MRPA Magazine Summer 2020 by Pernsteiner Creative Group, Inc.

MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks

Volume 15, Issue 3 â&#x20AC;¢ Summer 2020

Meet the Founding North Star Partners

Landscape Structures Hiway Federal Credit Union RJM Construction WSB & Associates

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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 W. Stutzman, Golden Valley Advertising Sales & Design Todd Pernsteiner Pernsteiner Creative Group todd@pernsteiner.com 952.841.1111 MRPA Board of Directors 2020 President: Chris Esser, South St. Paul President-Elect: Chuck Stifter Past President: Tom Schmitz, New Ulm Secretary: Chris Fleck, Eagan Treasurer: Dale McCamish, Rochester RSC Chair: Jerome Krieger, Blaine East Metro: Lake Johnson, Roseville East Metro: Alex McKinney, Washington County East Metro: Reed Smidt, Woodbury Northeast Region: Ross Demant, Otsego Northwest Region: Marcia Larson, Bemidji Southern Region: Paul Peanasky, Faribault West Metro: Scott Berggren, Crystal West Metro: Annie Olson, Minneapolis West Metro: Nate Rosa, St. Louis Park This magazine is the official quarterly publication of Minnesota Recreation and Park Association and is provided complimentary to members as part of their MRPA membership. The editorial board encourages the submission of articles and photos for publication by agency members. Articles of approximately 500-700 words or less may be submitted, but may be edited for length and clarity. Contact Michelle Snider, MRPA, at 763.571.1305 x100 if interested in submitting an article for a future issue. Articles and Advertising Deadlines Fall 2020 issue...................... September 15, 2020 2021 Buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide.............. September 15, 2020 Winter 2021 issue.................. November 30, 2020 Spring 2021 Issue..................... February 15, 2021 Summer 2021 issue...........................May 22, 2021 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.

A Note from MRPA and Park Association Minnesota Recreation nal nstrated their exceptio members have demo ing y during this challeng resilienc y and creativit new the state have created time. Members across vide pro d their communities an ways to engage with r. ies for this summe recreational opportunit to and partners continue We hope all members l fal the for re pa we pre be safe and healthy as et to when we can all me rd wa for k loo season. We in-person again. esota Recreation and - Your Friends at Minn Park Association

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TABLE OF CONTENTS From the Board President..............4, 6 MRPA in Action....................................8 Someone to Know: Matt Wiitala.......8 MRPA Flashback..................................8 Keeping Up.....................................9-10 Meet Our North Star Partners Landscape Structures..................12-15 RJM Construction........................18-19

WSB & Associates....................... 20-21 Hiway Federal Credit Union....... 22-23 2020 Conference Guide............. 25-36 Working with CVBs..................... 38-41 Adapting to Change................... 42-44 Stop and Smell the Roses..........46-47 Corporate Connections............ 48, 50 2020 MRPA Corporate Members....48

Summer 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 3

FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT By Chris Esser, MRPA President

BRING IT ON 2020! IS THAT ALL YOU’VE GOT?

This photo illustrates the work-from-home comedy and stress. My wife, Liz, works for the local school district and they had a photo contest scavenger hunt for the staff that needed to include certain elements. We won! The first prize was a $40 gift card from Target.

Most would agree that summer 2020 has been the most unconventional summer season of our parks and recreation careers. The cancellation of programs, the closure of facilities, and the alteration of our service delivery in almost every aspect has been a challenge along with unexpected impacts to the workplace, schools, and in our homes. Relationships with our colleagues, families, friends and neighbors have brought out both the best and worst of us. It is okay if we are not okay right now. Unusual obstacles getting in our way, feeling stress, being uninspired, maybe even lonely at this time is happening. We are in the business of fun (we won’t debate measurable outcomes at the moment) and we probably do not feel like we are having a lot of fun right now. The good news? This will not last forever. We will forge ahead to a new normal. We are creating and adapting to a new world. Remember, the MRPA family will always be here for you. Continue to reach out and lean on

one another for support and friendship – those are two of our best qualities!

support the importance and enrichment of MRPA’s signature event of the year.

This edition of the MRPA magazine offers the first glance at the muchanticipated 2020 Annual Conference. I can’t say enough about the hard work and dedication the 2020 Annual Conference Committee has done to convert our traditional conference into a virtual format under the leadership of Ross Demant, Otsego Parks and Recreation and Scott Zlotnik, St. Cloud Parks and Recreation. In 2019, this committee chose the theme, “Connecting Minnesota” not knowing the special significance this theme would hold in 2020. The committee is doing a fantastic job to offer a quality conference that will indeed connect us and include all of the usual elements of education, networking, vendor contacts, and social events that we expect from the annual conference. This year will be unique but no less in quality and engagement in this new format. I invite you to join me and to encourage your agency and colleagues to

The MRPA Board has been consistently working this year to rise up to the new challenges for our membership, budget, and the future outlook of the association. Our attention to troubleshoot and navigate this tumultuous year has given our board members razor-sharp focus on the immediate issues at hand and the tough decision that we are elected to make. The MRPA Board has authorized the activation of a line-of-credit in order to meet anticipated budget shortfalls for 2020, and enacted employee furloughs for all three of MRPA’s staff members at different intervals. We remain proud of our staff and respect them as people and professionals. The employee reductions are temporary and we thank them. While the financial state of the MRPA in 2020 is not business as usual and forcing necessary budget modifications, the MRPA Board will continue to remain Continued on page 6…

WE WILL FORGE AHEAD TO A NEW NORMAL. WE ARE CREATING AND ADAPTING TO A NEW WORLD. REMEMBER, THE MRPA FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR YOU. CONTINUE TO REACH OUT AND LEAN ON ONE ANOTHER FOR SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP – THOSE ARE TWO OF OUR BEST QUALITIES! 4 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

CONNECTING PLAY WITH NATURE

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FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT Continued from page 4…

vigilant to minimize the impacts to the MRPA both now and into the future. My thanks and appreciation to my fellow Board members for their wisdom and leadership, especially Treasurer Dale McCamish and Executive Director Michelle Snider. This past January at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), I challenged our membership to be mindful of our differences noting the faces of our profession do not always reflect who we serve. Tragic recent events both locally and nationally have once again reared the ugly head of social injustice, inequality, and the need for reform in our own local communities, parks and neighborhoods. In early 2020, the formation of a resource group within our state association was underway to

educate and advise our membership on diversity in race, gender, ability, culture, socioeconomics, and self-identification. We are fortunate to have MRPA member organizations actively leading the way by regularly training staff and implementing policy to address these agency and societal issues. Now is the time to bring momentum to this effort. A dialog has started within our membership and at the Board level that we must commit to continuing. In June, the MRPA hosted a Race Relations Listening Session which scratched the surface of these topics and provided resources to get us on our way. While this effort will be a marathon and not a sprint, our work will continue during the second half of 2020 to keep the discussion and processes going. I would like to thank Jason West, St. Louis Park

Parks and Recreation and former MRPA President and retiree Jon Oyanagi for their leadership in this endeavor. As we pass the midpoint of the year, don’t forget to take time for yourself and recreate! Without many of the traditional activities and facility operations taking place this summer, I have heard several stories of members seizing the opportunity to travel and recreate that the typical busy summer schedule and commitments have prohibited in the past. Way to go! I personally took the opportunity to visit Yellowstone, our nation’s first national park with my family. Thank you for all you do, and remember, we will always be as strong as our membership. Stay active, stay engaged, find time to relax, and enjoy the rest of your summer.

WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE MRPA MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVELY LEADING THE WAY BY REGULARLY TRAINING STAFF AND IMPLEMENTING POLICY TO ADDRESS THESE AGENCY AND SOCIETAL ISSUES.

6 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

CREATING PLACES THAT ENRICH PEOPLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LIVES

Park, Recreation, Trail and Open Space Planning Design and Construction Administration Grant Writing and Implementation Planning Pedestrian-Bicycle System Planning

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MRPA IN ACTION Aquatics Network The aquatics network has been very active with Zoom calls during the past few months, similar to the other MRPA networks: athletic management, programming, and the young professional and student network (YPSN).

Someone You Should Know: Matt Wiitala

The aquatic network had weekly network calls, looking for ways to reach the public, and provide spaces and activities. According to Katie Yandell, MRPA aquatics network chair and recreation supervisor for Plymouth Parks and Recreation, “One thing that I think we do well in the recreation business is adapt. We participated, like many other networks, in national calls, multi-state calls and became a guiding source for ideas and developments due to the creativity of our MRPA aquatic network.” According to Yandell, this network continued to think of ways to keep their communities safe, how to provide programs with limited direction, and adapt to the ever-changing guidelines. This group worked well as a team to support each other and problem solve. Yandell adds, “As an aquatic professional, safety is always in the forefront of our minds. This network has created opportunities to get safety education out to their communities. I could give you examples of each city’s efforts to make in some instances something happen from nothing. What this has made us all realize is that water safety is important now more than ever. Aquatic professionals save lives and enhance quality of life for all residents and visitors of Minnesota by providing life skills through learn to swim programs, life jacket education, water safety programs as well as safe public spaces to swim.”

MRPA FLASHBACK Flashback: 2007

This photo of Marcia Bach (left) and Donna Tilsner (right) was from the 2007 Annual Conference and Exhibit Hall in Saint Paul. They were promoting the 2008 Annual Conference at Cragun’s Resort and Conference Center in Brainerd. The conference theme in 2008 was Syn-er-gy. Minnesota Recreation and Park Association looks forward to going back to Cragun’s Resort and Conference Center in the future.

8 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Matt Wiitala with his children Ben (age 8) and Laura (age 7)

Matt Wiitala grew up in Mountain Iron, Minnesota. “I have been part of parks and recreation since I was five years old playing t-ball,” says Wiitala. “I worked for the City of Mountain Iron when I was in 7th grade, coaching youth sports and eventually parks maintenance for the summer.” Wiitala attended the University of Minnesota - Duluth where he received a bachelor of science in health education - community emphasis. Wiitala also played football for the university. After graduating, he worked for the Minnetonka School District. “I worked there for 10 years in community education as a recreation program manager,” says Wiitala. “In 2018, I made my way over to the City of Shoreview.” He currently is the recreation and sports leagues coordinator. Wiitala first got introduced to MRPA through the athletic management network. “I immediately became involved in MRPA,” says Wiitala. “My experience has been fantastic! I love networking, learning from others and sharing ideas on what is working in other colleagues’ cities.” For the past year, he has served as the chair for the athletic management network. MRPA thanks Matt for his commitment, especially during this time of uncertainty and change. During the stay at home order, he led many Zoom meetings to keep members engaged and connected. This network is very active and shares ideas and trends on youth and adult leagues and programs, athletic facilities and youth athletic association. 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 Golden Valley Receives NRPA Innovation in Health Award The City of Golden Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parks and Recreation Department received the Innovation in Health Award from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) for its at-home recreation program, HomeRECed. This award will be presented at the NRPA Virtual Conference in October, 2020. The Innovation in Health Award recognizes a park and recreation agency leading an innovative project that fosters a culture of health in their community. Golden Valley Parks and Recreation created the HomeRECed program to provide free recreation opportunities at home. The program offered a new video each day on the city website and social media pages. Beginning June 1, new videos were made available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to make way for other virtual recreation opportunities. Congratulations to Golden Valley Parks and Recreation for receiving this award.

10 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks â&#x20AC;˘ www.mnrpa.org

Meredith Lawrence Receives NRPA Young Professional Fellowship Congratulations to Meredith Lawrence with Mendota Heights for receiving the young professional fellowship from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in 2020. The fellowship provides selected young professionals with the opportunity to explore the operation of NRPA and its governing bodies at the NRPA Annual Conference, which will be held virtually in October 2020. NRPA members under 35 with 2-10 years of experience in parks and recreation who want to want to attend the conference and grow their professional network were encouraged to apply. A primary focus of the program is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts with NRPA professionals from around the nation.

Dakota County and Washington County Receive Achievement Awards Awards Both Dakota County and Washington County received 2020 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in the parks and recreation category. Dakota County received an award for the Thompson Lake Sediment Removal and Stormwater Improvement Project. Washington County received an award for the Multi-Lingual Communications in Parks, and another award for the Parks Life Jacket Program. NACo recognized 616 entries from counties and state associations in 32 states. All award winners are available in their searchable awards database, where programs are searchable by year, category, and state dating back to 2007. Congratulations to both Dakota County and Washington County on their achievements.

Parks for Pollinators The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) created a national campaign called Parks for Pollinators to raise awareness and community involvement in the pollinator crisis through local parks and recreation agencies. NRPA and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation are challenging local parks to get involved and host a pollinator BioBlitz during September 2020. To sign up for the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, visit NRPA’s website at www.bit.ly/ParksforPollinators If your agency signs up to host an event during the month of September, they will also be entered to win a $1,000 prize and one of three Scotts Miracle-Gro prize packs to help with your pollinator habitats or programs. After signing up, parks and recreation agencies will receive a toolkit explaining how to host and manage your events. Agencies will also receive a marketing toolkit with sample social media posts, email copy and a template press release.

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MRPA Says ‘Thank You’ to Founding North Star Partners

The new tiered partnership program is a win-win for both MRPA and the companies that have become founding partners. MRPA is grateful for our long-time partners and their dedication to the Association. Together, we have offered valuable, close-to-home education for members, which has positively impacted the communities they serve. MRPA reviewed ways to offer additional benefits for our partners. The outcome was a new partnership package adopted by the MRPA Board of Directors. The new North Star Partnership Opportunities launched earlier this year. The North Star Partnership Opportunities is a way for corporate members to gain high visibility and engagement opportunities year-round, while allowing MRPA to provide quality educational opportunities with topics impacting our industry. The MRPA North Star partners provide the

highest level of support for the Association and parks and recreation profession. MRPA is grateful for our founding North Star partners and their commitment to the Association: Landscape Structures/Flagship Recreation, WSB & Associates, RJM Construction, and Hiway Federal Credit Union. Please take time to read the articles that follow, and reach-out to say thank you to them for their MRPA partnership. We also look forward to future conversations with longtime corporate members seeking more information on the North Star Partnership Opportunities. Contact Michelle Snider at 763.571.1305 x100 for more information.

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Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 13

The Importance of Play

There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now due to the coronavirus pandemic. One thing we are sure of is that kids, teens and adults need outdoor activity to keep themselves healthy—both physically and mentally. By Lynn Pinoniemi, vice president of marketing at Landscape Structures Inc.

Making time for free, unstructured play is tricky in our 24/7 world, but research tells us that carving out time and space for outdoor play and activity is worth it. For children, playtime allows them to be in control and use their imaginations all while developing a range of important skills. There are benefits for teens and adults as well. Not only does

exercising outdoors lead to better physical health, but it may contribute to increased energy, reduced anger, tension and depression. So, as communities begin to slowly and safely reopen their parks and playgrounds, it’s important to offer play and recreation solutions that help individuals of all ages stay active and healthy.

14 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Landscape Structures Inc., based in Delano, Minn., has curated a collection of dynamic playground designs to give parks and recreation departments innovative and iconic choices at an affordable price point. Included in this collection is the new Tree Tops playstructure. This new offering delivers the feel of exploring a forest canopy branch by branch.

Spark Hours of Imaginative Play Give kids ages 5 to 12 the opportunity to explore a forest canopy branch by branch with the new TreeTops playstructure. Beyond the normal ups and downs of traditional tree climbing, this wondrously abstract playground design allows kids to navigate across wiggly bridges, roar down two different slides and so much more. Learn more at playlsi.com/great-designs.

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However, beyond the normal ups and downs of traditional tree climbing, this wondrously abstract playground design allows kids to navigate across wiggly bridges, roar down two different slides and so much more. If an entirely new playground isn’t in the current plan, adding freestanding play components is a great way to freshen up the play experience. Even better, offering spinners, bouncers and spring riders to visitors allows them to adhere to the social distancing guidline from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Extreme fitness is gaining popularity because of current T.V. shows, and these high-intensity strength training courses encourage kids, teens and adults to get and stay fit. FitCore™ Extreme obstacle courses can be designed for teens and adults, or for kids ages 5 to 12 to deliver exciting fitness challenges in community parks, schools and neighborhood gathering areas. Obstacles for 5- to 12-year-olds provide the right amount of challenge to build physical and mental agility. While FitCore Extreme obstacles designed for teens and adults invite friendly competition. Communities can choose from predesigned courses or create a customized course to challenge upper- and lower-body strength, coordination as well as problemsolving skills.

As more communities begin to reopen and create their new normal following the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important to remember that everyone will benefit from outdoor play and recreation. 16 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

In addition to these extreme fitness environments, traditional outdoor fitness equipment remains popular in communities. The HealthBeat ® Outdoor Fitness System targets three core fitness areas—muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and balance and flexibility—through 14 workout stations. Park planners can include all 14 stations, focus on just one or two core fitness areas, or mix and match among them. As more communities begin to reopen and create their new normal following the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important to remember that everyone will benefit from outdoor play and recreation. Choose to invest in amenities that will boost community members’ physical and mental wellbeing. Learn more about the new great designs available as well as extreme and traditional fitness equipment from Landscape Structures by visiting playlsi.com. Or contact your local playground consultant—Flagship Recreation or Dakota Playground—to get started on playground and fitness environment designs that meets your community’s needs.

Oh, the endless days! Gathered together Reveling in the joy of play. Where watery wonders excite us Unite us And invite us to set our imaginations free.

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Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 17

Creating a Magical Space The City of Shoreview and RJM Construction Partner on Two-Phase Shoreview Commons Park, By Maria Manske, marketing manager, RJM Construction

PHASE I In July, the City of Shoreview and RJM Construction teams wrapped-up Phase I of Shoreview Commons Park, a spacious recreation area with state-ofthe-art amenities and features. From casual strolls around the decorative pond and formal garden area to vigorous workouts on the plazastyle skate park, there is something for everyone in this Ramsey County community to enjoy. The city worked with LHB’s design team to develop outdoor space that would complement the recently expanded community center and provide improved connections to the Ramsey County Regional Library. New trails and sidewalks throughout the

site allow residents and visitors alike to easily gain access between facilities and access to the nearby regional trail system. Located next to the existing Haffeman Pavilion is a brand-new pond and garden area. This formal space will provide residents a beautiful venue for special events and gatherings. The extensive landscaping features many different varieties of perennials to provide color throughout the year. There are many seating areas around the new pond, which will convert to a unique ice-skating environment in the winter. The new skate park plaza is a dream come true for all levels of in-line skaters, bikers, and of course,

18 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

skateboarders. With the quarter pipes, wedges, grind rails, and steps, it is bound to become a destination spot to test and show off skills. The skate park is designed by the noted skate park design firm Spohn Ranch from Los Angeles, California. Shoreview Commons Park also includes a full-size soccer field, tennis and basketball courts, a neighborhood playground area and picnic shelter. The Haffeman Pavilion is used for a wide variety of events and activities, including the popular Concert in the Commons Summer Music Series. “We are very excited to complete the first phase of the Shoreview Commons improvements,” said Mayor Sandy

“We are very excited to complete the first phase of the Shoreview Commons improvements,” said Mayor Sandy Martin. “This will further enhance the Shoreview Commons area and Shoreview Community Center as the central gathering spot for our residents and truly creates a “central park” for our great city.” Martin. “This will further enhance the Shoreview Commons area and Shoreview Community Center as the central gathering spot for our residents and truly creates a “central park” for our great city.” In 2019, the Twin Cities metro area experienced historical rainfall that presented numerous challenges for the construction team. They creatively worked through the challenges by resequencing work and some minor design revisions to ensure the project was ready for use in 2020.

PHASE II The City of Shoreview and LHB are actively working on plans for Phase II Commons Park improvements, which will include a new destination playground and a park building and picnic shelter. The playground will provide a large-scale unique play experience and will be accessible to all ages and abilities, with a variety of unique, fun equipment. The playground and new park building will be located near the intersection of

Victoria Street and the entrance drive to the community center at the site of the former softball field. The grove of oak trees at this location will be preserved to provide a shaded environment for users of the area.

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Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 19

Changing Perspectives Navigating Recreational Engagement Efforts in a Post-pandemic Landscape By Candace Amberg, Sr. Landscape Architect, WSB & Associates, Inc.

The importance of parks and trails has become much more fundamental to our communities’ wellbeing since COVID-19 hit and stay-at-home orders were issued throughout the country. As an escape, many of us have explored parks, trails and green spaces near our homes more than ever before. How will this moment in time affect the value we place on these spaces? How will this change the way we design moving forward? How are perspectives shifting and what is the next recreational trend? While there are still many unknowns, as planners and designers we have a unique opportunity to better understand how we can create recreational opportunities while still accounting for safety measures through creative design.

I also see a neighborhood that, much like the trees coming out of dormancy, is full of life and activity. I see families playing with their kids out on the street, I see more bikes on the roads than vehicles, and I see people flocking to the open spaces to get some piece of normalcy back into their daily routine, as well as for stress relief and a respite from home schooling. How is this changing the

perspectives towards our parks, trails and open spaces? I grew up on a farm in North Dakota and had ample open space all to myself. I didn’t fully understand the value of this space until I moved to Minneapolis. Here, I found dense populations with shared outdoor spaces, but I also found an abundance of renowned public parks, trails and scenic settings like I had never seen before - and trees! Have I mentioned we don’t have many trees in North Dakota? I discovered that these thriving spaces were the direct result of devoted leaders who worked endlessly to develop high quality parks and trails, expanded recreational programs for diverse populations, built successful community centers, and preserved the natural resources that are fundamental to our Minnesota character. We can attribute many of the quality spaces we have today to their visionary work. Places to

Photo: WSB

A quick glance at the news or social media has the ability to instantly highlight differences in opinions, and I feel many of the issues that seem to drive us apart are based on a

lack of understanding of the varying perspectives behind them. As I am writing this article from my home office, I gaze out my window and see the colorful crabapples blossoms against a lush green landscape that is now exploding with life, something I have anxiously awaited all winter. Others may see this as a full-blown attack of pollen ready to aggravate their allergies and altering their ability to breathe or taste for the next few weeks. Same event, different experience and therefore, different perspective.

West River / James I. Rice Parkway Trail

20 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

socialize, play, exercise, take in a walk, or just sit and watch the world go by. Our collective group of designers and planners see this “time-out” as an opportunity to reach out to our community members and let them know that not only are we are here for them, but that we can work together to improve their quality of life. Now is the time to be the visionary leaders for the next generations and in order to do so, we must better understand the changing perspectives of the community through meaningful engagement. While COVID-19 has made our engagement efforts slightly more challenging, we are starting with a great toolbox of methods to keep communication efforts strong. These methods will become even more important as we continue to navigate the challenges brought on by COVID-19.

A few examples include: • Interactive project maps: Interactive maps, such as Social Pinpoint, are not only convenient and easy to use, they also gather very detailed and relevant information that, in some instances, have aided our design process much more significantly than other engagement methods. • Story maps: ArcGIS and ESRI Story Maps provide a visually appealing method to catch a user’s attention while portraying useful information, including tours, maps, and visual displays. • Social media: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook are a few examples of social media platforms that are being heavily used to reach audiences. They are great tools to highlight awareness, bolster engagement, and gather quick ideas. • Videos: Anyone with a teen understands the TikTok and YouTube

phenomenon. We have found success developing project videos as well as promoting them through social media spending to reach a broader, more targeted audience. • Virtual meetings: Virtual meetings and presentations provide a great method to interact with task force groups, commissions, councils, etc., and can also reach a more flexible audience who can engage when and where it’s convenient for them. • Engagement events: With a significant increase in park users during almost all days and times of the week, in-person engagement events that follow social distancing recommendations remain a valuable opportunity. Let’s keep moving forward and take this moment to reach out to the community members, understand their perspectives and work with them to create tomorrow’s next successful project.

Now is the time to be the visionary leaders for the next generations and in order to do so, we must better understand the changing perspectives of the community through meaningful engagement. Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 21

Hiway Federal Credit Union – With You on the Road of Life By Kent Wipf, Hiway Federal Credit Union

Hiway Federal Credit Union has been around for almost 90 years, starting in November, 1931 by employees from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT). The Credit Union’s beginning was very modest, conducting business out of a cash box, while never losing sight of its purpose: to help members succeed financially. Founded to serve the employees of the Minnesota Highway Department, thus Hiway Federal Credit Union, Hiway has since grown the membership to include state agency employees, military service members, small businesses, individuals and families throughout Minnesota. In addition, the Credit Union supports the Minnesota Park and Recreation Foundation, which has led to a variety of mutually beneficial programs. Hiway has had the opportunity to be a presenting sponsor at the Minnesota Park and Recreation Association’s Annual Conference,

giving Hiway exposure to many park and recreation professionals across the state of Minnesota. In addition, Hiway has been a part of the Foundation’s scholarship program, financially supporting students who are seeking a degree in recreation, parks and leisure services. Hiway’s partnership with the Minnesota Park and Recreation Foundation has allowed Hiway to further a cause that is part of our roots: Financial Literary and Financial Education. Through our partnership we have been able to participate in some of the Foundation’s programming offered throughout the state. For example, Hiway has offered Financial Reality Fairs at the University of St. Thomas and Highland Park High School as part of the park and recreation programs in those communities. These Financial Reality Fairs allow hundreds of students the opportunity to learn about real-life

situations and financial circumstances and help them make educated decisions. The Financial Reality Fairs have been very popular and this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched a “virtual” version of the reality fair which the students were able to do on their laptop, notebook or smartphone while interacting with our associates and learning the same lessons. Like every business, the COVID-19 Pandemic has forced us to do business a little differently the past few months. Hiway is a business that exists to serve our members and to be part of the community. The past few months, we have had to adjust to how we do that and what that looks like while keeping in mind our members and our partners still need many of the same things we’ve always provided. So even though our lobbies were closed for a period of time, we were able to support our

Hiway Federal Credit Union President/CEO Dave Boden (left) kicks off the #CUs4U Challenge by sending cookies from Cookie Cart to workers at the Minnesota VA Hospital. At right, a VA Hospital police officer delivered the sweets to staff.

22 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

It is during times like we’ve all experienced the past few months, that we appreciate even more the opportunity to partner with others to support our communities and to offer financial assistance during good times and challenging times. members with added online services, additional phone support and extended hours at our drive-thru windows. We didn’t forget about our many partnerships. In March, Hiway launched the #CUs4U Challenge in which we purchased meals and supplies from a local small business and then donated them to local agencies working to support people in our communities. Hiway’s first donation was lunch and cookies delivered to the Minnesota VA Hospital staff. Hiway then made a lunch donation to two local YMCAs that had been turned into childcare facilities for essential workers. Part of this program was to then challenge another Minnesota credit union to do something similar. Through June, over 20 credit unions in Minnesota have participated in the #CUs4U Challenge, and countless meals and boxes of supplies have been donated to Minnesota’s essential workers. Hiway’s partnership with the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation and the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association over the years has given us exposure across the state that we otherwise wouldn’t have had. And it is during times like we’ve all experienced the past few months, that we appreciate even more the opportunity to partner with others to support our communities and to offer financial assistance during good times and challenging times.

Hiway associate Tina Jones (far right) helped deliver lunch that Hiway had purchased for the workers at the Midway YMCA as part of the #CUs4U Challenge

We’re with you on the road of life. Though many things in our daily lives have changed, one thing remains the same: Hiway is here to provide the financial services, resources and support you need at every stage of life. Visit us online or call us — we’re available 24/7.

hiway.org 651.291.1515 • 800.899.5626 Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

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CMYK / .ai

Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 23

Miracle Recreation and No Fault make a Great Team for your playground needs!

800-677-5153 webberrec.com

M RPA V IRT UA L CO NFERENCE 2020

S EPTEMBER 23 & 24, 2020 Summer 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 25

CONFERENCE WELCOME C O N N E C T I N G M I N N E S O TA V I RT U A L M R PA A N N U A L C O N F E R E N C E

We are excited to invite you to attend the 84th annual Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference and Exhibit Hall, a virtual conference taking place September 23-24, 2020. Wow! 2020 will certainly go down in history as one of the most memorable years for the entire world – and especially for our industry. COVID-19 has created impacts to our daily routine, the likes of which will hopefully make us all grow safer and stronger in our personal and professional lives. By now as an organization or as an individual you may have had to re-think, retrain, retool, re-budget, re-assess and reorganize to create the next “best practices” for the future. The 2020 Annual Conference Committee Team has done exactly that to continue “Connecting Minnesota” to provide delegates, students, retirees, associates, vendors and sponsors a

high-level experience in a first-ever virtual conference. Valuable educational opportunities, engaging speakers, networking events and exhibit hall opportunities have all been put into place. In addition, some new ideas and innovations have also been incorporated that we hope will serve you well. Our annual conference success is based on your participation and excitement! We are all united by the park and recreation profession and our ability to live, learn and pass this knowledge along. Please join us! Be safe, be courteous, be thoughtful and be understanding - may these become the next “best practice!” Scott Zlotnik and Ross Demant 2020 MRPA Annual Conference Co-Chairs

M I N N E S OTA R E C R E AT I O N A N D PA R K A S S O C I AT I O N OUR MISSION

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

To improve the quality of life in Minnesota by enhancing the profession of parks, open space, recreation and leisure services.

The Annual Conference Committee was planning a traditional conference; however, this was interrupted by the pandemic. The committee had to then completely re-organized into the first-ever MRPA virtual conference. This would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of these individuals:

CORE VALUES LEADERSHIP

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

STEWARDSHIP

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

WELLNESS

Impacting health and active living through educational and social opportunities

CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS Ross Demant Scott Zlotnik

PROGRAMMING Marc Mattice Chelsea Swiggum Alyssa Pink Marcia Larson Gina Hugo

EXHIBIT HALL

NETWORKING

LOGISTICS

SPONSORSHIPS

MARKETING

VOLUNTEERS

Mike Bauer Zac Dockter

Nick Jacobs

Nikki Greenwell

ENGAGEMENT

Building relationships and seeking collaborative partnerships with community members and organizations

MRPA CONTACT INFORMATION

INTEGRITY

200 Charles Street NE Fridley, MN 55432

INCLUSION

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

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

26 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Email: snider@mnrpa.org

Ann Mosack Roxann Maxey

Alicia Watts

Dolf Moon Sara Witte

V I RT U A L EXHIBIT HALL

CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

VIRTUAL CAFÉ ..................................... 7:45 - 8:45 am WELCOME - MRPA President Address ..... 8:45 am OPENING KEYNOTE ............................. 9:15 - 10:30 am Jan Malcolm - Leadership Through a Time of Crisis SESSION BLOCK 1 ................................ 10:45 am - 12 pm EXHIBIT HALL ...................................... 12 - 1 pm SESSION BLOCK 2 ................................ 1 - 2:15 pm NETWORKING EVENT .......................... 2:30 pm We encourage attendees to visit with exhibitors both Wednesday and Thursday. It is essential to the fiscal health of MRPA and our vendors that attendees participate in the virtual exhibit hall. By attending the virtual exhibit hall and browsing vendor products and services, you are showing your support for the industry and building relationships for future conferences and projects. With the added benefit of short vendor videos and Zoom chats, you never know what you might discover or who you may CONNECT with to improve your work life.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

UNCONFERENCE COFFEE BREAK .......... 7:45 - 8:45 am FINAL DAY OPENING - MRPA / Chairs .... 8:45 am OPENING KEYNOTE ............................. 9:15 - 10:30 am Jim Ramnaraine - Emotional Wellness in a Time of Pandemic: Is Everyone Ok? SESSION BLOCK 1 ................................ 10:45 am - 12 pm EXHIBIT HALL ...................................... 12 - 1 pm SESSION BLOCK 2 ................................ 1 - 2:15 pm CLOSING KEYNOTE ............................. 2:30 - 3:45 pm C. Willi Myles - Humor in the Workplace How to Build a Winning Team

ON-DEMAND SESSIONS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE CONFERENCE

View Anytime

CONFERENCE SPONSORS Thank you to the 2020 annual conference sponsors for making this event possible .

Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 27

K E Y N OT E S P E A K E R S JAN MALCOLM Health Commissioner Minnesota Department of Health

JIM RAMNARAINE ADA Coordinator, Retired Hennepin County

Thursday, 9:15 - 10:30 am Wednesday, 9:15 - 10:30 am

LE ADERSHIP THROUGH A TIME OF CRISIS Minnesota Recreation and Park Association welcomes Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Commissioner Jan Malcolm as the opening keynote presenter for the first-ever MRPA Virtual Annual Conference. Malcolm entered our lives during the state’s daily news conferences to help Minnesotans understand how a new virus called COVID-19 was quickly changing the world around us. Her servant leadership and calm demeanor continue to be hallmarks of her work at MDH. During her opening session, Malcolm will share her perspective on leadership during a time of crisis. As the state’s leading public health expert, she’ll impart her view on the impact parks and recreation agencies have on their communities’ health and wellness. Prior to being appointed commissioner, Malcolm was an adjunct faculty member at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. Malcolm previously served as CEO of the Courage Center and as president of the Courage Kenny Foundation following the merger of Courage Center and the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. She has also worked as vice president of public affairs and philanthropy at Allina Health. From 1999 to 2003, Malcolm served as MDH commissioner. Throughout her career, Malcolm has been active in state and Sponsored By: national health care, public health associations, and government commissions on health care access and quality. Malcolm is a graduate of Dartmouth College.

28 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

EMOTIONAL WELLNESS IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC: IS E VERYONE OK? In this conference keynote, presenter Jim Ramnaraine will introduce the concept of “emotional wellness,” a spectrum of behaviors from stress to resiliency. It will be important for employers to use neutral terms when promoting stress management and confronting difficult topics like mental health and substance use disorder interventions. With over 70-percent of the workforce already finding it hard to manage their individual stress levels before COVID-19, this will be a unique challenge to employer’s productivity and benefits cost containment. The formula for success is fairly Sponsored By: straight forward. However, it does require a commitment to changing work culture and using skills many managers may find difficult to apply.

C. WILLI MYLES Comedian/Speaker C. Willi Myles Ent/G L Berg Entertainment Thursday, 2:30 - 3:45 pm

HUMOR IN THE WORKPL ACE - HOW TO BUILD A WINNING TE AM In this keynote, we will seek to understand how humor can improve your productivity as well as your company’s bottom line, and also the impact that humor in the work place has on you. We will also explore how playing your role increases the odds of Sponsored By: overall success and anything you do as an individual or team member.

W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 Sponsored By:

7:45 - 8:45 am

V I RT U A L C A F É Join us on Zoom for an open networking platform. Log in and CONNECT with other conference attendees. Moderators will be present to facilitate conversations in three groups; Directors and Managers, Programmers and Special Services, and Maintenance and Facility Managers.

WELCOME - 8:45 am

O P E N I N G K E Y N OT E P R E S E N TAT I O N , J A N M A L C O L M 9 : 1 5 - 1 0 : 3 0 A M 10:45 am - 12 pm YOUNG PROFESSIONAL STUDENT NET WORK: VIRTUAL INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTER HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE FOR A FULL-TIME JOB INTERVIE W? Brett Rannow, Meeting and Event Coordinator, City of New Brighton How should you prepare for a full-time job interview? Who should you connect with if you want to be a programmer? What career routes are available to me in parks and recreation? Calling all students and young professionals – MRPA’s Young Professional & Student Network (YPSN) is here to serve you! YPSN is a group dedicated to help students and young professionals get where they want to be in the parks and recreation profession. We encourage you to browse YPSN’s resources prior to the event such our Facebook group, email hotline and ‘entry-level’ educational guides. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with graduated students and seasoned professionals about these topics while creating beneficial relationships in the process. Bring your questions, all are welcome!

MA XIMIZING NATUR AL RESOURCES WITH LIMITED RESOURCES: ONE APPROACH TO NATUR AL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PL ANS Sean Jergens, Senior Associate Landscape Architect; SRF Consulting Group; Doug Mensing, Senior Ecologist; Applied Ecological Services Parks and natural resource managers share a basic challenge: how to improve the quality of natural resources with limited budget and staff. The panel will describe an approach and provide examples that use flexible tools, technologies, and ecological best practices to gather data, develop goals, and create a plan for project implementation.

ACCOUNTABILIT Y; IT’ S E VERYBODY’ S RESPONSIBILIT Y Lori Hoffner, Professional Speaker, Trainer and Consultant, Supporting CommUnity Accountability: the obligation of an individual or organization to account for its activities, accept responsibility for them, and to disclose the results in a transparent manner. It is the expectation we have for ourselves and others, but how often do we meet it? Do we find solutions when things don’t go as we had planned, or do we play the blame game? Attendees will learn how accountability is critical when facing today’s world during a pandemic. We can’t afford to allow lag time when it’s a health issue. It’s necessary to speak up in a way that shares positive intent and outcomes. Together we will discuss how we move beyond understanding the need for accountability, to engaging your team and the community in ways that can win hearts, minds, and commitment. We’ll discuss how to create a philosophy of accountability that everyone can embrace and practice. A philosophy that removes fear, increases skills, confidence and reliability.

UNDERSTANDING GENDER DIVERSIT Y Rebecca Slaby, Executive Director; Ryan Kersey, Sales and Program Manager; AMAZEworks How can we better support and create belonging for gender-expansive and transgender community members? This session will help participants understand gender diversity and include a primer on pronouns. We will also provide many examples of how to use inclusive language with children and adults to create all-gender embracing spaces.

Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 29

W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 12 - 1 pm

V I RT UA L EX HIBIT HALL We encourage attendees to visit with vendors and view their materials. GREAT CONVERSATIONS AND PRIZES AWAIT!

1 - 2:15 pm R ACIAL EQUIT Y IN AQUATICS Maddy Rosewood, Aquatics Coordinator, City of Inver Grove Heights Kate Connell, Aquatic Professional, Iowa City;\ Representatives from Diversity in Aquatics, SwemKids and AfroSwimmers MRPA aquatic professionals will explore the racial and cultural inequities that are experienced in the aquatics profession. Discover how to better understand these differences and the tools used to bridge those gaps. This session provides more than simple aquatic programming; rather, it reaches those in management and other aspects of the parks and recreation profession for a dialogue around this topic. Attendees will discuss how racial equity in aquatics may also impact your area of expertise in the profession.

CUSTOMER SERVICE BOOT CAMP: CALL-TO -ACTION Annie Olson, Customer Service Director; Iris Pahlberg Peterson, Customer Service Supervisor; Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board March virtually into the all new Call-To-Action, the highly anticipated sequel to the hit Back-To-The-Basics session. Meet growing needs within your park system with foolproof strategies to satisfy and delight park patrons. Leave with renewed energy and motivation to provide phenomenal customer experiences.

YOUTH DE VELOPMENT SHAPED BY PL AY: THE FORMATIVE ROLE OF PL AY AND PL AYGROUNDS

WHAT’ S ON THE HORIZON; E VERY THING FROM Y TO Z

John McConkey, Market Research and Insights Manager, Landscape Structures The future of the world is in the hands of creative kids. Children’s play behavior on community playgrounds is essential for a successful, healthy life. This session shares research from the University of Minnesota Institute for Child Development showing how play develops 21st century skills: persistence, self-esteem, creativity and competence.

Lori Hoffner, Professional Speaker, Trainer and Consultant, Supporting CommUnity Learn the similarities and differences between the Gen Y/ Millennials and the up-and-coming Gen Z generations. Better understand how today’s young adults, teens, and youth think and behave - whether as staff or consumers. Attendees will describe how to create an environment of cooperation and open-mindedness that will help communication across these dynamic groups.

OFF-SITE INSTITUTE HOW TO RECRE ATE , VIRTUALLY! Jamie Anderson, Recreation Coordinator, City of Bemidji; Kelsi McNutt, Community Center Manager, City of Chaska Speakers will be available live to interact with attendees as they view a previously recorded presentation. The year 2020 has presented many opportunities for agencies to continue recreation programing even when we couldn’t meet our residents/participants in-person. Identify how other park and recreation departments and recreation centers inspired their communities to maintain healthy active lifestyles, outline new skills, express themselves, and continue to create opportunities to socialize. Recreation programming – what worked, what did not, the new normal, and how can we continue to use the skills/programs from spring/summer 2020 into the future.

30 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 30

Sponsored By:

Explore one of America’s largest city owned parks right here in Minnesota. Theodore Wirth Park is home to both an 18-and 9-hole golf course, biking and hiking trails, archery, and open green space. Come join us for a night of fun in the park, face mask to face mask. Watch for more details in your conference materials for this will be a bonus session as COVID-19 restrictions allow.

Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 33

ON-DEMAND SESSIONS VIEW ANYTIME

HOW DO I MAKE MY COMMUNIT Y’ S PARKS AND RECRE ATION VISION A RE ALIT Y? Gabrielle Grinde, Landscape Architect, HKGi Referendums, partnerships, grants, and other tools communities have used to improve and maintain their systems will be discussed in this session. Discover funding and implementation strategies that have been used to pay for improvements, maintenance and operations in park systems. The session will summarize recreation trends and considerations related to park dedication policies, while including information on grants to assist in positioning projects and writing successful applications.

CRE ATING COMMUNIT Y THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS Tim Wensman & Troy Fritz, A Couple Regular Guys; Rotary Club of St. Cloud Community members are coming together, creating memories, and having fun in the story of this learning session. The St. Cloud Parks and Recreation’s partnership with the Rotary Club of St. Cloud has served over 900,000 guests in the nine years of Summertime by George! Come backstage to see how this community event has transpired through a unique and mutually beneficial relationship and what is the magic in its success.

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT PROGR AMMING FOR ADULTS WITH ASD AND LD

INTEGR ATING WATER QUALIT Y IMPROVEMENTS INTO PARK PROPERTIES

Aaron Willis, Instruction and Learning Program Manager; Minnesota Independence College and Community Today, one in 59 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One of the most significant characteristics of this disability is difficulty with social interaction. Many adults with ASD are seeking social interaction through local parks and recreation agencies. This session will present how social engagement is being taught to adults with ASD at Minnesota Independence College and Community.

Noah Czech, Stormwater Compliance Specialist, City of St. Cloud The City of St. Cloud’s Stormwater and Park Departments have partnered to implement numerous water quality/park improvement projects to help meet stormwater permit requirements and enhance existing park property. The session will discuss how to leverage funding and develop partnerships to meet surface water management and park goals. The presentation will detail several project examples, including parking lot improvement projects with rain gardens, and a shoreline erosion repair on a park property along the Sauk River.

SHORELINE /STRE AMBANK RESTOR ATION & HABITAT PROJECTS

HOW TO TR ANSITION YOUR ORGANIZ ATION TO SUSTAINABLE OPER ATIONS

Greg Berg, Lakeshed Specialist, Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District Shoreline restoration and habitat improvement strategies along lakes and rivers will be identified. Have you ever wondered if native vegetation is suitable for your site and what type of environment it will create? We will provide examples with before and after information as well as best practices to implement as you complete a project.

Susie MacMillan, Technical Services Account Management; McKinstry Essention Facility managers are often challenged to increase revenues and decrease expenses to meet organization cost recovery goals. Utility expenses and unexpected repairs are two line items that will make or break your overall annual budget. Attendees will learn ways to shift from reactive to proactive asset management and preventative maintenance program to avoid unplanned expenses.

34 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

SO YOU NEED TO HIRE A CONSULTANT? Ken Grieshaber, Principal, SRF Consulting Group; Michael Schroeder, Asst. Superintendent of Planning; Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board For many public agencies, hiring the most qualified consultants for the project can be a challenging process. Discuss approaches and techniques for writing thorough request for proposals, evaluating proposal submittals, and selecting consultants as part of the interview process.

FINANCING MAJOR DE VELOPMENTS THROUGH LOCAL SALES TA X Tom Schmitz, Park and Recreation Director, City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Department In 2000 and 2016, the City of New Ulm voters approved a 0.5-percent local sales tax to fund new developments and improvements to recreational facilities. For both years, the sales tax was authorized by the State Legislature. This session will describe how to use local sales tax funding to finance large construction/ development projects for your agency.

E VERYBODY PL AYS: A BEST PR ACTICE GUIDE TO MULTI - GENER ATIONAL DESIGN

MANAGING EMER ALD ASH BORER (E AB) IN MINNESOTA

Jill Moore, Inclusive Play Specialist, John McConkey, Market Research and Insights Manager, Landscape Structures Parks are our strategic asset to increase livability, engage, and enrich all ages. Research indicates that Americans desire resources dedicated to park sites that serve both youth and older adults in order to experience vitality, combat ageist beliefs, and foster healthy age integration. Through proven best practice design elements, we can strategically use our parks and playgrounds to make our communities more livable and invest in our future selves.

Jonathan Osthus, Research Scientist, Minnesota Department of Agriculture EAB is having an impact on ash trees and budgets across the state. Attendees will discuss how their community can prepare for the arrival of EAB through guidance on planning, inventory, monitoring, insecticide treatments, removals/sanitation, wood utilization, and replanting with diversity. Key takeaways will include an awareness of the damage caused by EAB, the ability to recognize and report new EAB infestations, and knowledge of resources available to land managers.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FOR 21ST CENTURY PARKS

CULTIVATING COMMUNIT Y CONNECTIONS AND TOURISM THROUGH PARK RE VITALIZ ATION AND INNOVATIVE PROGR AMMING

Andrew Montgomery, Associate; Damon Farber Landscape Architects; Adjunct Professor, University of Minnesota Parks are often thought of as the antidote to urban development, providing relief from the confined and controlling circumstances of the city. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of parks and the benefits they have on human health and well-being. How can we expand and improve parks for civic use while also addressing ecological resiliency? This session will examine sustainable park design and the tools available to track landscape performance. The session will also include a case study of Water Works Park and the Convention Center Plaza in Minneapolis.

MAKING SENSE OF CONSTRUCTION: UNDERSTANDING PROJECT DELIVERY AND CONTR ACTING METHODS

Joseph Uhlhorn, Partner/CFO, H + U Construction; Kate Lamers, Design Project Manager, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Understanding construction project delivery and contracting methods is essential to selecting the right delivery method. Discover the difference between various construction contracts, hear project examples and describe client benefits that utilize construction management.

Sam Kessel, Senior Project Landscape Architect; Bolton & Menk; Nick Egger, Public Works Director; City of Hastings; Paige Marschall Bigler, Recreation Programming Specialist; City of Hastings Learn how the City of Hastings leveraged a renovated public park to reinvigorate their community and continues to strengthen connections and tourism through programming of Levee Park. We will discuss the benefits of a community-centric design approach that brought the ownership of the park system back to the community. Communities and programming specialists may use these innovative approaches to complement your current park programming or create new community inspired programs.

Summer 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 35

M R PA A N N U A L C O N F E R E N C E R E G I S T R AT I O N F O R M Early Early Bird Bird Deadline: Deadline: September September 9, 9, 2020 2020 •• Register Register online online at at mnrpa.org mnrpa.org

First First Name________________________________ Name________________________________ Last Last Name Name ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Title Title ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Organization Organization __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Address Address __________________________________ __________________________________ City City _______________________ _______________________ State State ___________ ___________ Zip Zip ________ ________ Phone Phone ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Fax__________________________________________________ Fax__________________________________________________ Email Email ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________

Payment Payment Method Method

Check Enclosed Check Enclosed MRPA Preferred Method

DELEGATES DELEGATES Conference Conference Wednesday Wednesday

Check Check Requested Requested

MRPA Preferred Method

Package Package -- Thursday Thursday

Continuing Continuing Education Education Units Units (CEU) (CEU)

REGISTRANT REGISTRANT EMAIL EMAIL REQUIRED REQUIRED

MRPA MRPA MEMBER MEMBER

Paid Paid Online Online

NON-MEMBER NON-MEMBER

Until Sept. 9 Until Sept. 9

After Sept. 9 After Sept. 9

Until Sept. 9 Until Sept. 9

After Sept. 9 After Sept. 9

$150 $150

$175 $175

$225 $225

$250 $250

$10 $10

$20 $20

Each Each registrant registrant must must have have aa valid valid and and unique unique email email address. A separate link to access the live address. A separate link to access the live conference conference sessions sessions will will be be sent sent to to the the email email address address listed listed on on Monday, September 21. Monday, September 21.

CANCELLATION CANCELLATION POLICY POLICY

Cancellations Cancellations accepted accepted through through September September 11, 11, minus a $25 handling fee. No refunds minus a $25 handling fee. No refunds will will be be given given after after this this date. date. Alternate Alternate attendees attendees are are permitted. permitted.

PLEASE PLEASE SUBMIT SUBMIT PAYMENT PAYMENT TO TO MRPA MRPA 200 Charles 200 Charles Street Street NE NE Fridley, MN 55432 Fridley, MN 55432 CONFERENCE@MNRPA.ORG CONFERENCE@MNRPA.ORG

36 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

TOTAL TOTAL

CO N ST R U C T I O N M A N AG E M E N T + G E N E R A L CO N T R AC T I N G + O WNER R EPR ESENTATIO N + CO ST ESTIMATING + CO NSULTIN G

COMING SOON: WATER WORKS / MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Photo Credit: © Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

RED BARON ARENA + EXPO / MARSHALL, MN

WILLISTON FITNESS CENTER / MINNETONKA, MN

VALLEYWOOD CLUBHOUSE / APPLE VALLEY, MN

B U I L D I N G L E G AC I E S Build with purpose / Build for t he greater good Tune into our virtual presentation at the Annual MRPA Conference: Making Sense of Construction: Understanding Project Delivery + Contracting Methods Presented by H+U Construction and Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

MAXXCLEAN Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitizer

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LE AB I LL P LE AVAM U LTI S! R I N O LO C

MaxxClean cleans and sanitizes playgrounds, sports fields, recreation areas, offices, desks, floors and other gathering places. It kills and prevents the spread of viruses, microbes, mold, fungus, and mildew on contact for just pennies per gallon.

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Park & Playground Parts • Supplies • Furnishings ONE SOURCE FOR • Replacement swing parts • Playground borders • Site furnishings: picnic tables, benches, grills, trash cans • Sports items: basketball, tennis, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse • Dog Parks: waste products, agility equipment • And Much More!

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Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 37

‘Staycation’… the New Family Vacation DURING COVID-19, MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING TO TRAVEL LOCALLY. COMMUNITIES CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OPPPORTUNITIES TO CAPTURE LOCAL TRAVEL DOLLARS.

St. Louis Park Aquatic Park

Travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth said that based on travel insurance policies purchased through its site between April 1 and May 10 for travel this summer, domestic trips account for 48 percent of planned summer travel, an increase from 15 percent last year. And booking site Travelocity noted that most hotel bookings are within 100 miles of where travelers live. 38 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

7 WAYS

COMMUNITIES CAN PARTNER WITH CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAUS (CVBs) TO INCREASE VISITORS AND GENERATE REVENUES DURING THE THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND

By Todd Pernsteiner, Pernsteiner Creative Group

Are your campsites currently open? What about canoe rentals, horseback riding, golf courses or picnic pavillions? During COVID-19, regional and out-of-state travelers are looking for ideas on things to do this summer and fall. A CVB could be the perfect partner to help you increase foot traffic. Convention & Visitor Bureaus (CVBs), also known as Destination Marketing Organiztions (DMOs), are often not-for-profit organizations that work independently under the auspices of a Board of Directors. Their fundamental mission is the promotion of visitor and business travel, which generates overnight lodging for a community destination. CVBs are directly responsible for travel and tourism “product awareness” to visitors. They are a great partner with the ability to promote your sites and events through their website and social media apps. In return, they hope to gain revenues from overnight guests.

CVBs and parks and recreation agencies play a huge role in economic development of a community. With a little creative planning, your agency can create “vacation” experiences for local and regioinal guests. Here are five ways to engage with a CVB.

Consistently communicate with your local CVB

Once you’ve introduced yourself to your local CVB, they will rely on you for updates – especially as things change during the pandemic. Keep them abreast of which of your sites are

currently open – including parks, golf courses, lawn bowling alleys, aquatic parks, skating facilities and trails. Also let them know about indoor and outdoor rental space availability.

Partner to create, produce and market community events and tournaments

Depending on the region and size of the community, a CVB may have a vested interest in helping to create and market new events and tournaments. Through specialized membership software, they have their finger on the pulse of competitive bids that sporting leagues distribute.

Brookview Lawn Bowling, Golden Valley

“Partnering with Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) has had a very positive impact increasing rentals for the new Brookview facility on Brookview Golf Course. The team at DSLP is very connected to the business and event market and always works to promote Brookview as a site for business meetings, events, golf outings and celebrations.” - Rick Birno, parks and recreation director, City of Golden Valley Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 39

CVBs also have the tools to reach visitors through a combination of online marketing and in-person events - such as travel and tourism tradeshows, bridal events, and regional and national association conventions. Even if the CVB doesn’t partner in planning the event, be sure to get them the marketing tools they need to help promote it including logos, photos, and key details.

Advertise and get listed in visitor guides and online calendars

Most CVBs produce an annual visitor guide - whether it is printed, online, or distributed both ways. Advertising in these guides helps you get noticed. They also will include listings of your parks, facilities, and rental spaces. Be sure to provide them plenty of details and a nice selection of high resolution photos to work from if they have space. CVBs also have online calendars and coupon books that can be a good way to get your events or venues noticed. To test your advertising’s effectiveness, offer discounts to out-of-town visitors for your programs and facilities. Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) promotes events, spaces and venues for both St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. Both cities have promoted their offerings online and in the printed St. Louis Park visitor guide. The partnership has paid off tenfold. DSLP’s sports marketing team frequently highlights Golden Valley and St. Louis Park’s event and athletic spaces in their advertising and printed collateral. DSLP regularly suggests the two cities’ rental spaces and athletic fields as potential event and tournament venues.“Parks & Recreation staff meets quarterly with

DLSP to look for opportunities to partner and plan for future community events,” said Rick Birno, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Golden Valley.

Inquire about sponsorships or grants to help fund programs

Some CVBs have funds set aside to promote events and tournaments that will likely bring out-of-town guests. Matthew Johnson, assistant director at Roseville Parks and Recreation, said that in the past his department has gotten funding from their local CVB. “Visit Roseville has periodically provided financial support for city recreational spaces that are regional attractions, such as the outdoor lights at the Guidant John Rose MN OVAL,” he said. “They have also assisted us with lodging and hospitality needs for all sorts of OVAL events ranging from national to international, along with smaller dayto-day needs such as conferences or dinners that we are hosting.” When approaching a CVB to request sponsorship, be sure to have a solid understanding of what the event attendance could be and how their funding would be used. Also clearly spell out the ways they will get exposure in return for their partnership.

Refer wedding couples, tournament planners, and groups to a CVB

Most CVBs offer a wide array of services for successful, stress-free events. They can help couples and tournament organizers from start to finish with free services to eliminate the tedious work of calling hotels. They can also help secure spaces for rehearsal dinners and meetings. Many CVBs have online request for proposal forms right on their website. They can also prepare bid presentation materials, set up room blocks and online housing systems, make venue recommendations, provide welcome packets, and secure discounted rental cars and vans. Once you discover just how many great ways your local CVB can assist your groups, you’ll have their number on speed dial in no time.

Photo: City of Golden Valley

And, since a CVB’s primary source of income is a lodging tax, they have a vested interest in making sure they are booking rooms and ‘heads in beds.’

Brookview’s Basset Creek Room in Golden Valley hosts a variety of meetings and events.

“After a challenging few months, recent Explore Minnesota consumer survey findings show there’s some pent up demand to travel within the state this summer,” said John Edman, state tourism director, Explore Minnesota. “Minnesota offers many closeto-home getaways, and tourism businesses across the state have taken great strides to make visitor safety a priority. We’re all working together to offer travelers great summer vacation options – they just look a little different this year.” 40 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Keep your information updated for welcome and relocation packets

Many CVBs provide groups welcome packets when they sign into their hotels. Keeping your materials up-todate and in stock at the CVB’s office is important, especially if you add any new attractions at your sites.

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In smaller communities, CVBs may also double as – or partner with – the local Chamber of Commerce. Chambers also provide welcome packets to new residents and companies looking to relocate. Be sure to also ask if the CVB or Chamber provides relocation packets to real estate agents to place in homes they sell. If so, supply a small piece of branded swag in addition to your printed brochure. Afterall, who couldn’t use a magnetic cooking conversion chart for their new home’s refrigerator - that just also happens to have your website and phone numbers prominently in view.

Find your nearest city or regional CVB partner and then get to work, you have visitors to entice

Some smaller communities don’t have a CVB in their city, but that doesn’t mean they can’t reach out to one in a nearby city or part of the state. Many cities are looking for unique day trips they can offer their groups and visitors – perhaps you have an amazing nature center or trail system, or a coveted lake perfect for bass fishing. Be creative when it comes to marketing your park and recreation offerings.

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Finding your nearest CVB is easy. You can either do a google search or visit the Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (MACVB) website. MACVB is a not-for-profit organization which provides member bureaus with legislative information, continuing education and public recognition of the tourism and convention industry in Minnesota. Find a list of Minnestoa CVBs at www.minnesotacvbs.com.

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A mandala takes shape at Chalkfest in Maple Grove

Q: Have you assisted communities with bringing large events to the area? Why should park and recreation departments partner with CVBs for events? A. When we work together, CVBs can only make a parks and recreation department stronger. CVBs attend conferences and meetings throughout the year that staff are not able to attend. They are able to connect with meeting planners and sports organizers to promote the destinations they represent. CVBs have their own budgets and marketing materials, and they build their own relationships with planners. When CVBs connect planners to city departments, the relationship is already strong and built on trust.

At Minneapolis Northwest, we also work directly with Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Bloomington to help secure large sporting events that need city-wide venues and hotels to accommodate the events. We are a member of the Minnesota Sports Coalition where we work with other cities in the state to help secure large sporting bids to happen in Minnesota. Some of these events include USA Volleyball, Super Bowl and the Ryder Cup. Q: What ways can park and recreation agencies assist a CVB? A: The best way to assist a CVB is to stay in contact with a CVB! They need

Minneapolis Northwest Tourism partners with the City of Maple Grove to help bring sporting tournaments to Fernbrook Athletic Fields

to know what kind of events the city is looking to plan, what the best venues and amenities are, and they need to be kept informed of any venue renovations or updates, so they can promote the area with the most accurate information possible. It is also helpful if the park and recreation department can share any marketing assets, such as photos of venues, video clips from past events, and logos/graphics. The CVB can use these in their advertising and marketing of the area. Also, the earlier the better. Planning events and promoting them begins well before the actual event, so it’s important for CVBs to be involved from the beginning. The sooner they have information, the sooner they can develop and execute an effective marketing campaign. Q: How should a community inform a CVB about their amenities and upcoming events? A: Communication is key. A community can reach out to their local CVB to share their event and venue information, either with the CVB’s marketing team or business development team. CVBs have their contact information on their website, and they love to hear from their communities. Likewise, CVBs can reach out to park and recreation departments when they hear about new or remodeled venues, and upcoming events to promote. For example, if a city approves construction on some new ball fields, or perhaps renovations to a current park or ball field, it’s great to let the CVB know this information. That way, the CVB can communicate this to the planners and organizers they have relationships with. It also give them up-to-date information to relay at conferences and trade shows. For more information, contact Regina Eckes at (763) 232-2883 or regina@mplsnw.com

Planning events and promoting them begins well before the actual event, so it’s important for CVBs to be involved from the beginning. The sooner they have information, the sooner they can develop and execute an effective marketing campaign. 44 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

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Stop and Smell the Roses Roseville Parks & Recreation Department lends a hand to Roseville’s CVB (Visit Roseville) to help increase visitors to city venues A beautiful joint community art display, which has been in the planning stages for more than two years, has finally launched in Roseville, Minn. The larger-than-life rose statues in Visit Roseville’s public art project Roseville in Bloom – a Celebration of 20 Roses in 2020 are now on display throughout the city. Each rose statue, which is nearly seven feet tall and weighs 658 pounds, was designed by a regional artist and will be on display in a public location through Oct.31. Visit Roseville launched a call for artists in October 2019 and received 80 submissions from 65 artists representing a wide range of highly unique and inspired design concepts. Individual company or organization sponsors selected their rose design from the group of submissions. From June 2-11, 2020, the artists worked on their rose design in the Merchandise Mart building at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The roses were then transported to TivoliToo, the local company that built the statues, for an application of a clear, protective coating that will safeguard them from the elements.

“We are so pleased to be able to offer this free public art event in Roseville,” said Julie Wearn, CEO of Visit Roseville. “It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the Minnesota summer and fall with family and friends in a safe, social distancing environment.” Most statues can be viewed from a car, but the intricate details on each of them is best seen up close. Two rose locations, the Kids in Need Foundation and the Roseville Library, have kids’ education-related experiences throughout the summer – one as a way of giving back through donations of school supplies for kids in need and their teachers, and one as part of a summer reading program with the Roseville Library. When the project launched, noted Minnesota talents Christopher Straub and Adam Turman signed on to be signature artists for the project. Straub’s rose, which is displayed at Rosedale Center, is themed “Petals on the Runway,” highlighting his work as a fashion designer. Turman’s rose, themed “Discover,” reflects the many fun and unique things people will find at Central Park where it is on display (see below).

Additional components of the project include a digital scavenger hunt using QR codes and an Instagram photo contest using the hashtag #rosevilleinbloom. Roses help showcase Roseville’s city parks and arena The City of Roseville is host to three roses at Central Park, Lexington Park and the Guidant John Rose MN Oval. Ramsey County also has one on display at Lake McCarran Park. Matt Johnson, assistant director of Roseville Parks and Recreation, was excited to be connected to this project. In addition to helping with site logistics, he sat on the Roseville in Bloom planning committee. We asked Johnson if he noticed an increase of visitors to Roseville parks since the statues were unveiled. “This is difficult to quantify as our parks are such busy places this time of year, said Johnson. “However, I have personally spoken to many people who are intending to see all 20 roses. Just this morning I talked to three park users who were riding their bikes to see all of the statues. They had already seen 12 of the 20 roses so far.”

Photo: Visit Roseville

With online tracking tools, Visit Roseville has been able to track visitor interest. “Based on the metrics Visit Roseville has generated, it seems certain that the roses have brought out-of-towners to the park,” explained Johnson.

The rose above, designed by Minnesota-based artist Adam Turman (shown at right), can be found in Roseville’s Central Park.

46 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org

Photo: Visit Roseville

Photo: City of Duluth

Communities use thousands of live rose bushes to entice visitors

DULUTH The 4.5 acre Duluth Rose Garden, designed in the English style, was built in 1994. The garden showcases more than 3,000 rose bushes. It’s roses and panoramic view of Lake Superior are breathtaking!

FUN FACT:

Creating an amazing synergy between Roseville Parks and Recreation and Visit Roseville Through a mutual goal to create a vibrant community, Roseville Parks and Recreation has worked to build a great relationship with Visit Roseville. Prior to the rose project, Johson said the city has partnered on many other endeavors. “Our relationship has been mutually beneficial over the years. We’ve made an effort to support regional events that they’ve hosted. Similarly, the RVA has promoted some of our large, regional draws such as Rosefest, the Rose Parade, winter skating at the Guidant John Rose MN OVAL and others,” he said. Free rose maps are available at locations throughout Roseville, or they can be downloaded at www.rosevilleinbloom.com.

WINONA In 1957, Dr. C.A. Rohrer and the Winona Rose Society persuaded the City of Winona to establish a rose garden on a plot in East Lake Park. Fifty bushes were installed that first year, but with donations and memorials, the numbers of roses grew. By 1971, there were more than 1,000 bushes. Today C.A. Rohrer Rose Garden has more than 200 roses of about 35 varieties in raised beds that spread outward from a gazebo in the center. The park is situated on the edge of Lake Winona with picturesque Sugar Loaf in the background.

Photo: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

According to Melissa Fournier, Visit Roseville’s marketing manager, “From mid-June through July 14, when the project started receiving press coverage, our website had a 281% increase in users, a 49% increase in time spent on the site, and the landing page had 12,156 page views. The majority of traffic is coming from Minnesota, but almost every other state does have some visits to the site.”

Photo: City of Winona

One rose statue weighs roughly the same as 10,538 individual real longstemmed roses (658 lbs). That’s equal to 877 one-dozen bouquets!

MINNEAPOLIS Lyndale Park Rose Garden in Minneapolis is the second oldest public rose garden in the United States, and showcases 3,000 plants in 100 different varieties. Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 47

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

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MINNESOTA Recreation Volume 14,

and

Issue 3 • Fall

2019

RECOGNIZIN ORGANIZATIONS G MINNESOTA AGENCIES AND FOR OUTSTANDIN G ACHIEVEMENTS Also inside:

Referendums Help Improve Communities www.mnrpa.or

Reach Hundreds of Recreation & Park Professionals in Minnesota!

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Summer 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 49

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

How to adapt to social distancing in this new environment, and to re-adjust: As we navigate on a new normal around the world, we’re also thinking about what will change forever, and what comes next. We will all need to adjust to a “new normal” and we will need new cleaning protocols, spacing out equipment, and more to get adjusted to. Let’s help you navigate the current situation, with ideas of ongoing strategies to help you, staff and members stay active & connected.

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