvements will be shared.

8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Going from Red to Black: Doing a Financial 180 Dr. Ryan Yunkers, Executive Director, Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center In July 2012, this non-profit recreation center was $50,000 in the red, had no reserve, and struggled to make payroll.

Five years later the center is thriving and has built a quartermillion dollar reserve. Executive Director Ryan Yunkers shares the practical steps taken that resulted in financial success for this non-profit.

Not on Your Watch Bill O’Melia, Board Member, Drennen’s Dream Foundation Bill O’Melia, from the segment “Not on Your Watch” included in the American Red Cross lifeguarding program, will share his son Drennen’s story to show how important it is to remain vigilant while on duty. The importance of in-depth policies and procedures, emergency action plans, and frequent quality in-service trainings to ensure a safe facility for all will also be discussed.

Take Your Camp Staff to the Next Level with Incorporating Aquatics Training Stephanie Darimont, Aquatic Territory Specialist and Cindy Dassow, Aquatic Territory Specialist, American Red Cross This session will cover various aquatic and management training techniques and curriculum to help prepare both camp and aquatic staff for upcoming camp visits. Tips and tricks for finding and using aquatic resources will also be discussed.

30 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Shaped by Play: The Formative Role of Play and Playgrounds John McConkey, Market Research and Insights Manager, Landscape Structures Communities across the country are adding spray parks as one of the most highly utilized recreation amenities.

This session will examine the best practices for creating universally designed, inclusive spray parks that are fun for people with and without disabilities, children, parents, and grandparents alike.

Recreation on the Move Large and Small Community Representatives Recreation is on the move in both large and small communities in Minnesota. Mobile recreation units are rolling up to neighborhoods bringing activities and physical activity programs to youth across their cities. These units serve populations by providing programs in close-to-home environments. Presenters will share information for both those agencies new to mobile recreation, and also those who may have already implemented mobile units and want to hear more ideas from others.

Adaptive Leadership in Park and Recreation Agencies Lisa Paradis, Consultant, 110% Inc.; and Former Director, Brookline, Mass.

Adaptive leadership is the practice of enlisting those affected by an outcome to find solutions to challenges that may not have obvious answers and require a skillset that is not within the current organizational ability. This user-centric approach understands that engagement is a determining factor in finding solutions that allow organizations to grow despite a difficult challenge. Organizations can use this approach as a valuable framework to help take on the gradual but meaningful process of change and create successes.

10:00 – 11:15 a.m.

Friday Night Lights: Understanding Teamwork at Its Best Lisa Paradis, Consultant, 110% Inc.; and Former Director, Brookline, Mass.

Great teams produce great work and dysfunctional (or even mediocre) teams do not. Nobody wants to be part of a team that does not produce first-rate results, but many of us live in those environments every day. High functioning teams practice accountability, purpose, cohesiveness and collaboration. How do you turn an underperforming team into a great team? Can you make a good team better?

Attendees will be challenged to value the different styles of people on their team, listen better and ask better questions, choose an approach that is right for the situation, and deal with situations in a way that is team-centric.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 Plan for Success James R. Garges, CPRP, Retired Director, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department, North Carolina Fundamental to your success in providing the best park and recreation services to your citizens is quality comprehensive planning. This session is designed to provide the key ingredients for a comprehensive plan and developing a culture of strategic planning to reach your goals. You can’t win a National Gold Medal Award or be nationally accredited without quality comprehensive planning, and your community will suffer without it.

Not At Your Facility

Evolving Trends: Design Considerations Related to Adventure Play and Inclusive Design Candace Amberg, Senior Landscape Architect, WSB & Associates Brett Altergott, Senior Project Consultant, CPSI, Flagship Recreation Bailey Krause, Landscape Architectural Designer, WSB & Associates Recreational trends geared towards adventure play, natural play and inclusive design can sometimes be difficult to effectively incorporate into park designs, and complicated in terms of understanding guidelines. This session focuses on design strategies related to creating fun and adventurous park designs, while considering varying ages and abilities.

Bill O’Melia, Board Member, Drennen’s Dream Foundation

11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Drowning is preventable. Bill O’Melia, from the segment “Not on Your Watch” included in the American Red Cross lifeguarding program and management programs, will share his son Drennen’s story and the role management played in his fatal drowning. This session pertains to all management within an organization, not just aquatics management.

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE: Key Ingredients for Leadership

All Ages, All Abilities, All the Time: How to Increase Social Inclusion in Your Parks

James R. Garges, CPRP, Retired Director, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department, North Carolina SPONSORED BY

Jill Moore, Marketing and Product Development Intern and John McConkey, Market Research and Insights Manager, Landscape Structures Parks today face the challenge of providing environments where all visitors can feel safe, secure and fully engaged.

Universal design increases usability, safety, inclusion and social participation. In this presentation participants will discover how universal design ultimately contributes to inclusion, social equity and social sustainability in parks.

The Future of Sports Panel Presentation Let’s forget about the core sports for 75 minutes, and look to the future! This interactive session will feature sports teasers, a moderated panel comprised of representatives from the lesser known sports, and a Q&A period. Join us for a sneak peek into the fun-filled world of the booming alternative recreational sports.

James R. Garges’ 42-year career in parks and recreation spans five different departments. During his tenure, he has focused on a few “Key Ingredients for Success” and leadership skills. Your personal and department’s success will be determined by your ability to develop these skills and set an example for those around you.

James R. Garges retired in 2018. His last position was as director in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the largest department in the state with over 480 employees and a $37 million operating budget.

The department managed multiple park and recreation facilities across 546 square miles including over 23,000 acres of park land.

The department earned the National Gold Medal Award and national accreditation. Previously, Garges was director in Delaware, Kettering and Cincinnati, Ohio and deputy director in Topeka, Kansas. Kettering won the National Gold Medal Award and was the first department to be nationally accredited in the state. During his career he served as an adjunct professor at Ohio Wesleyan University, University of Cincinnati, and University of Dayton. Jim co-authored “Risk Management in Park, Recreation and Leisure Services” and is a contributing author of “Management of Park and Recreation Agencies.”

Summer 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 31

THUR SDAY, OC TOBER 11 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

OFF-SITE INSTITUTE: World-Class Fitness Facility Tour Limited to 50 attendees Enjoy a guided tour of three amazing facilities.

Attendees will start with a tour of Mayo Clinic’s Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, which is a private fitness facility open to Mayo employees and their spouses only. This center has earned recognition as a national leader among corporate wellness programs.

Participants will then tour Rochester Athletic Club (RAC). From the moment you walk through the doors, you will notice the RAC is not just another health club. The RAC is a world-class facility with over 260,000 square-feet under one roof. The RAC’s truly unique experience is their 35,000 square-foot family entertainment center called “The Neighborhood.” The tour will conclude at 125 Live, which is the new senior center that was added onto the Rochester Recreation Center in 2016. This is a new, state-of-the-art center for active adults and not the old-style senior center.

Realistic First Aid Stephanie Darimont, Aquatic Territory Specialist and Cindy Dassow, Aquatic Territory Specialist, American Red Cross Creating a realistic environment for staff training can help prepare for future emergencies. Join us as we explain different training techniques and tools for running emergency action plans. This session will demonstrate on how to use moulage (applying mock injuries) to increase a realistic environment in your training.

Promoting Public Health in Public Spaces: Where Need and Opportunity Meet Linde Sifuentes, Worksite Wellness Coordinator, Mayo Clinic and Volunteer with Healthy Living Rochester; Martha Mangan, Volunteer, Healthy Living Rochester; Denise Daniels, Worksite Wellness and Healthcare Strategies, Olmsted County Public Health Healthy Living Rochester and other partnering public health groups in the Rochester area will present the “whys” and “hows” of promoting public health in public parks and other public spaces. Participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences and identify opportunities in their local communities.

Establishing Your Career Path Young Professional and Student Network Panel Discussion

1:00 - 2:15 p.m.

A New Generation of Parks: Trending Topics in Parks and Recreation Planning Sarah Evenson, Landscape Architect, Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. New ways of using technology, changing recreation preferences, and growing demands for equitable access are just some of the many factors influencing the planning and design of tomorrow’s parks. This discussion of trending topics will help your parks and recreation system stay ahead of the curve.

Laughter and Latex: Beating Stress Silly Michael Bork, Owner, Chief Laughologist, Laughtership LLC – Positive Leadership Coaching and Training Stress is one of the top healthcare costs in the United States, and workplace stress causes a host of physical and psychological problems. This workshop will use balloon animals and laughter to teach you effective ways to manage stress. Michael Bork will help you to explore your own stress response and show you effective and practical ways to combat stress using evidence-based positive psychology methods. You will leave with a smile on your face, guaranteed!

32 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Looking to enter the recreation profession or for a new position? Join us in exploring thoughts and experiences in achieving entry-level professional positions in the field, as well as advice on career advancement. Seasoned professionals will share their first-hand experiences in how they achieved their first professional position that provided them with opportunities to further expand in their career.

Join us to network and learn, but most importantly, to have fun! We’ll also provide information on the MRPA Young Professional and Student Network.

1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

When the Circus Comes to Town What Event Planners Never Tell You Angela Mens-Eastman, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Washington County; Stuart Glaser, Fire Chief, City of Stillwater This popular, energetic presentation has been taught to public safety and parks professionals across Minnesota.

Participants will learn about the hidden risks of events and what questions to ask event planners. Topics will include pre-event planning guidance, media hints, hidden costs, dealing with elected officials, legal issues, and emergency planning.

THUR SDAY, OC TOBER 11

3:15 - 4:30 p.m.

Safety and Risk Management

SPEED SESSIONS

Stephanie Darimont, Aquatic Territory Specialist and Cindy Dassow, Aquatic Territory Specialist, American Red Cross

2:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Controlling Aquatic Invasive Species with a Waterless Cleaning Station Mark Apfelbacher, President and Founder, CD3; Scott Breuer, Assistant Park and Recreation Manager, City of Bloomington A key to the fight against aquatic invasive species (AIS) is empowering boaters to take action. Due to their high cost of operations and maintenance, high pressure, heated water decontamination units are not always an option for boaters. In addition, watercraft inspectors cannot always be present at launches. Reducing the spread of AIS often relies upon the adoption of best management practices (cleaning, draining, and drying) at the individual level.

The City of Bloomington has installed a CD3 unit and will share their reason for choosing it.

Understanding the Benefits of Rope-Based Play – Playgrounds Christopher Johnsen, President, St. Croix Recreation Explore the benefits that a rope-based playground can bring to your community. Understand the benefits of childhood development, safety and sight lines. Diversify your park system and create an environment that fosters cognitive, physical, emotional and social development.

Implementing Outdoor Fitness Programs in Your Parks Shane Leverez, Owner and Founder, Fit Box LLC Are you looking for a new way to engage your community and get people into your parks and public spaces? How about offering outdoor fitness programming? Fit Box LLC is a Minnesota-based company that partners with local parks and recreation agencies to provide unique fitness solutions. Come and find out how Fit Box can change your health and wellness programming.

Having an Intern Nate Rosa, Recreation Supervisor, City of St. Louis Park; John Stutzman, Recreation Supervisor, City of Golden Valley; Kristi Montandan, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Mankato This session will focus on the following five internship areas: the need of offering internships/practicums; how to set-up an internship/practicum; requirements and manuals for interns; guidelines of paid versus unpaid internships; and what to do when an intern is failing.

Presenters will welcome questions at the end of the speed session.

This session discusses the importance of safety training and science in regard to risk management. The session will conclude with specific takeaways on the implementation of a successful risk management program.

Motivation to Move: Promoting Physical Activity in Multi-Generational Settings Kent Callison, Director of Marketing, GameTime By intentionally and thoughtfully creating outdoor environments with fitness in mind, communities can dramatically impact their efforts in promoting less sedentary lifestyles across generations. Discover evidence-based design practices, innovative solutions and unique programs that will inspire people of all ages to live healthier, happier lives through active movement.

3:15 - 4:30 p.m.

If You’re Happy and They Know It - Happy Staff, Purposeful Workplace Happiness Michael Bork, Owner, Chief Laughologist, Laughtership LLC – Positive Leadership Coaching and Training This interactive session explores concepts of authentic leadership and positive psychology, and how the “Laughtership Approach” has combined laughter and leadership into a new way to look at leadership and management best practices. Participants will learn how to be authentic, positive leaders, and will walk away with eight practical ways to create an authentically happy workplace.

Conservation Partnerships for Parks and Recreation Michael Hecker, CPRP, Parks and Recreation Director, City of Elk River; and James R. Garges, CPRP, Retired Director, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department, North Carolina A core mission of public parks and recreation is to acquire land for parks or conservation areas and to protect local natural resources. This session will describe how the greatest conservation successes occur in collaboration with non-profit partners. We will review two case studies and best practice examples.

NETWORKING EVENT Explore Downtown Rochester Thursday Evening, October 11 Check out the newly revitalized Downtown Rochester! Many changes have taken place since the last MRPA conference in Rochester. More information provided at registration.

Summer 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 33

FRIDAY, OC TOBER 12 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Net Generation Sandy Smith and Mya Smith-Dennis, USTA Northern Come learn about Net Generation, the official youth tennis of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), celebrating a game where no one ever sits on the sidelines. This is a game that’s easy to learn and tailored for kids of all ages and abilities. Net Generation is USTA’s commitment to helping community organizations such as parks and recreation agencies, build youth tennis programs in the community.

Net Generation will provide resources, curriculum and equipment to make sure you and your coaches have all of the tools to feel confident in helping kids stay active and learn the game.

How to Perform a Feasibility Study 101 Cindy Walsh, Operations and Recreation Director and Jason T. West, Recreation Superintendent, City of St. Louis Park Many communities are not sure how to begin to plan for a new facility. This session will explain what a feasibility study is, when it’s time to do one, and provide guidance in finding firms capable of performing the study. Using a series of case studies, our panel of parks and recreation professionals and consultants will present successful feasibility studies. A successful study process will allow staff and elected officials to make informed strategic decisions.

I Spy Excellent Customer Service: A Customer Service Codebook Annie Olson, Customer Service Director and Iris Pahlberg Peterson, Customer Service Team Lead, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board “This is your mission, if you choose to accept it. “ Great service is Mission Possible! Crack codes to mishaps through recovery strategies. Access innovative techniques, creating loyalty. Gain spy’s eye views of recreation and establish reconnaissance. Collect codebooks to meet customer needs.

This message self-destructs in five seconds. Good luck!

Sports Tourism Ed Hruska, Executive Director, Rochester Sports; Ben Boldt, Recreation Supervisor, Rochester Parks and Recreation Department Sports tourism in the United States is a multi-billion dollar industry. In this session, attendees will learn about upcoming trends in sports travel and the growth of sports tourism. Information will also include how hosting tournaments and events benefit the local economy, and how to foster partnerships that maintain balance between local and regional use of the sports fields and facilities in your community.

10:00 – 11:15 a.m.

The Way We Were and Here We Are: A Legacy Of A Lifetime In Parks Annie Olson, Customer Service Director and Iris Pahlberg Peterson, Customer Service Team Lead, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board The legacies of any park and recreation system are the memories which are made on our watch. We are in the business of making memories. How do we do so? By providing excellent customer experiences – EVERY time!

This interactive session will inspire participants to provide a consistently high level of service within their own agencies.

Using multimedia, delightful exercises and an engaging approach, attendees will gain ideas, and learn the philosophy and methods to provide phenomenal customer experiences in our park systems across the state of Minnesota.

Financing Major Developments Through Local Sales Tax Tom Schmitz, Director, City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Department The City of New Ulm citizens approved a local sales tax to fund recreational facilities, and the State Legislature approved a recent extension to the timeline. Learn how to use local sales tax funding to finance large construction/ development projects for your agency.

Communicating Through Technology Carrie Anderson, Supervisor, Eagan Parks and Recreation; Matt Johnson, Assistant Director, Roseville Parks and Recreation We will cover technological components that supervisors use to communicate with staff, such as blogs, employee scheduling and communication software and apps. If you have hourly employees, learn about how technology can help make scheduling, communication, and collaboration easier for you and your team.

34 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

FRIDAY, OC TOBER 12 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

CLOSING KEYNOTE: A Ninja and His Dog: Overcoming Obstacles through Adventure Programming and Compassion Roo Yori, American Ninja Warrior Competitor Roo first made a name for himself with his pit bull Wallace, a shelter dog who was targeted for euthanasia. After discovering Wallace loved to catch Frisbees, Roo and Wallace went on to became a National and World Champion Frisbee Dog team. After Wallace passed away, Roo created Wallace the Pit Bull, LLC and Wallace the Pit Bull Foundation to help others like Wallace get the chance they deserve.

Roo’s success with Wallace inspired him to adopt Hector, a dog rescued from the Michael Vick dog fighting case. Roo trained Hector to become a certified therapy dog. Hector’s amazing demeanor allowed them to visit schools to teach dog safety to children. Hector’s confidence and kind nature was instrumental in changing how some viewed and handled dogs from dog fighting situations.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AND STUDENT NETWORK (YPSN) RESOURCE CENTER Find the YPSN at the 2018 MRPA Exhibit Hall!

We will have a booth to provide coaching, tools, and resources to be successful in your job search. Professionals will be onsite to critique resumes, provide guidance to effectively answer supplemental questions, conduct mock interviews, and offer general advice and networking to help young applicants gain employment in the recreation field.

Most recently Roo is using his athletic abilities to reach beyond the typical animal welfare circles to bring more awareness to dogs in need. He trains for and competes on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior. Roo and his dogs have been featured in media across the country and around the globe.

Roo’s adventures over the years have earned him a knack for succeeding against the odds. His creative mind and philanthropic spirit have positively influenced the lives of millions. He enjoys sharing his experience to not only help dogs, but to also help people overcome challenges that they may be facing, regardless of the obstacle.

FREE GOLF FOR RETIREES We are offering free golf outings for retirees who are registered for the 2018 conference. That’s right, we will offer free 18-holes of golf Tuesday afternoon, and Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. at a different city golf course each day. You will have a chance to golf with some of the SMRPA legends such as Roy Sutherland, Corky Ebeling, Maynard Johnson, Dave (Mack) MacDonald, and Ron Bastian. You are welcome to golf one, two, or all three days as this will be weather permitting. Please see section on registration form for golf and select your dates.

Summer 2018 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 35

MRPA Conference Registration Form 2018 Early Bird Deadline: August 29, 2018 • Register online at mnrpa.org

First Name____________________________________________ Last Name_____________________________________________________________ Title___________________________________________________ Organization___________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________ City________________________________ State________________Zip____________ Phone_________________________________________________ Fax_____________________________________________________________________ Email__________________________________________________ Website________________________________________________________________ Special Accommodations______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Payment Method:

Check Enclosed

Check Requested

MRPA Preferred Method

Paid Online

MRPA MEMBER

DELEGATES

NON-MEMBER

Until Aug. 29

After Aug. 29

Until Aug. 29

After Aug. 29

Full Conference Package Tuesday Pre-Conference Institute - Friday

$370

$425

$550

$605

Conference Package Wednesday - Friday

$350

$395

$505

$550

Daily - Wednesday

$195

$245

$245

$295

Daily - Thursday

$245

$295

$295

$335

Daily - Friday

$85

$135

$14 0

$19 0

Continuing Education Units (CEU)

$10

$10

$20

$20

WITH ME AL

RE TIREES & S TUDENT S

WITHOUT ME AL

Volunteer Package ( Wed - Fri)

$130

$150

Free

Free

Non -Volunteer Package ( Wed - Fri)

$160

$180

$40

$60

Non -Volunteer Daily

$75

$85

$25

$30

Retiree Golf

Tuesday Af ternoon

Wednesday, 10 a.m.

Thursday, 10 a.m.

TOTAL

TOTAL

Free

TOTAL ENCLOSED OFF-SITE INSTITUTES (OPTIONAL) Thursday, Oc t . 12

Regional Park Tour

Thursday, Oc t . 12

World- Class Fitness Facilit y Tour

Conference Food and Beverage Please note any food allergies or dietary needs.

We have tried to incorporate healthy eating throughout the menu selections.

Meals included for each day: • Wednesday – continental breakfast, lunch, dinner • Thursday – continental breakfast, lunch • Friday – continental breakfast Cancellation Policy Cancellations accepted through September 5, minus a $25 handling fee. No refunds will be given after this date. Alternate attendees are permitted. Registration fees are used toward educational sessions and meals.

36 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Hotel Accomodations

The Kahler Grand Hotel 20 2nd Avenue SW Rochester, MN 55902 MRPA has a reserved room block available. Call 800.533.1655

by September 12 to make your hotel reservation, and ask for the MRPA rate. The room rate is $119/night. Parking is $8/day.

Please submit payment to:

MRPA 200 Charles Street NE, Fridley, MN 55432 Fax: 763.571.5204

2018 MRPA CORPORATE MEMBERS 2nd Wind Excercise Equipment 2ndwindexercise.com

Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. hkgi.com

Anderson-Johnson Association, Inc. ajainc.net

Horizon Commercial Pool Supply horizonpoolsupply.com

Anderson Race Management andersonraces.com

ISG is-grp.com

Becker Arena Products beckerarena.com Bituminous Roadways Inc. bitroads.com Bolton & Menk, Inc. bolton-menk.com Busch Architects, Inc. busch-architects.com CBS Squared cbssquared.com Century Fence Company centuryfence.com Commercial Recreation Specialists crs4rec.com Custom Builders Inc. custombuildersmn.com Custom Manufacturing Inc. inwave.com Fahrner Asphalt Sealers LLC fahrnerasphalt.com Flagship Recreation LLC flagshipplay.com FlyOver America flyover-america.com Franklin Sports franklinsports.com Gopher gophersport.com GymDandy gymdandy.io

Kimley-Horn and Associates kimley-horn.com Landscape Structures playlsi.com LHB, Inc. lhbcorp.com Magic Bounce magicbounce.com McKinstry mckinstry.com Midwest Playscapes Inc midwestplayscapes.com Minneapolis Northwest Convention and Visitors Bureau mplsnw.com

Nystrom Publishing nystrompublishing.com Oertel Architects, Ltd. oertelarchitects.com Play & Park Structures playandpark.com Radisson Hotel Bloomington radisson.com RJM Construction rjmconstruction.com Safety First Playground Surfacing LLC safetyfirstplayground. com Sport Court North sportcourtmn.com Sports Technology Inc. sportstechnologyinc.com SRF Consulting Group Inc. srfconsulting.com St. Croix Recreation stcroixrec.com

Minnesota Twins twinsbaseball.com

Stantec stantec.com

Minnesota Wisconsin Playground Inc. mnwiplay.com

TKDA tkda.com

MN United FC mnufc.com MOTI Sports, Inc. motisports.com MSA Professional Services, Inc. msa-ps.com MTI Distributing mtidistributing.com Musco Sports Lighting musco.com Northland Recreation, LLC northlandrec.com

Ultimate Playgrounds ultimateplaygrounds. com USAquatics Inc. usaquaticsinc.com USTA Northern northern.usta.com Webber Recreational Design webberrec.com Wild Mountain wildmountain.com WSB & Associates, Inc. wsbeng.com

MRPA Retiree & Friend Event Monday, September 10 Lunch and Conversations 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Springbook Nature Center Fridley Parks and Recreation 100 85th Avenue NW, Fridley, MN 55432 We hope you can join us! If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning to attend, please let us know. There is a $15 per person registration fee for the luncheon.

If you have any questions, or to RSVP, contact Bethani at gerhard@mnrpa.org or 763.571.1305 x109.

We look forward to seeing everyone September 10!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Summer 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 37

THE BACK PAGE

What is a Dementia-Friendly Community?

By Malia Fox, Winona Friendship Center

The MRPA Editorial Board suggested adding a “human interest” article to the back page of the magazine. In each issue, we will be featuring an article from a member that tells a parks and recreation story from his or her life. their students we were successful in gaining information from over 250 individuals and organizations. The students then digested the information and found three key areas we could focus our efforts to begin rolling out a Dementia Friendly community project.

The key area are: resources (provide a central area as a resource hub, community identification, personal identification, business identification), education (continue stories of persons in community with memory loss, educate community) and programs (show support to community members with memory loss by providing survival kits with information and “fun” items to lift up spirits).

A dementia-friendly community is informed, safe, and respectful of people living with dementia and their families, has supportive features across all community sectors, and fosters quality of life for everyone. Dementia is a community crisis that must be addressed at a community level. To foster livability for all, communities must be equipped to support people with dementia and their family and friend caregivers by becoming “dementiafriendly”.

In July of 2016, the City of Winona stepped out into the world of persons living with memory loss. Our City Manager had requested that we seriously look at the possibility of Winona becoming a dementia friendly community. The Friendship Center, the designated older adult portion of programming through the Park Recreation

department, was eager and up for the challenge.

Community organizations and individuals were invited to become a part of an Action Team and seriously look at the Dementia Friendly protocol administered

by ACTonAlz through the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging. We learned that approximately 91,000 Minnesotans age 65-plus are living with Alzheimer’s. That is one in nine people. In the city of Winona this transcribed to over 400 people; in our county, nearly 900 persons are living with memory loss. As we all know the demographic of older adults is on the rise in numbers and persons with dementia will rise, too.

Our Action Team began its work by surveying the community. Through the assistance of Winona State University and

Since the completion of these projects we have sent five community members for champion training to provide informational sessions to businesses in Winona. To date we have informed over 400 people in our community. All people informed are asked to commit to one action in their life regarding dementia and receive an I Am a Dementia Friend button. Businesses receive a window cling that states Working towards Becoming Dementia-Friendly.

The work in Winona has just begun. We now conduct weekly Memory Café’s, a choir for persons living with memory loss and will soon implement our DementiaFriendly Garden. The support to care partners and their loved ones is apparent and appreciated. Our focus is to provide safe and a supportive environment for all. Please visit https://maphub.net/ DementiaFriendlyWinona/Winona for a viewing of those informed by the Dementia Friends Community efforts.

A dementia-friendly community is informed, safe, and respectful of people living with dementia and their families, has supportive features across all community sectors, and fosters quality of life for everyone.

38 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

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Coming soon to Riverfront Park in Wausau, Wisconsin…

• Inclusive/Accessible Playgrounds • Play Surfacing • Inspections by CPSI • Relocation/Repair • Exercise/Strength Training • Sport Courts • Shade/Shelter/ Site Furnishings

www.UltimatePlaygrounds.com (612) 460-PLAY • Andrew@UltimatePlaygrounds.com Based in Prior Lake, MN