MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 3 • SUMMER 2021
TECH FOR
REC
How technology has changed the way we work.
MRPA Race and Equity Advisory Committee Survey Results In Minnesota, Exceptional Golf is Par for the Course
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MINNESOTA RECREATION & 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 Scott Berggren, Crystal Jennifer Fink, New Brighton Lori Hokenson, New Brighton John W. Stutzman, Golden Valley Advertising Sales & Graphic Design Todd Pernsteiner Pernsteiner Creative Group todd@pernsteiner.com 952.841.1111 MRPA Board of Directors 2021 President: Chuck Stifter, Maple Grove President-Elect: Ross Demant, Otsego Past President: Chris Esser Secretary: Chris Fleck, Eagan Treasurer: Ben Boldt, Rochester RSC Chair: Jerome Krieger, Blaine East Metro: Lake Johnson, Roseville East Metro: Alex McKinney, Washington County East Metro: Reed Smidt, Woodbury Northeast Region: Tonya Love, Elk River Northwest Region: Marcia Larson, Bemidji Southern Region: Paul Peanasky, Faribault West Metro: Scott Berggren, Crystal West Metro: Nicole Gorman, Edina West Metro: Annie Olson, Minneapolis 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 2021 issue...................... September 15, 2021 Winter 2022 issue.................. December 23, 2021 Spring 2022 Issue..................... February 26, 2022 Summer 2021 issue........................... May 27, 2022 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 todd@pernsteiner.com.
Register today! 2021 UPCOMING EVENTS
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WATCH WWW.MNRPA.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION & UPDATES.
TABLE OF CONTENTS From the Board President...............................4 MRPA in Action................................................6 Someone to Know: Chris Fleck......................6 Keeping Up.......................................................9 MRPA Flashback...............................................9 Race and Equity Survey Results..............10-12 Technology Aids in Scheduling............. 16-20 Technology Keeps Greens Green.......... 22-24 Golf: Resurgence in Play...............................27 Edinburgh USA......................................... 28-29 Brooktree Golf Course............................ 30-31 Grow the Game of Golf........................... 32-33 MRPA Corporate Members..........................34 MRPA Annual Conference...................... 37-46
On the cover: New Brighton Parks & Recreation camp staff members Shae Morsfield and Samuel Anderson. Photo by Todd Pernsteiner.
Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 3
FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT By Chuck Stifter, MRPA President
Reconnecting: To reconnect means “to
reestablish a bond.” As we put the stress associated with the pandemic behind us and look ahead it is important to reconnect with our community. It’s so good to see humanity and community reconnecting. Those who were anxious to return to their recreation lifestyle have quickly transitioned back. But there continue to be some who are not comfortable with a full return or maybe weren’t connected to our services in the past. This is where we need to reach out and build bonds. Sharing the benefits of parks and recreation with our communities is the path to a complete return.
sharing, listening learning. The Conference Committee, led by John Stutzman and Aimee Peterson, has developed a superb line-up of keynotes, education sessions, exhibits, and social offerings to enlighten us all. Please plan to gather your team of parks and recreation professionals for another great MRPA Conference. I look forward to seeing you there.
In June, I was fortunate to take a fishing trip to Alaska’s Prince William Sound and to reconnect with nature My trip included 10-11 hours a day for four days straight on a fishing boat with six guys, on the water, surrounded by mountains and whales and dolphins, and The MRPA Board recently connected for its an ocean full of fish, my connection to nature first in-person meeting in 14 months. Many was as strong as ever. That’s me in the photo Board members were able to attend in-person, with a 90-pound halibut and yes, 90-pound and some members attended remotely. The halibut are tough to reel up from the depths Chuck and his 90-pound halibut opportunity to choose how you attend an MRPA of 200 feet. I had the aching muscles to meeting, in-person or virtual, has been great prove it, and a memorable experience I won’t soon forget. advancement for the Board and network groups during the pandemic and has pulled our statewide membership closer together. This publication of the MRPA magazine focuses on the Annual Conference which for me is one of the great reasons to be involved in MRPA. I look forward to reconnecting with my peers –
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I know you all are working hard to serve your residents but take the time for your adventure too. You’ll come back refreshed – maybe a little sore, but ready to reconnect and strengthen your bond with those you so passionately serve. Enjoy! Reconnect with you soon,
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Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 5
MRPA IN ACTION
MRPA Virtual Workshops in Partnership with Florida Recreation & Park Association Since February 2021, the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) offered 11 virtual workshops in partnership with Florida Recreation & Park Association (FRPA). MRPA had nearly 150 registrations for the workshops over the past four months. The sessions varied in topics such as customer service, playground trends, digital marketing, and emergency action plans. MRPA extends a huge thank you to FRPA for allowing our members to take part in these workshops.
+ Minnesota USSSA Hall of Fame Golf Tournament The 28th Annual Minnesota USSSA Hall of Fame Benefit Golf Tournament took place on June 17 at Theodore Wirth Golf Course in Minneapolis. MRPA is appreciative of sponsors and golfers for their support. There were 48 registrants at the tournament which helps sustain the Minnesota USSSA Hall of Fame banquet. MRPA also extends a thank you to Roxann Maxey with Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for hosting the 2021 tournament.
SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW:
CHRIS FLECK
Facility and project manager for the City of Eagan, Chris Fleck says, “I got my feet wet in parks and recreation when Reed Smidt made the mistake of hiring me for a few seasonal/temp positions with the City of Woodbury. Thank you Reed! I would consider those first few seasonal positions with Woodbury as my introduction to parks and recreation where my continued interest in the field began to grow. I got to work with some great people and learned firsthand how busy and how great a park system can be when it comes to passive and organized recreational experiences.” Fleck adds he was lucky his seasonal experience with Woodbury timed well with a full-time position that was posted a few years later – an entry level position that focused on coordinating youth and family programs along with special events. He adds, “As changes and movement happened in the department, I shifted from a program-focused position to a facilities coordinator role. Taking the leap into facilities helped to connect me to a variety of operations including Eagle Valley Golf Course, Healtheast Sports Center, and the indoor community gathering facility known as Central Park.” The City of Plymouth became his next position where he was fortunate to be hired as the manager of the Plymouth Creek Center. “Plymouth’s growing population and demand for quality-of-life services creates an exciting place to dream big at work and the community support to make things happen in the field of parks and recreation,” states Fleck. “Working with a variety of departments, advisory commissions, councils, and consultants made coming to work fast-paced and exciting each day.” Fleck’s current role with the City of Eagan allows him to oversee the day-to-day functions of the community center along with planning and participating in the redevelopment of Eagan’s park system and larger recreational facilities. He states, “Continued investment into Eagan’s infrastructure keeps services strong and creates endless opportunities for new experiences. It’s pretty special to be able to see how projects are building community, aiding in economic recovery and bringing people back together following this last year.” Fleck adds, “Overall, I’ve been very fortunate to have worked for great municipalities with great people and administration. I’m very appreciative of the strong support I have been given from supervisors, coworkers, colleagues, and friends.” Fleck also encourages others to get involved in MRPA. He states, “It is amazing to see and hear about the great things people are doing in their respected communities. I spent a couple quick years on the awards committee and currently fill the role of secretary on the Board of Directors.” “MRPA is that coffee connection, network meeting, or learning experience that sparks a conversation that reaches far beyond professional development,” Fleck says. “Thank you for what you do in each of your communities. Keep up the good work!”
Hall of Fame Tournament golfer, Bob Kojetin, tees off.
6 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
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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Get involved with Minnesota Recreation & Park Foundation! Let your membership work for you! The Minnesota Recreation & Park Foundation (MRPF) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Minnesota by supporting recreation and parks through education, networking opportunities, programming grants, student and professional continuing education scholarships, and providing support to the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. Our primary objective is to support the education, innovation, and training of all recreation professionals and students.
Become a member of MRPF and enjoy these benefits: • Annual
donation 501(c)(3) tax benefit fees for MRPF sponsored trainings, programs & events • Access to Program Initiative Grants • Access to Education Grants • Student Scholarships • Professional Scholarships • Networking Events member rates • Fundraising Events member rates • Conference & Workshop/ Training Financial Assistance • Reduced
Visit www.mnrpf.org to learn more and to become a member. Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 7
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KEEPING UP
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Announced as Finalist for 2021 National Gold Medal Awards The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has been named a finalist for the 2021 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Founded in 1965, the National Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through longrange planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. The MPRB competes in the Class I category, for park agencies serving jurisdictions with a population of more than 400,000 people. Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they
serve through the collective energies of community members, staff members and elected officials. The MPRB joins three other finalists in their class that will compete for Grand Plaque which will be awarded in September. Equity and accessibility drive MPRB decision-making. The MPRB was the first park agency in the United States to require, by ordinance, its Capital Improvement Plan use specific, data-driven measures to ensure park funding equity. Similar criteria-based racial equity tools are used for allocating funds for the MPRB’s 49 recreation centers.
by MPRB and maintained for public use. The mission continues with an additional 20.6 acres of parkland acquired since 2016 in areas with growing population or historic disinvestment. This year’s finalists will compete for the Grand Plaque Award, which will be announced during the 2021 NRPA Conference being held virtually and in-person September 21-23 in Nashville, Tenn. For more information on the National Gold Medal Award Program, visit www.aapra.org.
Universal park access for the public has always been a priority since the Park Board was created by the Minnesota state legislature in 1883. Parks comprise 15% of city land, 98% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park and 97% of lakeshore in the “City of Lakes” is owned
This photo is of the first MRPA Leadership Academy class that began in September 2006. The MRPA Leadership Academy was held one day per month for six months. The program also included an orientation and celebration in April 2007.
MRPA FLASHBACK
Flashback: 2006
Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 9
Learn. Grow. EVOLVE. MRPA Race and Equity Advisory Committee Survey Results Compiled by Annie Olson, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and MRPA Race and Equity Advisory Committee
Has your staff participated in training on Race & Equity?
City of Richfield: Race and Equity Coordinator
Earlier this year, the MRPA Race and Equity Advisory Committee (REAC) released a survey to determine baseline information on race and equity work within member agencies. The survey was well received, as 38 MRPA members responded on behalf of their agencies. As promised the REAC is pleased to share the results which help to guide the efforts of the committee and the association as we continue to address race and equity in parks and recreation.
City of Rochester: City-wide position. Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director
Does your agency have a position specifically dedicated to Race & Equity work?
City of St. Louis Park: Race & Equity Manager
Yes
10%
Yes No
City of Roseville: The City has a new position titled Equity Manager
0%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Total Responses: 38
City of Shakopee: Community Engagement Coordinator, is the Parks and Recreation Liaison
Yes - 24 (63.16%) No - 14 (36.84%)
Washington County: Equity and Training Manager
Does your agency could need help getting started on Race & Equity work? Yes
City of Woodbury: We have an established Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
No 0%
City of Robbinsdale: Community Engagement Coordinator
No
100% 0%
Total Responses: 38 Yes - 13 (34.21%) No - 25 (65.79%)
Dakota County: Equity Coordinator
In Progress
City of Eagan: We currently have a committee devoted to Race, Equity and Inclusion
10%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Has your agency participated in the Government Alliance on Race & Equity (GARE) program?
No
0%
30%
Yes - 26 (70.27%) No - 11 (29.73%)
Yes
City of Bloomington: Racial Equity Coordinator
City of Duluth: City of Duluth Human Rights Officer
20%
Total Responses: 37
Does your agency have a Racial Equity Action Plan (or something similar)?
If yes, what is the title of the position?
10%
20%
30%
Yes 40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
No
Total Responses: 38 Yes - 8 (21.05%) No - 14 (44.74%) In Progress - 13 (34.21%)
Minneapolis Park Board: Outreach, Equity, and Inclusion Manager City of New Brighton: We will have a Race and Equity Coordinator by August of this year.
10 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Total Responses: 35 Yes - 9 (25.71%) No - 26 (74.29%)
70%
80%
90%
100%
Please share your agency’s special efforts related to Race & Equity City of Brooklyn Center: I would say that in our community the idea is it’s embedded into everything we do however, there is no measurement of success. Our community is majority minority and has large immigrant populations. For a few in our department, we are attempting to build relationships and eliminate barriers to participation daily but the training, tracking, and targeting efforts department wide are less cohesive. Carver County: We have recently started a scholarship program called our Equity Fund which offers 50% reduced price programming to various under-served populations. Dakota County: County-wide racial equity training; some departments are taking the Intercultural Development Index, individual and group debriefs and group trainings as well as personal development plans to help us increase our cultural awareness, parks has done this and is one of the first departments in the county to do so. City of Duluth: Through City-led efforts, our Parks leadership participated in a multi-day workshop. Our Division also built Equity and Inclusion into our Division-wide goals and included them in all staffs’ annual performance reviews. Parks leadership is working on incorporating regular training, dialog, and opportunities to help us better serve our entire community. City of Eagan: Year One: participated in GARE; Year Two: Developed an REI committee, Conducted an Internal Assessment, Developed a foundational REI training, Delivered REI training to all staff; Year Three: Developed Strategic Plan Developed a REI analysis Tool and are putting into practice. Working on other components for the strategic plan such as communication. Committee also completed the Intercultural Developmental Inventory and that information is being embedded into the strategic plan.
City of Eden Prairie: Overall, we have mostly had the typical Equity and Inclusion workshops, which don’t make much of a difference in the long run. True change will need to be much harder, and most people are not ready for that. Full time staff are going through an equity and diverse training, but part time staff are again getting ignored. City of Edina: We have a monthly meeting committed to race and equity topics that is voluntary. We also have three subgroups working different items including: 1. Renouncing racial covenants on public land 2. Staff training for seasonal and part-time staff 3. Policy and procedure review. City of Fairbault: We have regular discussion on Race and Equity in Staff meetings but have no formal training. City of New Brighton: Staff in Parks and Recreation have attended some training through MRPA. However, City-wide there have been not been any Race and Equity training. We are hiring someone this summer. We have a staff with nothing but good intentions, but we are lacking in resources and a deeper understanding of how to encourage diversity and racial equity. We offer a playground program at a very low cost and it is geared towards low-income families, however, our registrations don’t always reflect that. We also have the Fun Fund Scholarship fund in an effort to take money out of the access equation. City of Owatonna: Looking to start the discussion. City of Richfield: This is life-long work that we are committed to and are looking at what we do through many lens’ including equity and inclusion. Fairly new and unsure of current efforts related to this however we recently hired a FT Equity Coordinator and know that city leadership is active in GARE. City of Robbinsdale: With the new position (CEC) we are focusing on serving under-represented communities and providing the space for these voices to be heard. I wanted to fill out this form so we can get more resources on how to
provide programs that are equitable to our residents. City of Rochester: Working on expanding efforts to develop a more diverse applicant pool in hiring full time, part time and seasonal employees. Working on several citywide initiatives. City of Rosemount: Community Conversations City of Roseville: New City position of Equity Manager will create a more indepth plan and efforts over the next year. We are well into the “normalization” and “operationalize” phase where DEI is a part of many decisions that are made, though not always in a formal way. Some tangibles include: • beginning to track racial demographics in recreational program participation. • using the racial equity toolkit for Capital Improvement Project analysis. • utilizing to the Racial Equity Toolkit in consideration of renaming Pocahontas Park. • Informally used DEI considerations and non-traditional engagement methods to develop Unity Park in a part of the city that has a high concentration of people of color and in multi-family dwellings. • all staff has received baseline racial equity training based upon GARE. • two staff members serve on the city’s Racial Equity Strategy Team. City of St. Louis Park: The City of St. Louis Park has been very active with its race and equity efforts. SLP has been involved several years in the GARE program, has an REI plan, hired a Race and Equity Manager, has multiple trainings per year on many different REI topics, has created an employee committee to help find educational topics and talk about race, etc. Minneapolis – MPRB incorporates racial and economic equity measures into ordinances that guide its entire capital improvement program. Approved in 2016 and 2017, the ordinances specify the use of relevant, data-driven criteria to address racial and economic equity in allocating capital funds for more than 160 neighborhood parks and nearly 20
The MRPA Race & Equity Advisory Committee (REAC) is committed to assist the MRPA, its members, and its member agencies to deliver services through the lens of race and equity. Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 11
regional parks and trails. Using these equity criteria, metrics and rankings for parks and trails are produced annually as part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and published in the annual budget under “Capital Project Funds” section. Organization-wide use of a racial equity tool in MPRB’s policy, planning, program and budget decisions: Racial Equity 101 training for all full-time, certified and appointed employees; Ongoing work to ensure that MPRB’s workforce and hiring practices reflect the diversity of the community across the breadth and depth of the organization; Implicit bias training for all staff involved in the hiring process; Bias training for all Minneapolis Park Police officers, offered by the League of MN Cities; Racial Equity Internal Influencers: Cohorts were formed in 2017 and 2019, each bringing together about 70 employees from across the organization. Internal Influencers explore racism and develop mutual support networks to help advance racial equity within MPRB and the communities it serves.
City of Shakopee: The City of Shakopee was part of a GARE cohort in 2019. Since then, the city has established an Equity Team, a coalition of employees from across the organization focused on improving outcomes for residents of color. The team has implemented a training schedule, and completed two city wide training session, as well as a day-long Equity Training Seminar for Department Heads within the city. We’re working with local governmental and non-governmental organizations to build our capacity to work with people of color within Shakopee.
City of Woodbury: The City of Woodbury strives to deliver on its mission with a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is fundamental to providing a welcoming environment and excellent service to our community. In 2019, the city began evaluating all employees on their efforts to advance organizational goals related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
City of Spring Lake Park: I’ve only been with this city for a little over a year, but as far as I know, we don’t have any plans or programs that address race and equity.
The MRPA Race & Equity Advisory Committee (REAC) is committed to assist the MRPA, its members, and its member agencies to deliver services through the lens of race and equity. These responses help establish a foundation of understanding the REAC on member agency efforts to advance Race Equity in their park systems. The REAC intends to respond to member agency needs based on this information. Thank you for participating!
Washington County: We have just developed a Public Works Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team that is in the process of developing an Action Plan for Washington County. Equity plan is being developed and implemented. County trainings and sessions on equity have already begun. Most recently was a panel of county staff discussing racial equity and their experiences within the county.
Closing
Additional Comments: I would love to see parks departments HIRE more people of color. We need help. There is so much work to be done in equity and inclusion work in the outdoors. I would love to help in any way I can, please reach-out if you need further help with this important work. Parks is lightyears ahead of any other work in the city. Great effort for MRPA! Thanks for coordinating this effort. Please share results and next steps. In our city, the outdoor rec community is very homogenous and lacking diversity of all types. Parks leadership is working on ideas for how we can ‘grow our own’ diversity through youth and teen training programs and collaboration with our Workforce Development department for paid work experiences because we
know that youth, especially youth of color in poverty, cannot volunteer their time in unpaid internships and “fun recreation” when they have to help support their family by earning a wage working elsewhere. We want to show that recreation can be a profession, and we need to create a pathway to it that accounts for the extra supports they’ll need to get into it. Thanks for starting this effort and I look forward to learning more so I can better serve my community and the field of parks and recreation.
Options for parttime staff. We are interested in anything REAC puts out! Although the list above shows progress, like many organizations, we have found it challenging to move from the theoretical to the tangible implementation. Additionally, we have had a difficult time creating diversity in our staff, which is a very important step - and could use guidance tools that may help us in that endeavor.
Very happy our profession in taking equity seriously and looking forward to further conversations
Thank you to MRPA and those on the Committee for prioritizing this important issue. If I can be of assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for taking action on this topic. It is needed.
Thank you to REAC for keeping this very important initiative moving forward!
I would love to help with the REAC if needed.
12 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
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Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 13
S P O N S O R E D CO N T E N T
What to Look for When Switching Recreation Software Systems (and 12 Questions to Ask Potential Software Partners) By Kathryn Boutwell, CivicRec Solutions Manager
Device-Agnostic Hardware
A Mobile-Optimized Interface
The ideal solution will work with your existing kiosks, point-of-sale (POS) devices, and printers.
Your citizens want to leverage mobile technology to learn about recreation events, register, and pay for classes and memberships, and you need mobile administrative access to manage activities anytime, anywhere.
Software that is Compatible with Multiple Browsers Before choosing new recreation management software, read our list of what to look for in a robust software solution. Then use our list of 12 questions you should ask any potential vendors to ensure they can meet the needs of your administration and citizens.
Data Import Capabilities What good is flashy functionality if you don’t have a mechanism to import historical information into the new system?.
Choose a cloud-based system that allows you to work from multiple Internet browsers (e.g., Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome). That way, as long as you have an Internet connection, you can manage your administrative operations.
Included User Training Once your new system is built, what good is it if you don’t know how to use it? Choose a partner that offers the necessary support to ensure you’re able to maximize your new solution.
CivicRec® is parks and recreation software that can help you centralize all your activites, facilities, staffing, and point-of-sale needs.
Custom Data Capabilities You’ve likely identified custom fields and data elements you need to track that are specific to your internal operations. Choose a solution capable of creating customdeveloped scripts and libraries that can be leveraged for unique data imports and record maintenance.
12 QUESTIONS to Ask Potential Recreation Management Software Providers: 1
May I see a demo?
2
Can I begin with a free trial?
3
Describe your implementation process.
4
What happens with our existing database, accounts, bookings, and memberships when we switch?
5
Do you offer a point-of-sale module option?
6
Is your solution mobile responsive?
7
What reporting options does your software provide?
14 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
8 Can you add custom fields to your database? 9 Will your software work with my existing hardware? 10 What training is available for my staff? 11 How are credit cards processed? Can we maintain our existing merchant provider? 12 Will your software integrate with our existing financial software? For more details, visit civicrec.com or scan the QR code. For a personal consultation for your agency, contact Brian Scott at bscott@civicplus.com.
Read actual park and recreation case studies online at civicplus.com
Turn Registrations in Revenue With Efficient and Configurable Recreation Management Software Our parks are the heart of our communities, and your agency deserves to operate with modern, scalable, configurable parks and recreation management software at its core. We designed CivicRec® with input from parks and recreation professionals like you to include everything needed to engage park-goers and facility users, including such features as:
Activity registration and management
Facility and instructor management
Ticketing, point-of-sale, and online payments
League management
Integrable calendars
Inventory management
Activity catalogs
ADA compliance
Insightful reporting
Learn more about CivicRec Parks and Recreation Management Software Visit civicrec.com Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 15
TECH FOR
REC
How technology has changed the way we work.
New Brighton EdVentures Summer Day Camp staff members Shae Morsfield and Samuel Anderson demonstrate the WhenToWork app.
16 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
Technology Aids in Scheduling & Hiring of Part-Time and Seasonal Staff Q&As with Minnesota Recreation Professionals By Todd Pernsteiner, Pernsteiner Creative Group, Inc.
There are hundreds of smart phone apps and computer software systems that aid in scheduling and staffing, which makes deciding what’s right for your team a tedious and tough decision. We interviewed three Minnesota recreation professionals to see what technology they’re using to aid in managing part-time and seasonal staff.
Lori Hokenson
Q: Which features of your scheduling app/software do you utilize for your team?
Recreation Supervisor City of New Brighton
A: We use the scheduling calendar,
Q: Do you use a staffing app or
software program to manage parttime and seasonal staff? If so, which product(s) do you use?
A: Yes. We use WhenToWork. smart devices only, or on both smart devices and computers?
A: Both - managers mostly use it on their desktops, but most part-time team members use the mobile app.
do you all use this product for?
Q: What made you choose this product over competitors’ products? A: I used this product in a previous
Q: Do you use your app(s) on your
Q: What types of employees
trade board, time off request and Employee Notice page.
position and liked the functions and price point.
Q: What do you like about the WhenToWork app? A: I like the ability for team members to post and pick up shifts though the app. Supervisors can then approve or deny the trade request.
A: We use this with our
Team members who have the same position code or certification level can be grouped and will receive an email notification when a shift is posted or picked up.
part-time and seasonal team members including: guest service, managers on duty, building assistants, aquatics, youth sports, group fitness, and EdVentures Summer Day Camp.
Staff can set their work time preferences (prefer, dislike, cannot work and no preference) for shifts.
Q: How did you manage
part-time and seasonal staff schedules in the past?
A: Team members would email their schedule and I would create a calendar from a word document.
Photo ©WhenToWork
I can also view co-workers contact information and email directly from the app.
Q: Is there anything you don’t like about this app/software? A: In my opinion, the app is harder to navigate than the desktop version.
Q: Do your staff and employees find this easy to use? A: For the most part yes, some team members are not as tech savvy as others and find the tool to be tedious.
Q: Is it easy to pull reports from the app/software? A: I have never used this function. Q: How is customer service and support for this app/software if you need it? A: I have never needed to use customer service or support for the app/software.
Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 17
Jamie Anderson Recreation Coordinator City of Bemidji
Q: What made you choose this product over competitors’ products? A: This one was really easy to use and had
Q: Do you use a staffing app or
software program to manage parttime and seasonal staff? If so, which product(s) do you use?
all of the features we were looking for – scheduling and a clocking in/out system.
A: Yes. We use When I Work to manage
Q: What do you like about this app/ software?
full-time, part-time and seasonal staff.
A: It’s really user-friendly, can be used
Q: Do you use your app(s) on your smart
on a wide variety of devices, and the scheduling feature works really well.
A: The software can be used on both
Q: Is there anything you don’t like about this app/software?
smart devices and computers.
A: It is limited to how many employees
Q: What types of employees do you all
you can have in the system. I believe you pay for every 50 employees.
devices only, or on both smart devices and computers?
use this product for?
A: We use the software for all paid staff; for volunteers we use the Volunteer Bemidji website created by the local United Way.
Q: Which features of your scheduling app/ software do you utilize for your team?
A: With When I Work, we use the time
Q: Do your staff and employees find this easy to use? A: Yes, it’s very easy to use. Q: Is it easy to pull reports from the
app/software?
A: It does create summary reports for
Q: How is customer service and support for this app/software if you need it? A: There is a help feature, a live chat and a way to contact customer service if you need help beyond the quick searches. They have been extremely helpful.
each of the pay periods.
clock, scheduling, and time off requests. It’s also a great way to communicate to staff.
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18 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
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and Parks 19
Eric Anderson Recreation Manager City of Owatonna
Q: Do you use a staffing app or software program to
Q: What do you like about the WhenToWork app?
manage part-time and seasonal staff? If so, which product(s) do you use?
A: Both my staff and I like that it’s mobile with an app for smart
A: Yes. We use WhenToWork for scheduling, NeoGov for hiring through the city’s HR department, and UKG Pro for payroll. Staff remotely punch in and out on the UKG Pro app’s timeclock feature. We also use CivicRec for scheduling, registration, and point-of-sale.
I can set parameters on the scheduling software that block out certain days that staff can’t take off. There are also preferences for knowing who should be scheduled first, second, etc. I can block certain areas out that restrict staff at scheduling at certain times.
Q: Do you use your app(s) on your smart devices only, or on
I can do an auto-schedule where you can plug people into the schedule based on preferences and availability.
A: We use the WhenToWork app on both smart phones and
It has a lot of flexibility – for staff and managers. Staff can go into the calendar to indicate days they are and aren’t available.
both smart devices and computers?
computers. We can launch the full version of the app on smart phones if we need to.
phones and tablets.
A: We use it for part-time and seasonal waterpark, fitness center,
The built-in trade board shows what shifts are open to pick up. We can customize employees to different positions and staff groups so we can see roles in which they can be scheduled. If someone isn’t designated to be in a specific position, you can see that and it won’t allow you to consider them for a certain jobs.
senior/social commons, and Lake Homer Beach staff. The city is looking to expand for additional use in the future.
Q: Is there anything you don’t like about this app/software?
Q: What types of employees do you all use this product for?
Q: What made you choose this product over competitors’
products?
A: I had a staff person that interned somewhere else and was familiar with the program. She sold me on its benefits and I really liked it.
A: WhenToWork works great for the pieces we need it and use it for – I can’t think of any tools that we are missing. One downfall is you only have one main manager for your account, so that manager needs to create accounts for other supervisors – they have to edit and allow supervisors to have admin rights. You also can’t send text messages to individuals who don’t use major phone carriers.
Q: Do your staff and employees find this easy to use? A: Yes. It’s easy for them to use the app to find subs for a shift, trade schedules, and ask for time off. They can also go into the time off window and see what they’ve requested and if it’s been approved.
Q: Is it easy to pull reports from the app/software? A: We can print schedules if we need to. We don’t print anything very often. We use the WhenToWork app primarily for schedules and the capabilities of people to be able to pick up trades and see their schedules.
DONATING TO MRPF HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER! 1. Shop for your Amazon purchases at: smile.amazon.com. 2. Designate Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation as your beneficiary. A portion of your purchase proceeds automatically go to MRPF!
20 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
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Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 21
Technology Helps Keep Greens Green Mobile app helps the City of Mendota Heights streamline and regulate their golf course’s irrigation system By Todd Pernsteiner, Pernsteiner Creative Group
In 2019, the City of Mendota Heights Community Golf Course’s irrigation system wasn’t working properly right at the height of the hot summer season. Grass was becoming too dry, getting sunburned, and beginning to die. The staff needed to act quickly to figure out what was happening to the delicate turf and greens. Upon a thorough investigation, the Mendota Heights parks and recreation team discovered the irrigation system was badly damaged by a recent lightning strike. It would have to be replaced. What was at the time a devastating situation for the community, would become an opportunity for the course staff to explore a more updated, high-tech watering system that could be controlled from anywhere via wireless technology.
Meredith Lawrence oversees the City of Mendota Heights Community Golf Course
22 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
The Toro Lynx Central Control System comes with a computer pre-loaded with the software needed to control the golf course’s irrigation system.
THE APP PLOTS THE ENTIRE COURSE’S IRRIGATION SYSTEM USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) MAPPING. EACH SPRINKLER HEAD IS LABELED IN THE APP’S MAP ALLOWING LAWRENCE TO VIEW EACH INDIVIDUAL HEAD LOCATION IN RELATION TO SOIL TEMPERATURE READINGS SHE PULLS MANUALLY.
“We ended up needing to source and install a new irrigation system in the dead heat of July,” said Meredith Lawrence, recreation program coordinator for the City of Mendota Heights. “It was life or death for the greens when the old system failed.”
expected precipitation and humidity levels. I can login and edit the golf course’s irrigation computer system setting in the office or remotely on a computer, tablet, or smart phone using the Lynx app,” she explained.
Lawrence heads up the golf course maintenance and irrigation practices for the City and was put in charge of finding a new system. After a lot of research, the city chose the Toro Lynx Central Control System (LCCS). “One of the biggest selling features of the Lynx system is it allows you to customize each day’s watering based on
The LCCS app plots the entire course’s irrigation system using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. Each sprinkler head is labeled in the app’s map allowing Lawrence to view each individual head location in relation to soil temperature readings she pulls manually. She can view each irrigation head in the app while
Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 23
out on the course and turn irrigation on or off based on what each area might need water. She can also customize the amount of water, times, and days – down to the second. Lawrence added, “the Lynx System is helpful because I can’t be on the course all the time. My week is balanced with multiple other responsibilities, so the system lets me manipulate the status of turf at any time, from anywhere.” Another feature Lawrence appreciates is the Course Report which provides a daily summary of how the irrigation system performed. It captures both scheduled and manual irrigation events conducted at the central computer, from the handheld radio, or at the satellite faceplate. “Toro offers a great customized package which includes a preprogrammed computer, online backups, and a great warranty program,” said Lawrence. “MTI Distributing (our installer) offers great customer service, too. They installed and trained us on the system. “The Toro Lynx system is very user-friendly and support is great from both Toro and MTI. Should we have an issue, both Toro and MTI can control the system remotely to help us trouble shoot the problem,” explained Lawrence. “We are really happy with this system.”
“THE LYNX SYSTEM IS HELPFUL BECAUSE I CAN’T BE ON THE COURSE ALL THE TIME. MY WEEK IS BALANCED WITH MULTIPLE OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES, SO THE SYSTEM LETS ME MANIPULATE THE STATUS OF TURF AT ANY TIME, FROM ANYWHERE.”
24 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
Each sprinkler head is labeled in the app’s map allowing Lawrence to view each irrigation head in the app while out on the course.
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Exceptional Golf is Par
26 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
for the Course Golf: Resurgence in Play By Bethani Gerhard, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association
Outdoor recreation, such as golf, was the ideal quarantine activity. Across the United States, golf numbers were up in 2020 as compared to 2019. According to Golf Datatech, nationwide there was a 13.9% increase in June, a 19.7% increase in July and a 20.6% increase in August 2020. September 2020 had the largest increase of almost 26% rounds of golf played versus a year ago, which is roughly 12 million rounds. In mid-April last year, Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order that allowed additional outdoor recreation opportunities during the pandemic. The order allowed Minnesotans to take part in golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking while following social distancing guidelines. As more information became available about how to safely engage in outdoor activities, Minnesota had one of the highest increases in rounds of golf played in September 2020 as compared to 2019. According to Golf Datatech, there was a 46% rounds-increase in September 2020 in Minnesota. The warmer September weather and the push to get outdoors helped grow the game of golf in 2020. Following the CDC recommendations and Minnesota
Department of Health guidelines, adult and junior golf leagues, youth golf programs and camps were also able to continue during 2020. Many golf courses across the state offered family golf programs for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Junior and family golf programs offer an introduction of golf to kids, in the hopes that they will play on the course as they get older. First Tee, the international organization dedicated to growing the game of golf to youth, was also able to continue their programming in 2020. Since 1997, First Tee has introduced golf’s inherent values to millions of young people by teaching values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf. There are multiple locations in Minnesota - First Tee of Blaine, First Tee of Minnesota, and First Tee of Three Rivers Park District. First Tee is expanding to more courses, park centers, and schools to grow the game of golf. Since restrictions have loosened in 2021, many golf courses across the state are continuing to have more people playing rounds of golf. According to the Golf Foundation, 2021 is starting out to be another record year for golf throughout the United States.
Edinburgh USA, Brooklyn Park
Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 27
Edinburgh USA – Course of the Year Article and photos by City of Brooklyn Park Communications Department
Edinburgh USA, a public course owned and operated by the city of Brooklyn Park, is one of only two courses in Minnesota designed by world renowned architect, Robert Trent Jones II. The golf course opened in 1987 under rave reviews and that year was named by Golf Digest as the “2nd best new public course in America”. In 2014, the Robert Trent Jones II designed a renovation with new bunkers, more playable fairway landing areas and chipping areas around the greens, three brand new greens and four new tee boxes. The Edinburgh Clubhouse features a full-service restaurant, The Brooklyn, and two large banquet rooms operated in partnership with D’Amico Catering. The City of Brooklyn Park owns and operates Edinburgh USA, a championship eighteen hole course, and Brookland Golf Park, an executive nine hole course.
Edinburgh USA was voted 2020 “Course of the Year,” by the Midwest Golf Course Owners Association (MWGCOA), an active chapter of the National Golf Course Owners Association. “It’s an honor to be recognized by people within the industry,” says Don Berry, director of golf. Edinburgh USA was also recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association for their creativity in operations and success during the COVID-19 pandemic. When COVID-19 forced golf courses and parks to pause activities in the spring 2020, it also put staff members into a holding pattern and kept residents from accessing many outdoor amenities due to the uncertainty surrounding the spread of the virus. As more information became available about how to safely engage in outdoor activities, the decision was made by the City of Brooklyn Park to open golf courses as soon
28 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
as allowed per the Governor’s Executive Order in mid-April. More people than ever took to the city’s golf courses and rounds played grew by nearly 25% from 2019. Edinburgh USA hosted 41,552 rounds of golf in 2020 despite the late start to the season. Similarly, Brookland Golf Park saw a similar increase and hosted 19,451 rounds in 2020. The renaissance for golf that started in 2020, has continued into 2021. Now that the COVID-19 restrictions have loosened, even more people are playing golf. City of Brooklyn Park golf courses are seeing people playing more frequently. A golfer previously playing one or two times per month is now playing weekly, and experiencing the benefits of outdoor recreation. 2021 looks to be another record year of rounds played at the golf course in Brooklyn Park.
The renaissance for golf that started in 2020, has continued into 2021. Now that COVID-19 restrictions have loosened, even more people are playing golf.
Edinburgh USA, Brooklyn Park
Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 29
Brooktree Golf Course Powered Through 2020 By Mary Jo Knudson, Owatonna Parks and Recreation
We’re all tired of the words pandemic, pivot, new normal, and unprecedented times, so how about we skip all of those words and chalk it up to lessons learned?! Nothing was what we were used to, and there was a fair share of headaches. Between sanitizing carts, limiting carts to one rider, extending tee times to every 10 minutes, no pro shop, checking in outside, no walk-in tee times, no cash, no beverage cart, it all seemed to be working against the course as a business. How do we serve our golfers as they are accustomed? Brooktree Golf Course, a southern-minny gem located in Owatonna, found ways to power through what was 2020. Our goal was to serve our golfers the best we possibly could.
It was important for golfers to have the experience they expected. Grounds maintenance was a challenge with fewer seasonal workers and maintaining a quality course. It challenged our crew to be more efficient than ever and they rose to the occasion implementing new practices. We see a residual challenge in 2021 getting the equipment, parts, and chemicals needed to maintain the course in a timely manner. Overall, rounds were up 25% in 2020 over 2019. Year-to-date reservations are up 10% from 2020. This is not an unusual trend nationwide. We have welcomed back ‘old’
When the course first opened we learned quickly. People wanted OUT! It was our unique opportunity to provide people with a few hours of the good old days. We know that just being outside reduces stress and has many health benefits, even if you are chasing a little white ball that doesn’t seem to cooperate with your plans. Our golfers took all our changes in stride. Some even enjoyed the new rules. Can’t pull the flagstick? Gimmes were a bit more generous. Can’t use a rake for the sand trap? Ground under repair it is! (Some rules should stick, don’t you think?!) A (hopefully) temporary set-up with a check-in table outside, online or phone tee times only, and spread-out tee times seemed to do the trick. In no time, our tee times were full. League options couldn’t happen, but tee times could! We saw ‘league times’ filled with a range of seasoned golfers and those trying golf for the first time; if anything else, just to get outside.
Brooktree Golf Course, a southern-minny gem located in Owatonna, found ways to power through what was 2020. 30 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
golfers with a renewed interest in the game and have seen many new golfers to the course. We anticipate this trend to continue as we strive to provide a great golf experience with excellent customer service. Online bookings went from 8% to 32% of all reservations. In 2021, that percentage remains at 26%. Online reservations decrease staff time booking and allow them to complete other tasks and focus on customer service for those golfers in the clubhouse. The next step is to allow payment at the time of an online
“The real test in golf and in life is not in keeping out of the rough, but in getting out after you are in.” - Zig Ziglar
reservation in order to streamline the check-in process even more and provide a no-contact experience. Brooktree took advantage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) act dollars to install a camera at the number-one tee box. Brooktree is a split course where hole number one and nine are not visible from the clubhouse. This allows staff to monitor the golfers at the tee box, requiring less staff time rangering; the ability to see golfers finishing hole number nine to ensure a good flow for those playing 18 holes, and the opportunity for mobile check-in for members. We now see a greater sense of camaraderie and community among golfers. Not just coming out to golf their municipal course, but supporting local owners of the attached restaurant, The Broken Tee.
Lessons learned, you betch-ya! It’s hard to sum it all up in just one quote, so here are three quotes. You can choose your philosophy moving forward!
“In golf and life, it’s the follow-through that makes the difference.” - Anonymous “The real test in golf and in life is not in keeping out of the rough, but in getting out after you are in.” - Zig Ziglar “Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots - but you have to play the ball where it lies.” Bobby Jones
Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 31
Grow the Game of Golf By Roxann Maxey, Theodore Wirth Golf Operations Manager, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Grow the Game of Golf is what we have been trying to do in the golf industry for the past several years. It took a worldwide pandemic to slow the world down and get back to the basics. An opportunity to enjoy the gift of time. With the many struggles families faced through the pandemic, we found joy in the simple things in life: camping, hiking, puzzles, board games, water sports, and golf. Golf was the sport that allowed for safe distances and a chance to clear your worries in lush green space and nature. It was an opportunity to compete against your score from the past round, or amongst your playing partners, when all other athletic competitions had come to a halt. In 2020, we could have captured historic golf bags and clubs, blowing off the dust from an inherited set of grandpa’s clubs. We saw new golfers inspired to take lessons and we witnessed a leap in youth participation. We watched families play the game, friends gathering without having to feel rushed, and many virtual office meetings on riding carts. As we wrapped up a 2019 golf season in the red, we challenged ourselves to seek innovative revenue streams and ways to decrease expenses leaving an operating budget at a bare minimum,
putting projects on hold and stalling equipment replacement. As we completed 2020 clearing almost $2 million in profit after all expenses, we seek to re-invest in the future of golf and being ahead of the game. We invested in golf apps and other technology that allows us to move guests through more efficiently and an option for check in
With the many struggles families faced through the pandemic, we found joy in the simple things in life: camping, hiking, puzzles, board games, water sports, and golf. 32 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
from the customers phone to limit face-to-face contact for those that desire that option. The app allows the player a one-stop shop for food and beverage, golf check in, instructional programs, and an ease in tournament host resources. We are excited to continue our momentum and have an opportunity to enhance our properties and our awareness of the Play Golf Minneapolis system to new and experienced golfers. We have a variety of courses for all playing levels and abilities. Now in 2021, there are over 2,000 Play Golf Minneapolis pass holders. Last year brought a historic record number of players to our courses and weather was ideal with a season that went well into November. Play Golf Minneapolis increased rounds by over 64,300 green fees compared to the year prior. Junior golf numbers were up as well. In 2020, there were 1,024 youth on the Theodore Wirth 18-hole course, as compared to 152 in 2019. Theodore Wirth par-three course had 2,140 junior rounds of golf in 2020 as compared to 1,100 the year prior. This year in 2021, the weather has been ideal for an early start to golf. There have been eager players seeking additional skills through our instructional programs and there has been overflowing league play. We are trending to have another successful season where our revenue is exceeding 2020 revenue dollars at this point last season.
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MINNESOTA Recreation Volume 14,
and
Issue 3 • Fall
2019
2019
MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS
RECOGNIZING ORGANIZATIONS MINNESOTA AGENCIES AND FOR OUTSTANDIN G ACHIEVEMEN TS Also inside:
Referendum Help Improves Communities
Feature editorial ex d p available. In osure quir for details . e
www.mnrpa.org
Be seen by Minnesota Recreation & Park Professionals!
MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS magazine mails directly to more than 850 MRPA members and partners. The hyper-targeted publication features industry-relevant content focusing on parks, recreational programming, facilities, athletics, leagues, natural resources, and special events. It’s a valuable resource read by municipal staff throughout Minnesota. It is also available online. MRPA’s magazine provides an opportunity to consistently market directly to the people who need your products and expertise.
PUBLICATION TOPICS*
DEADLINE
Fall 2021 DOUBLE ISSUE • Agency Awards of Excellence • Turf, fields & grounds care and innovations; athletic courts • Memorial programs and other revenue generation ideas • Art Where We Play • Therapeutic Recreation & ADA products and services • Corporate Connections: PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Ad deadline: Sept. 10 Mails: October
*Content subject to change, inquire for details.
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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MRPA!
Contact Todd Pernsteiner to reserve your space: (952) 841-1111 or todd@pernsteiner.com.
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PRE-CONFERENCE GUIDE
8 4 TH A N N U A L
MRPA Annual Conference & Exhibit Hall OCTOBER 12-15, 2021
Earle Brown Heritage Center • Brooklyn Center, MN
MRPA Annual Conference 2021 The 84th Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference will be held in Brooklyn Center this fall. To all of our parks and recreation colleagues, partners, and friends we are excited to finally gather together again! We, along with our conference committee, are hopeful that everyone has remained healthy since we were last together and continued to find creative ways to rebuild your community services throughout the difficult times. This year’s conference team has been hard at work exploring new and innovative ideas intended to engage the members of our profession and provide delegates, students, retirees, and associates with unique education opportunities, charismatic keynote speakers, a new exhibit hall experience, and interactive networking opportunities. More importantly, this year’s conference is being designed to challenge all MRPA members to
reflect and rethink the way we provide recreational opportunities to enhance the quality of life for Minnesota residents. By providing the planned conference activities, we hope that the MRPA membership is able to reconnect with other members of the recreation profession and walk away with a personalized experience to help expand professional knowledge, networks, and relationships. In closing, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the conference sponsors and partners, as well as to the Annual Conference Committee for helping to make the 2021 MRPA Annual Conference possible. We look forward to reconnecting with all of you this fall at the conference as we continue to reflect, rethink, and rebuild our community’s recreation and leisure services. - Aimee Peterson and John W. Stutzman 2021 Conference Co-Chairs
2021 MRPA Annual Conference Committee The Annual Conference Committee chairs and their committees have organized an excellent education opportunity for all delegates. This conference would not be possible without their time and dedication. Conference Co-Chairs Catering & Networking Events Aimee Peterson Committee John W. Stutzman Kelsey Coy Program Committee Kelly Distad Heidi Weiler Amber Moon Peterson Meredith Lawrence Ali Lukin Rachel Mikel Logistics Committee Stephanie Schutta JJ Williams Sam Murphy Aaron Thelen Exhibit Hall Scott Berggren Committee Patrick Menton Steve Anderson Michelle Margo Digital Marketing Brooke Burk Jenna Smith Lana Huberty
Thank You 2021 Sponsors!* Thank you to these Annual Conference sponsors for making this event possible:
Volunteer Committee Angie Barstad Gina Robinette Kiley Rondeau Sponsorship Committee Nicole Gorman Nate Rosa Virtual Support Jacob Andersen Jessica Christensen Buck Chris Morrow Greg Simmons Seth Shanley
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 hashtag
#mrpaconference2021
38 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
ZETA CHAPTER
Sponsorship opportunities still available! For details, Nicole Gorman ngorman@edinamn.gov or Nate Rosa at nrosa@stlouispark.org. *Sponsors as of press time.
MRPA Conference Sessions & Schedule 2021 Schedule At-A-Glance
MRPA Welcomes You Back!
Tuesday, October 12
Tuesday, October 12
MRPA Professional Awards Luncheon................................ 12 - 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 13 Registration Check-In..................8:30 - 9 a.m. Welcome & Opening Keynote..................... 9 - 10:30 a.m. Educational Sessions...........10:45 - 11:45 a.m. Student Luncheon......................... 12 - 1 p.m. Educational Sessions............... 1:15- 2:15 p.m. Educational Sessions............ 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Networking Event.......................... 4 - 6 p.m.
12 - 2:30 p.m.
Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award: Sandy Breuer, Washington County
MRPA Professional Awards Luncheon
Dorothea Nelson Award: Nicole Gorman, Edina
The MRPA Professional Awards have traditionally been presented during the MRPA Annual General Meeting and Awards luncheon in January. This year, MRPA moved the awards luncheon to be held in conjunction with the 2021 Annual Conference to have an opportunity to celebrate in-person with our award recipients. We hope you’ll join us as MRPA presents awards to the outstanding professionals being honored.
Jack Niles Award: Nate Rosa, St. Louis Park Leadership Award: Dale McCamish, Rochester Horizon Award: Chris Fleck, Eagan JJ Williams, Washington County Tommy Johnson Award: Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
Thursday, October 14 Registration Check-In .................8:30 - 9 a.m. MRPA Network Meetings............... 9 - 10 a.m. Exhibit Hall............................10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall........................10 - 10:30 a.m. Educational Sessions...........10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Meet the Keynote Speakers Wednesday, October 13 Building a Culture of Inclusion with Your WHY Neelay Bhatt, Vice President, PROS Consulting, Inc. Neelay Bhatt is the principal at PROS Consulting Inc. He has led 130+ strategic and master planning, sports facility development, customer service training, and marketing and branding projects. These projects have recommended facility development and infrastructure improvements totaling over $2 billion USD and are helping shape a better vision for health and wellness, conservation and social equity in communities globally.
Educational Sessions.....11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Lunch with Vendors..............12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Educational Sessions............. 1:45 - 2:45 p.m. Educational Sessions...................... 3 - 4 p.m. Networking Event..................... 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Friday, October 15 Registration Check-In..................8:30 - 9 a.m. Closing Keynote............................ 9 - 10 a.m. Educational Sessions............ 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. Educational Sessions.....11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Off-site Institutes...........11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Friday, October 15 Own Your Voice Jo Saxton, author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach Jo Saxton has dedicated her career to growing leadership teams around the world and empowering women to find their purpose in their personal lives and in leadership. Born in London to parents who immigrated from Nigeria, Jo credits her family’s unrelenting work ethic and the grace of God for the bold, tenacious approach she takes to sharing her wisdom on identity, influence, and living an authentic life. She is characterized by her effervescent honesty and warm approachability, leaving audiences with practical next steps in areas that are usually a bit ambiguous.
2021 Conference Formats MRPA is eager to welcome back this year’s conference delegates to an in-person event. We look forward to reconnecting with you after a challenging pandemic year. We also understand some members may need another education format option as we continue to recover from the impact of COVID-19. A livestream/on-demand option will be available for this year’s conference. The sessions in two classrooms will be presented via livestream/ondemand. Live stream/on-demand sessions are noted with and are subject to change. Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 39
MRPA Conference Sessions & Schedule 2021 Wednesday, October 13 8:30 - 9 a.m.
Registration 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Welcome & Opening Keynote: Building a Culture of Inclusion with Your WHY Neelay Bhatt, Vice President, PROS Consulting, Inc. Every agency teaches their staff what to do and how to do their jobs. However, few focus on the meaning behind the work: the WHY. Parks and recreation agencies over the years, and especially during the pandemic, have been truly essential to our communities’ wellbeing. As our staff and the people we serve continue to get more diverse, it is important to lead with the values as you build a sustained culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging with your WHY.
10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Time to Replace a Play Structure? Get Your Residents Involved! Jason T. West, Recreation Superintendent; and Kori Shingles, Recreation and Facilities Supervisor, City of St. Louis Park Earn social capital with your residents when replacing play structures. Learn the unique method St. Louis Park uses of allowing residents to choose their play structure. You will walk away with a toolkit on how to successfully execute this process. This method empowers residents to make choices to enhance their community.
3,2,1 Network! Margo Numedahl, Recreation Division Manager; and Jen Graham, Recreation Program Coordinator, City of Fridley Welcome to speed networking - a whirlwind session offering students and new professionals the opportunity to connect with recreation professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Be prepared to discuss your career interests quickly and efficiently, show-off portfolios, get feedback on your resume/cover letter, and ask questions.
Managing Wildlife in Minnesota Parks Jonathan Hicks, Professor, Minnesota State University, Mankato This session will include a high-energy, interactive discussion of wildlife as a recreational resource. Participants will discuss best practice management techniques, and explore strategies to live and play alongside our wild neighbors. There will be time to ask questions and discuss personal experiences and challenges with park wildlife.
Local Sales Tax Financing Capital Developments Tom Schmitz, Parks and Recreation Director, City of New Ulm Twice in 20 years, 70-percent of New Ulm voters said “Yes” to a 0.5-percent local sales tax funding major developments to recreation facilities. For both years, the sales tax was authorized by the State Legislature. Learn to use local sales tax funding for large projects. One or more other agencies may also present their success stories.
Self-Care 101: Prioritizing Yourself in a Busy World Shoma Hokanson, Owner, Solera Self-Care Today’s busy world can make it challenging to focus on your well-being. Learn the benefits of self-care, managing your energy, saying no, and asking for help. Leave with tangible ideas on physical, emotional, spiritual and mental self-care. The goal is to equip you with self-care techniques to cultivate your own practice.
12 - 1 p.m.
Young Professional/Student Network Mentor Networking Luncheon Today’s luncheon is an opportunity for students/young professionals to be paired up with seasoned professionals to enjoy lunch together. Don’t miss this great network opportunity. Are you interested in being paired up? Students/young professionals and seasoned professionals should both contact Meredith Lawrence via email: MLawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov. Sponsored by: Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation
40 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
1:15 - 2:15 p.m.
Rec N’ Read Programs and Services: Programmatic Innovations for Our Communities Brooke Burk, Associate Professor; and Madeline Margo, Student, Minnesota State University, Mankato Rec N’ Read Programs and Services is an innovative program that embraces National Recreation and Park Association’s health and equity pillars. Situated in research, parks and recreation programming needed to adapt and develop virtual camp programming and offer safe and flexible programming during the pandemic. This session shares lessons learned and best practices.
New Innovations and Strategies in Park Maintenance Nick Jacobs, Parks Maintenance, City of Otsego; and Adam Farwell, Parks Supervisor, City of Buffalo During this session, participants will learn about some of the new park innovations and strategies like GPS field painters, solar powered lighting, and water conservation strategies in irrigation. Resources will be provided for participants to bring innovative ideas back to their employer.
Parks & Rec 101 Matt Colwell, Student, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse; John W. Stutzman, Recreation Supervisor, City of Golden Valley; Greg Simmons, Recreation Facilities Supervisor, City of Golden Valley What opportunities are available for students and young professionals with a degree in recreation/leisure services? The Young Professional and Student Network has invited experienced recreation professionals to lead and explore this question and also discuss what to expect in the early stages of a career in leisure service management. This session is designed as an interactive session for participants to casually converse and network with young professionals and other students.
MRPA Conference Sessions & Schedule 2021 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. continued…
Creating a Magical Guest Service Experience Neelay Bhatt, Vice President, PROS Consulting, Inc.
Community Initiatives for Parks and Recreation Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director; and Cal Portner, City Administrator, City of Elk River
When it comes to operating an agency, everyone states how important customer service is, yet most do a poor or inconsistent job servicing their customers. Come unlock the secrets behind building a culture focused on exceeding your organization’s customer service. Using case studies, participants will see the impact poor customer service can have on an agency while learning how to build an organization that your customers and the community would want to associate with.
This session will describe how a network of government officials and community leaders can effectively work together on a plan to reinvest in aging recreation facilities and significant outdoor park amenities. Strategies and tools will be presented and discussed how to build community driven referendums and unique funding opportunities.
A Higher Level of Inclusive Play
Neelay Bhatt, Vice President, PROS Consulting, Inc.
Jill Moore, Inclusive Play Specialist, Landscape Structures The playground should be a place for everyone to experience laughter, friends, and fun. However, traditional design focuses on minimal physical access, not necessarily considering quality engagement for children with physical or cognitive disorders. Sensory rich play environments develop functional skills, imagination, and social opportunities that can provide a higher level of inclusion.
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Let’s Talk TikTok Kelly Maher, Recreation Supervisor; and Shane Wampler, Recreation Supervisor, City of Omaha This session will give participants an understanding of what TikTok is, how youth are using it, and how organizations can use it to reach a younger demographic. Presenters will share the City of Omaha’s experience creating their TikTok account and will guide participants through the process of creating content.
Trends for a Post Pandemic 2020s As agencies in Minnesota plan for the next decade, this session will help predict trends and plan for future shifts in an increasingly unpredictable post-pandemic time. Neelay will share insights for how to build an agency culture and mindset that can innovate and thrive in a changing landscape as parks and recreation agencies look to changes to their communities, policies, park and facility designs, financial sustainability, marketing and communications, partnerships, program delivery and innovation in general.
Aquatic Amenities Including NinjaCross Tom Schmitz, Parks and Recreation Director, City of New Ulm This session includes information on aquatic amenities, some less common, including the first NinjaCross in the Upper-Midwest. Climbing walls, Zip ‘N, keylog roll, splash pads, children’s play features and more will be discussed, along with innovative programming ideas.
Yo’ SELF T A TRE Treat Yo’ Self Day Networking Event
Wednesday, October 13 4 - 6 p.m. Location: Northern Stacks Events 38 Northern Stacks Drive Fridley, MN 55421 Treat Yo’ Self Day, made famous by the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation, is a phenomenon observed anually on October 13. The day encourages you to ‘Go for it and Treat Yo’ Self!’ Webber Recreational Design presents the Treat Yo’ Self Day, MRPA’s network social at Northern Stacks Events. Northern Stacks Events is a newly opened event venue conveniently located just north of Minneapolis adjacent to Forgotten Star Brewery in Fridley. Mark your calendars and join fellow park and recreation colleagues to socialize and share in the fun: • TREAT YO’ SELF – Webber Recreational Design who will provide up to 100 free $5 coupons for food or beverages at the event • Reconnecting with MRPA members – Treat Yo’ Self! • Yard games – Treat Yo’ Self! • Food trucks – Treat Yo’ Self! • Cash bar available Sponsored by: Webber Recreational Design
Breaking the Silence – Let’s Talk About Race Kori Shingles, Recreation and Facilities Supervisor; and Jason T. West, Recreation Superintendent, City of St. Louis Park Come see how and why to start having uncomfortable conversations about race. Kori and Jason will discuss ways to peel back some of the layers of racial issues. It’s time to break the silence and start having the uncomfortable conversations. Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 41
MRPA Conference Sessions & Schedule 2021 Thursday, October 14 NEW! This day begins with new features and formats for the conference. The MRPA networks will host meetings so all attendees have an opportunity to participate. Exhibit hall hours have also been expanded from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow attendees more flexibility to connect with vendors. 8:30 - 9 a.m.
Registration 9 - 10 a.m.
MRPA Network Meetings This is an opportunity for all members to participate in MRPA’s network meetings.
10 - 10:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall
The Must Have Leadership Skills for Parks and Recreation Professionals
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Anthony Iracki, Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Let’s Talk Parks
Hillary Roemersberger, Director of Recreation Services, Apex Park and Recreation District; and John W. Stutzman, Recreation Supervisor, City of Golden Valley
The phrase, “personal brand” is another way of saying “reputation.” It is one thing professionals at every stage of their career should be keenly aware of. A strong personal brand can open doors for you, lead others to you, and allow for new opportunities.
Leadership remains one of the most discussed concepts across all sectors. We all desire to be better leaders yet sometimes fail to recognize that it’s a continuous process of development. Attendees will learn how to shine as a leader in your organization and the community you serve.
Personal Branding 101
Future of Park & Recreation Programming: Esports Chelsea Swiggum, Recreation Coordinator, City of Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation; Joey Schugel, Recreation & Leisure Services Director, City of Saint Peter; and Matt Wiitala, Recreation Coordinator City of Shoreview What is esports? How do I start a program in my city? Esports is one of the fastest growing trends within the parks and recreation field. Learn about the benefits of esports for our youth and the different platforms used for gamers to play in a safe and fun setting.
Exhibit Hall Thursday, October 14 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Exhibit hall hours have been expanded so attendees have additional time before, between, and after sessions – and during lunch – to connect with the vendors who support our profession. • Visit with more than 70 exhibitors • Gain new ideas related to the newest technology, products, services, equipment and programs • Hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and prizes Please take time to visit the exhibit hall vendors as their contributions are integral to the conference’s success.
Sponsored by WSB & Associates, Inc.
Connecting Health Providers to Our Park Ben Boldt, Recreation Supervisor, Rochester Parks & Recreation; and Sara Holger, Lead Interpretive Naturalist, Whitewater State Park - MN DNR Outdoor experiences can have powerful impacts on our health and well-being. In southeast Minnesota, a collaboration of local health experts, park administrators and community organizations are working to engage health care providers with the Park Rx effort and encourage them to connect patients to the outdoors.
Directors’ Forum NOTE: Double Session Time 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Gather with fellow directors from across the state to discuss topics impacting your work as agency leaders. Directors will come together to discuss pandemic recovery strategies and the latest trends. Sponsored by: HGKi
42 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
Sponsored by: Women in Leisure Services ZETA CHAPTER
Equipping Volunteer Coaches for Success Alan Merrick, Professional Soccer Player and Coach; and Brad Carlson, Youth and High School Coach, MOTI Sports, Inc. It’s a new season. Registration is done. You have put together your teams. What’s the next step? Finding coaches! We will take a look at “3 Dimensional Coaching” championed by the U.S. Tennis Association and others to help you prepare yourself and your volunteer coaches.
Age-Friendly States & Communities Kelly Mertes, Recreation Supervisor, Brooklyn Park Recreation & Parks; Liz Faust, Senior/55 Forward Program Specialist; Elise Ruiz, AARP Minnnesota has nine communities in the AARP Age-Friendly network (two counties, seven cities). The State of Minnesota is in the process to join the network and make active aging a priority in our state. In an agefriendly community, policies, services, and structures related to the physical and social environment are essential. Discover how these areas can be implemented in your community.
12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
Lunch with Vendors in Exhibit Hall
MRPA Conference Sessions & Schedule 2021 1:45 - 2:45 p.m.
Race and Equity Lens What Does This Mean and How Do You Use It? Kori Shingles, Recreation and Facilities Supervisor; and Jason T. West, Recreation Superintendent, City of St. Louis Park What does a race and equity lens mean and how do you use it? Let the dynamic duo give you some useful tools on how to put a race and equity lens on your department. You will learn techniques that you will be able to immediately put into place.
Working Your Way into a Department Lead Role Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator, City of Mendota Heights: Cindy Walsh, Director, City of St. Louis Park; Ann Kattreh, Director, City of Bloomington; Matthew Johnson, Assistant Director, Roseville Parks and Recreation; and Boe Carlson, Superintendent, Three Rivers Park District Ever wonder what it takes to be in a leadership role within a prominent Minnesota park and recreation agency? Learn from some of Minnesota’s finest recreation leaders on how they got to where they are today and what you can do to set yourself apart from others in the hiring process for leadership positions. Better understand the skills necessary to succeed within the field, and the triumphs and challenges of leading departments within the state.
Adaptive Swim Toolbox of Strategies Cindy Freeman and Ailene Tisser, Owners, Swim Angelfish Are you looking to expand your toolbox of strategies for inclusion, diversity and adaptive swim programs? Learn about the free resources that are immediately available for your aquatic facility and instructor training. Coaches, parents, swim instructors and lifeguards will learn strategies for improved safety and adaptive swim programs.
3 - 4 p.m.
Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Awareness in Recreation Programming & Facilities Hillary Roemersberger, Director of Recreation Services, Apex Park and Recreation District Learn basic inclusionary practices that you can implement in your programs and facilities as well as discover partnership opportunities with local LBGTQ+ organizations and outreach groups. Learn more about Apex Pride Night and how you can implement an LBGTQ+ program in your facility.
Putting a Racial Equity Lens on Programs, Policies, and Practices in Parks and Recreation Jody Yungers, Director, Brooklyn Park Recreation and Park; Pam McBride, Youth Services Manager and Lead REDI Team Member, Brooklyn Park Recreation and Park; Catrice O’Neil, City REDI Team Lead, City of Brooklyn Park; and Ivan Lui, REDI Consultant Lead, Brooklyn Park Alliance for Youth Learn Brooklyn Park’s practical approach to applying a racial equity lens to current programs, practices, and processes. The City’s Racial Equity Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) team will share the racial equity lens toolkit developed, and how the tool helped identify and address unintended inequities, specifically for communities of color. The discussion will also include both challenges and missteps made in the process.
Universal Recreation Supervisor Appreciation Day (URSAD): Is Your Organization Celebrating? Jess Koch, Recreation Supervisor, Plymouth Parks and Recreation Seven years ago, Plymouth Parks and Recreation began recognizing a day just for recreation supervisors. What started as an office prank has turned into an annual event the whole team looks forward to. When staff know they can have fun in the office, the result is often more creativity and better teamwork.
Thursday, October 14 4 - 5:30 p.m.
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Thursday Networking Event On-site following the Exhibit Hall Musco Lighting invites all park and recreation professionals, exhibitors, vendors, speakers, and students to stick around and reconnect after the exhibit hall. The formal exhibit hall may have ended; however, the conversations and professional relationships at the MRPA network social will continue. Appetizers, refreshments, and a cash bar will be provided. Stick around for more fun! Sponsored by: Musco Sports Lighting
Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 43
MRPA Conference Sessions & Schedule 2021 Friday, October 15
Equitable Access to Outdoor Recreation
Work Life Satisfaction in Parks and Recreation
8:30 - 9 a.m.
Candace Amberg, Senior Landscape Architect, WSB & Associates, Inc.; and Jennifer Fink, Director, City of New Brighton
Matthew Johnson, Assistant Director, City of Roseville
Registration 9 - 10 a.m.
Closing Keynote: Own Your Voice Jo Saxton We’ve experienced seismic shifts over the past 18 months that have revealed the best and the worst of the world around us. Our world and way of life profoundly changed. We all carry stories, we carry scars ... but we also carry on! We need people who will take the hard won wisdom from this era, who will lean into their community and together reimagine and rebuild the landscape. It’s time. Are you ready to rise?
10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
Increasing Equity in Aquatics - Free Community Water Safety Lessons Madeline Rosewood, Aquatics Coordinator, City of Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation The session will include a brief background of historic inequities in swimming and aquatics, and lead into bridging the gap and increasing inclusion through free water safety programming for ages 6 months to adult. Attendees will discuss how to support and prepare for the program, including structure, swimsuit drive, marketing, and swim instructor resources.
Getting to Zero Energy Cindy Walsh, Operations & Recreation Director, City of St. Louis Park Do you have questions about what zero energy is and how it can be achieved? During this session we will review a variety of sustainable rating systems and share key terms and data required to achieve zero energy using a nature center in St. Louis Park as a case study.
Join us to learn how planning policies can result in unbalanced distribution of parks and quality outdoor recreation in relation to the populations being served. Insights will be provided to identify underserved populations including methods to improve and prioritize access to outdoor recreation for current and future populations.
Boosting Morale During A Tough Time: Happy Employees Equal Happy Customers Annie Olson, Director of Customer Service; and Iris Pahlberg Peterson, Customer Service Supervisor, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board After what feels like the longest year of our lives, we are tired – and yet, here comes the sun! Despite the challenges of the past year, a silver lining is the resilience and creativity of our staff. This session capitalizes on strategies to keep morale high using tools we already have.
Artificial Turf Field: Trends, Designs, and Safety Andy Brandel, Senior Vice President, ISG; and Amy Satterfield, Division Manager, IEA A panel of experts will dissect fact from fiction as it relates to an artificial turf field. Attendees will learn considerations for site selection, planning, and design, and hear the latest on health and safety testing.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
MRPF New Initiative Grant RETHINK Your Programming Opportunities!
As recreational professionals, we work hard to create opportunities for others to recreate and focus on their own physical and emotional health. Although sometimes we often fail to practice what we preach. This session will discuss strategies for achieving “work-life balance” as individuals and why that is beneficial to your organization.
Get Your Great Idea Implemented Michael Biedenstein, Division Manager - Park Program Services, St. Louis County Parks; and Anthony Iracki, Recreation Supervisor, Whitefish Bay School District Recreation You see a problem, you have a proposed solution, and yet you aren’t able to get the right buy-in or approval to have the idea implemented. Presenters will share contrasting strategies to get your idea across the finish line - both in your work organization and for your professional association.
Equity in Regional Parks and Trails Master Plan Tracey Kinney, Senior Planner; and Darcie Vandegrift, Principal Researcher, Metropolitan Council The Regional Parks System’s 10-parks implementing agencies and the Metropolitan Council are partners working to increase equitable use of the system. A new equity analysis requirement for regional park and trail master plans creates space to describe the demographics, history, engagement, and accountability regarding prioritized underserved groups.
Turning the Bus – Moving from Softball to Inclusive Play
Lisa Abernathy, MRPF Board of Trustees, Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation and Grant Recipients
John Elholm, Director, City of Crystal; and Robert Slipka, Senior Landscape Architect, WSB & Associates, Inc.
RETHINK your programming by creating an innovative program or event for our community through a New Initiative Grant! Take away a program idea from recent grant recipients and REFLECT on how it could work in your community. Come learn about this great opportunity it offers to Foundation members.
Softball was king in Crystal for 50+ years, but with the sport’s decline, Crystal’s main softball fields were replaced with an inclusive play area, interactive fountain, and other welcoming facilities. This change in vision happened through a four-year process of park system master planning, site design, and construction.
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MRPA Conference Sessions & Schedule 2021
Off-site Institutes Friday, October 15 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Attendees will drive themselves to one of the sites where the community host will lead the session.
Building for a Sustainable Future: Net Zero Energy Building Design Westwood Hills Nature Center 8300 West Franklin Avenue, St. Louis Park Jason T. West, Recreation Superintendent; and Mark Oestreich, Nature Center Manager, City of St. Louis Park
Photo: HGA
Come learn the process of planning and constructing one of the first zero-energy commercial buildings in Minnesota. Find out why the Westwood Hills Nature Center’s Interpretive Center building is unique with the all the latest sustainable design features that were implemented to help achieve zero energy certification. Sponsored by: HGA
Fields of the Future: How Successful Partnerships Benefit the Community Fernbrook Fields 14401 99th Avenue North, Maple Grove Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Come tour and learn how the City of Maple Grove Parks and Recreation staff worked with local Youth Athletic Associations and Independent School District 279 to build Fernbrook Fields Athletic Complex. During the tour you will learn about the unique user partnership agreements, the state of the art design and technology used, along with an overview of the day to day operations and maintenance of the new facility. Fernbook Fields opened in the fall of 2019. This new multi-use athletic facility serves as a practice facility for Maple Grove sports associations and schools, and as a regional tournament venue for soccer, football, and lacrosse. The 19-acre Fernbrook Complex consists of four full-size artificial turf fields with cool play technology (keeps the turf 20 degrees cooler), large picnic pavilion, concessions building with restrooms, food truck plaza, playground, and a 300’ by 50’ warm-up area. Sponsored by: Stantec
Summer 2021 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks 45
MRPA Conference Registration Form 2021 Early Bird Deadline: August 25, 2021 • Register online at mnrpa.org First Name_________________________________________ Last Name_________________________________________________________ Title______________________________________________ Organization______________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________ City______________________________State______________ Zip___________ Phone____________________________________________ Fax______________________________________________________________ Email_____________________________________________ Website__________________________________________________________ Special Accommodations (ADA, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)____________________________________________________________________ Have you been a member of MRPA for 3 years or less? Payment Method:
Yes
Check Enclosed
MRPA Preferred Method
No
Is this your first in-person MRPA Conference?
Check Requested
No
Paid Online with VISA or MASTERCARD
MRPA MEMBER
DELEGATES
Yes
NON-MEMBER
Until Aug. 25
After Aug. 25
Until Aug. 25
After Aug. 25
MRPA Professional Awards Luncheon (Tue)
$55
$55
$55
$55
Conference Package (Wed – Fri)
$370
$420
$520
$570
Daily – Wednesday only
$200
$250
$250
$300
Daily – Thursday only
$200
$250
$250
$300
Daily – Friday only
$99
$149
$149
$199
Continuing Education Units (CEU)
$10
$10
$20
$20
$200
$250
$250
$300
TOTAL
VIRTUAL/RECORDED OPTION Livestream/OnDemand Package Sessions noted with (LS) RETIREES & STUDENTS
WITH MEAL
WITHOUT MEAL
Volunteer Package (Wed –Fri)
$145
$170
Free
Free
Non-Volunteer Package (Wed – Fri)
$245
$270
$40
$60
$75
$85
$25
$30
Non-Volunteer Daily Rate Wednesday Thursday
Friday
TOTAL
TOTAL ENCLOSED OFF-SITE INSTITUTES (OPTIONAL) Friday, October 15
Fernbrook Fields, Maple Grove
Friday, October 15
Westwood Hills Nature Center, St. Louis Park
Conference Food and Beverage Please note any food allergies. We have tried to incorporate healthy eating throughout the menu selections. Meals included for each day: • Wednesday – lunch • Thursday – lunch, exhibit hall hors d’oeuvres • Friday – continental breakfast Cancellation Policy Cancellations accepted through September 15 minus a $50 handling fee. No refunds will be given after this date. Alternate attendees are permitted. Registration fees are used toward educational sessions and meals. 46 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
Hotel Accomodations Embassy Suites by Hilton 6300 Earle Brown Drive Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 Hotel and conference venue are connected via enclosed walkway. Room rate: $135/night plus tax For reservations: MRPA has a reserved room block available. Call 763.560.2700 by September 12, 2021 to make your hotel reservation – ask for the MRPA rate. Please submit payment to:
MRPA, 200 Charles Street NE, Fridley, MN 55432 Fax: 763.571.5204
Introducing the We-Go-Swing™ , the first no-transfer inclusive swing that can be integrated into the playground setting, inviting kids of all abilities to get in on the fun together. We’ve always designed for inclusive play. Now we’re bringing a whole new way to play for all. Learn more about this revolutionary swing forward at playlsi.com/we-go-swing
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dakotaplayground.com © 2021 Landscape Structures, Inc. All rights reserved. U.S. Patent pending.
MINNESOTA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION 200 CHARLES ST NE FRIDLEY MN 55432-5368
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! COROCORD BY KOMPAN
Visit our website to learn more! • 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
