






Publisher Minnesota Recreation and Park Association
200 Charles Street NE, Fridley, MN 55432 www.mnrpa.org
Tel: 763.571.1305
An affiliate of National Recreation and Park Association
Editorial Staff
Michelle J. Snider
Bethani Gerhard
Editorial Board
Jennifer Fink, New Brighton
Lori Hokenson, New Brighton
Mary Jo Knudson, Owatonna
Cheryl Kormann, New Ulm
Patrick Menton, Winona
Advertising Sales & Design
Todd Pernsteiner
Pernsteiner Creative Group todd@pernsteiner.com 952.841.1111
MRPA Board of Directors 2025
President: Eric Carlson, Apple Valley
President-Elect: Sonya Rippe, Plymouth
Past President: Michelle Okada, Woodbury
Secretary: Tracy Petersen, Edina
Treasurer: Andy Soltvedt, Anoka County
RSC Chair: Chris Morrow, Maple Grove
East Metro: Kelly Distad-Arvold, New Brighton
East Metro: Mike Ramirez, Eagan
East Metro: JJ Williams, Washington County
Northeast Region: Carson Law, Wright County
Northwest Region: Lynn Neumann, Hutchinson
Southern Region: Joey Schugel, New Ulm
West Metro: Roxann Maxey, Brooklyn Park
West Metro: Jenna Smith, Victoria
West Metro: Jason T. West, St. Louis Park
This magazine is the official quarterly publication of Minnesota Recreation and Park Association and is provided complimentary to members as part of their MRPA membership. The editorial board encourages the submission of articles and photos for publication by agency members. Articles of approximately 500-700 words or less may be submitted, but may be edited for length and clarity. Contact Michelle Snider, MRPA, at 763.571.1305 x100 if interested in submitting an article for a future issue.
Articles and Advertising Deadlines
Winter 2026 issue: January 8, 2026
Spring 2026 Issue: March 7, 2026
Summer 2026 issue: May 21, 2026
Fall 2025 issue: September 15, 2026
MRPA reserves the right to approve all submitted advertising in MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks magazine.
Cover photo by: Todd Pernsteiner
©2025
Dear MRPA Members,
By Eric Carlson, MRPA President
This June, I had the chance to take some of my own advice and step away for a bit of rest and recreation. My wife and I spent two weeks in Switzerland, and all I can say is—WOW. What a beautiful country. From the bustling energy of Zurich and Bern to the charm of small towns like Wengen and Grindelwald, there’s a stunning blend of natural and man-made beauty everywhere you look. If Switzerland isn’t on your bucket list, I highly recommend adding it.
Back here at home, I want to highlight the recent MRPA Lifeguard Competition, which was hosted by the City of St. Louis Park. A big thank-you goes to Mikayla Beuch and Bridget Russell for their efforts in organizing this successful and meaningful event. Congratulations as well to the Inver Grove Heights team for taking home first
place! Events like this showcase the talent, teamwork, and dedication of recreation professionals across our state.
We’re excited to see everyone at this year’s MRPA Annual Conference, October 27-30 in Brooklyn Center! If you’re attending for the first time, please find me after the exhibit hall — I’ll have a special surprise and welcome just for you.
Looking ahead, in October the MRPA Board will be focusing on the 2026 MRPA budget and updating the Strategic Initiatives work plan. This important work helps ensure that our association continues to grow, adapt,
and serve the needs of members and communities across Minnesota.
As we head into the fall season, I want to thank each of you for your continued dedication to creating vibrant, accessible spaces for our communities. Your work makes a lasting difference, and I’m grateful to be part of such a passionate and inspiring group of professionals.
Finally, I want to encourage you to look at the wonderful showcase of park and recreation professionals from across the state who have been recognized in the MRPA Awards of Excellence program. Maybe you can “borrow” one of these ideas for your community.
Wishing you all a wonderful fall season!
Best regards, Eric Carlson
Congratulations to this year’s winners of the MRPA / MNUSSSA Hall of Fame Benefit Golf Tournament on July 24, 2025 - Jack Kirk, Scott Breuer, Randy Johnson, and Lyndell Frey. Thank you to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for hosting at Theodore Wirth Golf Course and the Recreational Sports Commission (RSC) for their help with the event.
Embracing strong, strategic and intentional engagement to inform design.
The 2025 MRPA/USSSA Girls State Tournaments were held July 26-27 at Lac Lavon fields in Burnsville. Congratulations to the following teams:
• 19 U Champions - Golden Valley
• 16U Champions - Prior Lake
• 14U Champions - Golden Valley
Thank you to the City of Burnsville for hosting these tournaments. MRPA / MN-USSSA softball tournaments have been led by MRPA member and Tournament Director Lacelle Cordes since 2018. Lacelle recently shared her retirement plans from this position after the 2025 season. MRPA wishes all the best for Lacelle with her future plans.
wsbeng.com
This past August, the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) and the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation (MRPF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets the stage for how our two organizations will work side by side. This agreement is a big step forward because it clearly shows how MRPA and MRPF complement one another, and how together we can better serve the parks and recreation profession across Minnesota.
The MOU makes it simple. MRPA will continue to lead on member communication, education, and advocacy. MRPF will focus on philanthropy, scholarships, new initiative grants, and career pathway support. Just as exciting, the agreement spells out how we will team up on joint efforts like mentorship programs, career resource integration, and networking opportunities. In short, it helps both organizations tell our stories better while creating more opportunities for the professionals who make Minnesota’s parks and recreation system strong.
As we look ahead to the annual conference, I hope you will swing by the Foundation Booth. We will have some fun ways to participate, and every bit of support makes a difference:
BEER AND WINE PULL – A great way to test your luck and take home something to enjoy.
HEADS OR TAILS GAME – Play along with colleagues while supporting the Foundation.
PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS – Free for MRPF members, or $20 for non-members. If you need an updated photo for LinkedIn or your agency’s website, this is a perfect chance.
Every person who stops by the booth helps us fund scholarships, invest in innovative programs, and support the next generation of parks and recreation leaders. It is a small action that makes a very big impact.
Together, MRPA and MRPF are building a stronger and more connected profession. I cannot wait to see you all at the conference, cheer you on during the Heads and Tails Game, and celebrate all that we are accomplishing together.
Jennifer Fink, CPRP President, Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 FROM 1 - 4 PM
AT THE MRPA CONFERENCE IN THE EXHIBIT HALL.
PRESS YOUR LUCK WITH
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29
BUY YOUR BEADS AT THE EXHIBIT HALL FOR A CHANCE TO WIN 50% OF THE PRIZE POOL! GAME STARTS PROMPTLY AT 4PM DURING THE NETWORKING EVENT.
New this year: FREE professional headshots for members! Stop by Wednesday, October 29 from 2-3 pm in the MRPF exhibit hall booth and visit our photographer. It’s the perfect time to put your best face forward.
Non-members can also take advantage of this opportunity for only $20. It’s not too late to become a member of the Foundation. MNRPF.ORG
FALL NEW INITIATIVE GRANT
DUE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 AT 4:30 PM
The Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation’s New Initiative Grant supports innovative projects that advance parks and recreation in Minnesota communities. Grants of up to $4,000 are available for unique programs, services, or facility enhancements that demonstrate creativity and community impact.
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION AT MNRPF.ORG/GRANTS
www.Bolton-Menk.com
By Bethani Gerhard, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association
On a warm Sunday morning, July 27, 2025, 18 lifeguard teams gathered at the St. Louis Park Aquatic Center for the third annual MRPA Lifeguard Competition. Participants enjoyed the challenge of testing their skills through aquatic scenarios and friendly competitions, making it a fun and engaging summer tradition.
“As the Aquatic Network lead for MRPA, I can confidently say that the lifeguard challenge games were a blast, filled with fun and energy,” states Heather Flock, recreation supervisor for the City of South St. Paul and the chair of the MRPA Aquatics Network. “We’re already excited to compete again next year! The amount of learning and camaraderie developed within the teams is exactly what an aquatic facility needs. It not only fosters a safe environment for recreation but also makes it an incredibly fun place to work, which is key to our success in parks and recreation.”
“It was our first time competing in the MRPA Lifeguard Competition in 2024,” says Amber Adam, aquatics specialist with the City of Inver Grove Heights. “We were ecstatic to take third place and that experience lit a fire in all of us!”
“This year, we brought two teams to the competition,” she states. “Seasoned lifeguards stepped up to mentor newer guards, fostering a culture of support and shared learning. The teams pushed each other, often coming in on their own time to train, study the lifeguard manual, and when we were announced as the champions—it was an unforgettable moment. Our staff were all shocked since it was a tough competition!”
“The celebration didn’t end there,” she adds. “Driving home, we could feel the energy. They were so pumped—smiles, laughs, astonishment—and yet very humble, knowing how hard all the other teams had worked too. Beyond the trophy, the experience was transformative. This was such a positive experience for all of us—to grow, to become stronger, and to build each other up. We’re so grateful to MRPA for putting this together. We’re already looking forward to competing next year and reconnecting with fellow lifeguards from across the state!”
Congratulations to the following teams for placing in the top of the competition:
“As
- Heather Flock
MRPA extends a thank you to the following MRPA Aquatics Network members for planning this year’s event:
• Mikayla Beuch, St. Louis Park
• Heather Flock, South St. Paul
• Megan Mulligan, Minnetonka
• Kevin O’Brien, Faribault
• Bridget Russell, Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
• Steve Skinner, Apple Valley
By Mary Burch and Mark Oestreich, City of St. Louis Park - Westwood Hills Nature Center
The Trail of Small Wonders is an annual event created in partnership between St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts and Westwood Hills Nature Center which returned for its fourth year in 2025. The goal of the festival and exhibition is to bring community, nature and the arts together. This was accomplished through community workshops, outreach, summer camp offerings, an opening day festival, and public display of the exhibition.
A core component of the program is the opportunity for anyone in the community to create miniature homes for imaginative beings to contribute to the exhibition. Participation has grown each year of the Trail, and this year more than 150 small wonders were displayed along Westwood
Hills Nature Center’s accessible trails for visitors to discover.
These extraordinary and enchanting community-created art pieces remained in place for three weeks following the free, family-friendly Opening Day Festival on July 7, 2025. The festival drew a crowd of 1400+ visitors and has grown to include food trucks, face painting, balloon art, travelling puppets, stilt walkers, a community band, story time with our local librarian, makeand-take crafts, and a magic show.
For the public exhibition, the small wonders remained along the trail from July 8 – 26, 2025 from sunrise to sunset. During this time the nature center hosted more than 12,000 additional visitors who came to experience the Trail of Small Wonders.
The planning and implementation of this program is a monthslong, collaborative effort between nonprofit organization St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts and Westwood Hills Nature Center, which is owned and operated by the City of St. Louis Park. Friends of the Arts funds the event and coordinates a webpage, social media, and local advertising, as well as contracting artists to facilitate the community workshops and managing all logistical aspects of the Opening Day Festival. Westwood Hills Nature Center staff manage registration for workshops, run a Small Wonders summer camp, advertise onsite and through social media, host the Opening Day Festival, and maintain the trail during the public exhibition.
The Trail of Small Wonders offers inspiration to find magic in nature and to experience art in unique spaces. The City of St. Louis Park - Westwood Hills Nature Center received the MRPA Awards of Excellence for programs/projects completed in 2023 for the inaugural year of the Opening Day Festival.
Learn more:
https://www.slpfota.org/small-wonder-trail https://www.stlouisparkmn.gov/government/departmentsdivisions/parks-rec/westwood-hills-nature-center
By Joey Schugel, New Ulm Parks and Recreation
When people stroll through one of New Ulm’s 31 parks there is a pretty good chance an Eagle Scout has had an impact in that park. Some of those impacts include stairs at a canoe landing, kiosks and signage on a bike trail, fresh coats of paint on a shelter, removing invasive species, little free libraries in parks, and dog park agility equipment. These are all examples of community service projects done by Eagle Scouts that still have an impact on New Ulm’s Park system today.
The Eagle Scout Rank in the Boy Scouts of America (now Scouts BSA) was established in 1911 and remains the highest achievement in Scouts BSA, requiring earning 21 merit badges (with 12 mandatory), demonstrating Scout Spirit, serving in a leadership position, and completing a significant community service project. New Ulm Park and Recreation has been able to provide meaningful opportunities to the local Scout BSA Troop 25 to meet those significant community service project requirements.
Over the years the projects have been small and large, some seemingly insignificant such as painting fence posts, until you have the opportunity to witness a project and everything that goes into achieving Eagle Scout. An Eagle Scout project is more than the actual project itself; it is about everything that goes into a successful project and the skills needed and developed along the way. These projects require a scout to plan and coordinate project logistics, recruit and lead others to help with the project, and to complete the project in a timely manner.
The leadership skills acquired during Eagle Scout projects have proven to be invaluable. Many of these projects are something that our teams and departments could accomplish within our daily operations. So why entertain an Eagle Scout project? For the very reasons above and for creating additional opportunities for community members to be engaged in our park systems.
each time our department is contacted by a potential Eagle Scout we have some options for the scout to think about but also, we want to know what they are interested in or if there is a park that has some additional meaning to them or their family.
Because Eagle Scout projects have become consistent within our parks system in New Ulm, our staff have developed some ideas and potential projects that could fit into an Eagle Scout project. So, each time our department is contacted by a potential Eagle Scout we have some options for the scout to think about but also, we want to know what they are interested in or if there is a park that has some additional meaning to them or their family. This has streamlined some of the planning that goes into these projects. Some additional things to plan for these projects include some cost; however, we have found generally a low cost for lasting impacts. Materials are generally our biggest cost, and the Eagle Scout does have a small budget to contribute if needed for projects as well.
If you are interested in engaging your community with meaningful and significant community service projects think about contacting your local Scout troop. There is a good chance you will find a true partnership that will not only give back to your community, but also help develop some future leader of tomorrow.
For more information on the Eagle Scout program or to find your local troop visit, https://www.scouting.org/.
By Hannah Duncan, Romtec
Soldiers Field Memorial Park has been a cornerstone of civic pride, athletics, childhood memories and community recreation in Rochester for nearly a century. A multi-year journey of planning, crosssector collaboration and construction resulted in one of the most ambitious park renovation projects in southeastern Minnesota.
In addition to planned development of the city, Rochester has seen a boom in housing developments. Now, more people are living downtown, adding to the patients and visitors who come to Rochester for the Mayo Clinic. Soldiers Field Memorial Park needed a transformation – not just to modernize its aging infrastructure, but to meet the demands of the growing, diverse city. The project received $10 million in funding from Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, a
nonprofit private economic development corporation, as well as $7 million from the local park referendum, $5 million in federal grants and $250,000 in state grants.
“The park really has something for everyone to recreate outside,” City of Rochester Park Planner Jeff Feece said.
“Elements that were added to existing facilities include basketball, a nature play and shelter, and a much needed restroom on the west side of the park. We also expanded the east side playground with more inclusive elements and surfacing and filled some important trail gaps. Of course, the main part of the expansion is the aquatics area which includes a new lap and play pool and a splash pad/ children’s wading pool. There are so many family-friendly activities in the park, it is an amazing resource for the entire community.”
Feece said he was proud of the park and recreation department’s ability to oversee the different types of park improvements in a short time period. “It really was a team effort,” he said.
The renovation was made possible through a collaborative process involving city planners, design firms, contractors, community advisory groups, and funders at every level. Regular stakeholder meetings, community feedback, and aligned priorities across agencies ensured a smooth, cohesive effort that aligned with the public needs.
Jody Rader, an associate with urban planning firm HKGi, said the whirlwind project resulted in a really nice park for the community. HKGi, Miller Dunwiddie Architecture, and Ramaker took on the design of the park renovations, while KrausAnderson served as the general contractor.
“DMC is proud to see the renovations to Soldiers Field completed,” DMC Economic Development Agency Executive Director Patrick Seeb said in a blog post for the company. “It was important to us to help the City of Rochester bring this project to life in partnership with the Rochester community.”
A century ago, the American Legion developed a 6-hole golf course in a pasture, which was the start of the park that became Soldiers Field. In 1951, the Legion Memorial was installed to pay tribute to the sacrifices of veterans from southeastern Minnesota. The memorial has been renovated a number of times and continues to be a centerpiece of the park.
At the heart of the upgrades is the new aquatic center, designed to cater to all ages and abilities, which includes:
• a 50-meter lap pool
• a 400-foot lazy river
• water slides
• a wading pool with a multi-level play structure
• splash pad with interactive spray features
• several other play features, such as a climbing wall and basketball hoop
• renovated bath house.
“The aquatics area had a record number of users in its first season, doubling the average from previous seasons,” Feece said. “One of the biggest responses to the aquatics area has been from teenagers in the community. Play elements like the climbing wall, larger slides and lazy river have provided more appeal to this demographic.”
Rader said a diverse community advisory group provided input on the upgrades at
the aquatic center. The advisory group met several times to provide input on ways to make the bathhouse and aquatic center more inclusive. The renovated bath has gender neutral single user changing rooms and showers. Family changing areas are also available.
On the west side of the park is a newly developed Nature Play Area. The playground includes a mud kitchen, willow hut, wood climbing structure, logs, and boulders. The area features structures integrated with native plants and trees.
“Nature play and nature-based areas are very important, especially in an urban park like Soldiers Field,” Feece said.
“Exposure to natural materials like wood, stone, plants, sand, etc. is something many kids don’t have access to in their daily environments. The hope is that this exposure sparks imagination in order that kids grow into adults who respect and care for our natural world.”
The west side of the park already had the Field of Fun Playground, which includes a popular truck sandbox area. A restroom was built between the two play areas but also provides easier access to bathroom facilities for people utilizing the tennis and basketball courts in the area. Romtec designed and supplied the restroom structure, as well as a pavilion structure near the new Nature Play Area.
“These restroom and shelter amenities make it easier for families to congregate and spend time together,” Feece said. “The same holds true with the improvements throughout the park. All of them are meant to draw in people with different interests, abilities, needs, and desires so that they feel welcome.”
Roy Sutherland playground on the east side of the park was expanded to be more inclusive. New surfaces were installed to create ADA paths to the structures, as well as the addition of roll-up features.
Landscape Structures also added swings to the park, as it previously didn’t have any, as well as a merry go-round.
As it continues to serve as a hub for recreation, reflection, and connection, the park embodies the spirit of Rochester – a community that honors its past while embracing the future.
At the time HKGi was developing a master plan for the park, the Discovery Walk – a multipurpose parkway that connects the Heart of the City and Mayo Clinic to Soldiers Field Park – was being completed. Urban planners and landscape architects were able to get early access to the designs of the new trail and incorporate elements from that design into the trail at Soldiers Field Memorial Park.
“Planning that is underway for the downtown core has already brought more opportunities to live, work and socialize in the core areas,” Feece said. “Soldiers Field is so important to these efforts in that it provides access to green space and so many opportunities to recreate in a variety of different ways. The standard we have set with the recent improvements just cements our commitment to make the city more livable through access to a large variety of park facilities.”
Rochester is a vibrant city with historic architecture and walkable neighborhoods. There are many trails throughout the city, which now better connect to the trails inside the park – more seamlessly integrating the park into the city’s fabric. A new Riverwalk with a plaza, trail, landscaping, and overlook was constructed in the
east to provide more scenic views of the Zumbro River, as well as additional opportunities for walking and biking.
A trail connection was also established within the park, near the aquatics center, to better connect the east side of the park to the west side of the park. Near the southwest edge of the park, the Southwest Trail Connection was developed to create a multi-use trail and boardwalk section.
Sports have been an integral part of Soldiers Field Memorial Park since the beginning, and the park added two new lighted basketball courts during its latest renovation project.
Rader said the new courts are really nice and feature adjustable hoops so people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the new facilities.
The park also has a golf course, tennis courts, baseball and softball diamonds, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, a football field, and a running track. In the winter, the park also boasts an outdoor hockey and public skating rink.
These athletic facilities are available for both casual and organized sports. The golf course is a classic 18-hole course.
The revitalized Soldiers Field Memorial Park stands as a testament to community collaboration and vision. As it continues to serve as a hub for recreation, reflection, and connection, the park embodies the spirit of Rochester – a community that honors its past while embracing the future.
“We hope that all the people who use the park feel a healthy sense of ownership that this is one of the places which make the community their home,” Feece said.
The transformation of Soldiers Field Memorial Park illustrates how thoughtful planning, broad collaboration, and community-driven design can breathe new life into public spaces.
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RECOGNIZING MINNESOTA AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR
Each year, MRPA recognizes agencies or organizations in Minnesota for their outstanding achievements. Congratulations to the 22 MRPA Awards of Excellence recipients for projects and programs completed in 2024.
Our Legacy, Our Future: Local Option Sales Tax Referendum for Recreation Facilities
Faced with the rapid deterioration of several aging recreation facilities and the need to ensure continued operation
of these popular amenities, the City of Richfield Recreation Services Department proposed an $80 million investment plan in the City’s recreation infrastructure, calling the initiative, “Our Legacy, Our Future.”
The plan addressed critical issues at three main locations: Wood Lake Nature
The 2024 Roseville Parks Natural Resources Management Master Plan (NRMMP) was developed to guide the city’s natural resource management efforts for the next decade. The primary goals included:
• Capitalizing on prior natural resource success
• Preserving, restoring, and maintaining natural resources to build a more sustainable parks and recreation system
• Promoting community involvement in natural resources management
• Prioritizing short- and long-term planning and collaboration, and developing a road map for ongoing ecological improvement of the Roseville park system
• Developing a “shovel ready” workplan
The key initiatives undertaken in 2024 to meet these objectives included:
• Updating policies and strategies to reflect current environmental challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Conducting extensive field assessments to evaluate the status of native and invasive plant species.
• Engaging the community to ensure that the natural resources plan meets their needs and capitalizes on their skills and abilities
• Expanding the volunteer stewardship program to foster community engagement in conservation efforts.
• Implementing an adaptive management approach that incorporates real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making.
Center - new main building, the Richfield Community Center - new building, and Veterans Park - building improvements at the ice arena, infrastructure improvements at the outdoor pool, and general park improvements for Veterans Park.
For the majority of the funding of these improvements, the City brought a referendum to Richfield voters as part of the general election, asking for them to consider a local, half-percent sales tax option. The City also worked with state and local elected officials to secure state and federal funding for the projects. For the Local Option Sales Tax Referendum campaign, Richfield staff created an informational marketing plan that included handouts, posters, banners and a website, OurLegacyOurFuture.org, to inform residents about the proposed project, the scope and vision for the facilities, the proposed budget, and the project timeline.
The planning process for the master plan was designed to ensure community involvement and deliver a plan aligned with the city’s growth. Key milestones were:
• Initial Request and Approval (2022-2023) - staff requested $50,000 for the master plan. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) recommended approval. The City went out for bid on the project and the Saint Peter City Council approved the acceptance of the bid from ISG to complete the master plan.
• Project Kickoff and Initial Engagement (2023) - initial project team and stakeholder meeting to outline goals and expectation. Then an online survey was sent to gather input
from residents on park priorities. There were pop-up events during the summer as a way to collect community feedback.
•Stakeholder and Public Engagement (2023) - the meeting with community leaders to review and prioritize survey results. Community members reviewed the 60% draft plan, provided feedback, and marked up printed recommendations
• Ongoing Progress and Refinement (2023-2024) - monthly progress reports were shared with the PRAB for continuous updates and feedback. By the end of December, 2023 the PRAB accepted the nearly-final draft plan.
• Final Plan Approval (2024) - the completion of the final Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
In January of 2024, Washington County staff met with the human resources department to review the seasonal needs and the overall recruitment and hiring process. A plan was established to develop needed electronic forms and a recruitment event calendar and hiring initiative proposals were created. The timeline included:
• February 2024 - hiring incentives approved, seasonal positions posted, recruitment began, and orientation and training session schedule was drafted.
• March - May 2024 - human resources staff visited four to eight career fairs or summer job fairs per month to promote open park positions. Park supervisors reviewed candidates, conducted interviews, and hired successful candidates.
• May - June 2024 - orientation sessions were held and staff training began. The first half of lifeguard hiring incentive was paid out.
• August 2024 - second half of lifeguard hiring incentive was paid to eligible staff. Seasonal staff reviews began.
• September - December 2024 - finished seasonal staff reviews, reviewed process for successes and opportunities to improve. Prepared for new cycle of seasonal recruitment and hiring in January/February 2025.
In early January 2024, staff from the parks and recreation team met with the communications division to begin planning for the 2023 parks and recreation annual report. The team presented the idea of a video annual report, with a goal of having it completed by April. The communications team expressed concern about producing the video internally, due to the timing and deadlines; however, the City partners with Town Square Television to produce content for its government access channel, and they were excited to partner on this project.
Town Square TV agreed to produce the video using the City’s existing photos and videos, which resulted in a limited amount of audio/visual work needed to produce voiceovers. Staff from communications worked closely with experts to compile content for the script while parks and recreation worked to gather pictures and videos from the year. To accompany the script, staff labeled each of the photos and videos and put them in the order desired.
In late February 2024, parks and recreation staff recorded standup videos at specific locations and spent a day in the recording studio recording the multiple voiceovers for the video.
In March 2024, staff unveiled the video to the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission, before promoting it on the City’s website and communication channels.
Over the past year, the video has been used as a marketing tool for the department across social media channels, and also for recruitment.
The St. Louis Park Parks and Recreation Department understands that people trust and connect with the experiences of others. Much like Yelp and other crowdsourcing platforms, personal stories have the power to inspire engagement and build a sense of community. With this in mind, St. Louis Park Parks and Recreation developed a one-of-a-kind marketing campaign called “Share Your Story” (#MyParkMemory), where residents and visitors are encouraged to share their meaningful experiences in St. Louis Park’s trails, programs, parks, events, and facilities. The primary goal of “Share Your Story” is to foster a deeper connection between the community and the parks system by celebrating personal experiences and creating a platform for storytelling. By doing so, the program highlights the value of parks and recreation in enhancing quality of life, strengthening community ties, and promoting city offerings. Congratulations to all 2024 MRPA Awards of Excellence winners!
Glacial Valley Park and Building
Glacial Valley Park was created by new housing developments within the City of Cottage Grove. The design met the recreational needs of the community and featured facilities including shelters/ restrooms, multiple sport courts/fields, playground structures, trails, and natural vegetation. In addition, this site provided rental opportunities to serve larger events with greater capabilities such as capacity and technology. This site also served as growth potential for the summer supervised playgrounds, an all-day childcare program.
The goals were to design a modern, tech-friendly facility equipped with infrastructure to support up to 100 users to ensure functionality and accessibility by May 2024. Features such as keyless entry for the facility rental with audio/
CSAH 32 Wildlife Tunnels
The CSAH 32 Reconstruction Project in Dakota County was designed to enhance corridor safety while preserving the region’s ecological integrity, specifically the adjacent Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
The goals and objectives for including wildlife tunnels in the design and
visual capabilities were installed. Ecofriendly materials, energy efficient systems, standard construction/building codes, and green building technologies were used. Solar panels and LED lighting were installed to reduce overall energy consumption and to minimize light pollution.
Preventative maintenance plans were created for sport surfaces, playgrounds, and the building to ensure yearly upkeep for longevity.
The butterfly building design, a unique architectural feature, not only paid homage to
the surrounding prairie landscape but also serves as a model for sustainable building practices. Its dual-wing structure, strategically oriented with eastern and western exposures, maximizes natural sunlight for heating during winter months.
construction of the project included:
• Reducing Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions - the corridor bisects a biodiverse, landlocked wetland complex, making it a high-risk area for wildlife crossings. The project aimed to mitigate these risks by incorporating dedicated wildlife crossings.
• Enhancing Safety for Motorists and Wildlife - by implementing wildlife tunnels, the project sought to create a safe passage for species such as otters, squirrels, and turtles, reducing animalrelated roadway hazards.
• Sustainability and Environmental Protection - the design prioritized habitat connectivity, ensuring that wildlife populations could move freely and safely across the landscape without human intervention.
• Use of Innovative Design Features - the wildlife tunnels were tailored to the local species, considering their movement patterns and habitat needs. These structures were designed with durable materials and strategic placement to maximize their effectiveness.
By integrating these features, the project successfully improved safety and sustainability while setting a precedent for future transportation infrastructure projects that prioritize ecological conservation.
Since its establishment in 1968, Totem Pole Park had seen minimal improvements, aside from a playground refresh and the installation of a neighborhood center. By 2024, it was clear that the park no longer met the evolving needs of the community. The primary goals of this renovation were to:
• Create an Inclusive & Accessible Community Hub – located in a statedesignated environmental justice area, the park serves a high concentration English language learners, and individuals at or below 200% of the poverty level. The project prioritized free, accessible, and culturally relevant recreational opportunities.
• Replace an Underutilized, Vandalized Structure – the removal of a four-season neighborhood center allowed for the construction of a picnic shelter with permanent restrooms, providing a safer, more functional space for gatherings.
• Meet the Growing Demand for Pickleball – this project introduced New Brighton’s first dedicated pickleball courts, responding directly to high resident demand.
• Expand Year-Round Recreation –community feedback led to the addition of an outdoor skating rink, ensuring winter recreation opportunities.
• Enhance Accessibility & Universal Design – the addition of Bankshot Basketball™, often called the “minigolf of basketball”, provides a fully inclusive activity for individuals of all ages and abilities.
• Improve Safety & Infrastructure –parking, pathways, and lighting were
Cascade Lake Park, spanning 225 acres, has evolved over more than 30 years with a vision of creating a sustainable, ecologically rich space for recreation and education. The project involved the
updated for enhanced accessibility, security, and energy efficiency. This redevelopment project prioritized community engagement, sustainability, and equitable access to recreation, ultimately transforming Totem Pole Park into a modern, inclusive, and highly utilized community destination.
creation of a new lake formed from sand and gravel extraction, surrounded by natural areas.
A 2017 master plan review focused on refining the design and reinforcing the park’s commitment to sustainability. Studies on wind, groundwater, and flood management helped shape the park’s features, such as managing wave action at the beach and improving water quality with relocated streams. This stream, which bypassed degraded waters, mimics natural water flow, enhancing biodiversity and supporting native vegetation.
The park also addressed environmental concerns, including the rerouting of the sanitary sewer system to prevent infiltration issues. Urban stormwater waste diverted to protect the lake’s water quality, with additional stormwater management techniques like phosphorous infiltration trenches. Sustainability efforts extended to infrastructure, such as using locally sourced reclaimed wood, solar panels, and creating naturebased play areas.
The new park features included the lake, wetlands, stream relocation, amphitheater, shelters, pavilion, beach, trails, art installations, and fishing access. Future plans include a non-motorized boat launch, more fishing opportunities, picnic shelters, and additional play features. These plans aim to expand the park’s offerings while maintaining its focus on ecological sustainability and providing a natural retreat for the community.
The Washington County Historic Courthouse is the longest standing courthouse in the state of Minnesota and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located high on the hill overlooking downtown Stillwater, it has served as the county seat of government for over 100 years.
Now, as part of the Washington County Park system, the Historic Courthouse offers daily guided and self-guided tours, historical exhibits, activities for families, educational programming for the public, reservable spaces, and public events. A recent capital project was completed at the Historic Courthouse to address water penetration and structural issues with the building.
Work completed includes a full roof replacement, dome and cupola restoration, mortar tuckpointing, brick repair and replacement, and addressing drainage concerns. Specialty contractors were brought into the project in order to match brick and mortar colors and textures to the building to maintain the integrity of the exterior, while preserving the historical look and construction methods. Project goals included completing
the needed repairs to the building on schedule, within allotted budget, and to the standards set by the Minnesota State Historic Preservation office.
The program goal for Casting with Cops was to get the youth in the community to engage with the Bemidji Police Department
in a positive environment and learn to fish.
The Parks and Recreation Department and Bemidji Police Department formed a small working committee led by outreach staff, Emma Realing and Officer Zimbelman to fundraise, organize vendors, purchase
equipment and plan a day of fishing and food in Diamond Point Park. The committee outreached to fishing enthusiasts, vendors, and other government agencies including Bemidji State University, Department of Natural Resources, Beltrami County, Bemidji Fire Department, first responders, and others to assist in teaching youth how to fish, identify fish species, practice casting as well as do fish themed crafts.
The community support and impact was amazing. The attendance was estimated at 200 attendees and almost 100 rods-reel sets were given away to each child who attended the event. Additionally, there were opportunities to take photos with an officer in the photo both, check out fishing kayaks, try out the new fishing pier and get free t-shirts and bags to carry all the fun giveaways. The use of technology included developing a logo that featured casting with cops, promoting the event and contacting vendors, volunteers and participants.
Pickleball programming in Cottage Grove was designed to fill the adult recreational void that was vacant after the folding of adult softball leagues. Residents would travel to local cities such as Woodbury, Hastings, and St. Paul for adult recreational sport offerings as there weren’t any options in their hometown.
The project goals and objectives were to build a thriving pickleball community and unite players of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels in a welcoming environment. To achieve the project goals, staff expanded outreach via social media and community groups. Cottage Grove established sustainable, high-quality programming by creating an accessible, casual, outdoor space for social play and community engagement. Staff hosted tournaments, lessons, and events to encourage participation with a drop-in format for open play.
Technology played a major role in the success of the program. City-led social media provided information on upcoming schedule of events and club/open play court hours. Registration through ActiveNet streamlined program capacity and communication between City staff and community members. Volunteer led
Backyard Chicken Series - Chicken Incubation and Embryology, Coop Group, Chicken Fiesta
This program introduced urban farming through experiential learning. Youth participants learned about food sources, sustainability, composting, animal care, and the developmental growth cycle of chicken embryos. Th key program elements included:
• Understanding the life cycle of a chicken—from a fertilized egg to a hatchling.
• Integrating STEM and art-based activities, such as egg strength tests, egg drop challenges, and growing crystals on eggshells.
• Technology and outreach through ActiveNet to list and publicize the program for registration
• Participants prepared to showcase their newly hatched chicks at the Hennepin County Fair in the 4H tent.
The Backyard Chicken Series expanded to the coop group building by the end of 2024.
Two families from the program were selected. They were provided with their own chicken coops, hatched chicks, and essential supplies, such as water/food containers and one month’s worth of chicken food.
The inaugural community event targeting 100 attendees featured a face painter, bounce house, petting zoo, food vendors, and a participant-voted ‘best in show’ chicken competition with entries from the greater Minneapolis area.
Facebook clubs allowed members to coordinate playing times, rule clarification, and friendly chatter. League lobster was easily accessible to coordinate league contests, tournament matches, and updated season rankings. Public signage featured QR codes for easy access to pickleball program information and reinforced policies within public spaces. Cottage Grove provided facility access to bathrooms, water fountains, and ensured court cleanliness to meet daily expectations.
The Big Year of Bugs was a year-long initiative designed to connect individuals with the outdoors and foster a deeper understanding of the vital role insects play in our ecosystems. Through educational events, programs, a professional speaker series, podcasts, blogs and partnerships, the Big Year of Bugs sparked curiosity and appreciation for insects as essential contributors to ecological health.
Technology was utilized to extend the reach and impact of the initiative. The iNaturalist platform allowed participants to document insect sightings, creating a community-driven data set that connected people to the natural world and contributed valuable ecological information. The podcast series invited experts from the field of entomology to discuss 12 topics directly related to insects and their natural history, providing in-depth knowledge and engaging discussions for listeners. Three Rivers’ social media
channels helped share educational content, reaching a broad audience and further engaging the community.
The goal was to inspire individuals to engage with the natural world and develop a sense of responsibility for protecting it. Bugs are crucial to maintaining biodiversity and the delicate balance of ecosystems. By highlighting their significance, we elevated awareness and encouraged sustainable practices that benefited both humans and wildlife. The community was invited to join in this exciting adventure
where the world of bugs was anything but small. Together they celebrated bugs undeniable importance.
The development of this program was guided by a deep commitment to community engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders, including local Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers, community organizations, and Hennepin County. The planning process prioritized inclusivity, ensuring that the voices of those most impacted were heard and valued. Extensive outreach efforts were conducted to identify the most culturally relevant and nutritious produce for distribution.
Brooklyn Center Parks and Recreation worked in close partnership with local farmers to curate the food selection, ensuring that the offerings aligned with the tastes, dietary traditions, and preferences of the community. Once the planning phase was complete, strategic
logistical decisions were made to optimize accessibility. Distribution sites were carefully selected across the city to ensure convenient access for residents, and the program was structured to span multiple months, providing families with a consistent and reliable source of fresh, locally grown produce.
To maximize awareness and participation, Brooklyn Center implemented an outreach strategy, utilizing social media, local newspapers, and bulletin boards to inform residents about available resources. By fostering
strong partnerships, actively engaging the community, and maintaining a commitment to cultural responsiveness, this program has successfully addressed food insecurity while strengthening local food systems and community resilience.
The three partners that collaborated to successfully launch the Yoga for All program were the City of Brooklyn Center Parks and Recreation Department, Yoga Sanctuary and CAPI USA. Brooklyn Center Community Center (BCCC) offered a variety of fitness classes, but lacked yoga classes. CAPI received the northside wellness grant to get Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) certified to become fitness instructors. Yoga Sanctuary had the knowledge and ability to recruit and train local yoga instructors. It created an opportunity for a new program to be built called Yoga for All.
The first objective was to hold free community yoga workshops to introduce families to yoga, while giving the yoga teachers-in-training practical yoga class hours for teaching experience to earn their
In 2024, New Brighton Parks and Recreation launched the Parks Discovery Day Program to replace the playground program, which had become unsustainable. After identifying the issues, staff reimagined the program to create a sustainable and impactful alternative that met specific goals.
To successfully continue the playground program, staff would have needed smaller group sizes, reducing capacity from about 75 kids to 20 kids. Given the costs required, staff chose to develop a more sustainable program that serves a broader audience. Staff aimed to make the program accessible to all by eliminating fees and registration barriers, while actively promoting it in low-income populations. This approach encouraged participation from those who typically don’t attend programs.
New Brighton Parks and Recreation leveraged community partnerships to enhance the Parks Discovery Program,
yoga teacher’s certificate. The teachers-intraining were BIPOC from the community who are normally underrepresented in the yoga space.
The second objective was to hire these teachers to have their own free weekly
classes at the BCCC. Thanks to CAPI’s partnership and grant funding, these classes remained free, eliminating membership fees and reducing community barriers.
using these connections to provide engaging activities, boost attendance, and connect residents with valuable resources. As parks are redeveloped, guests could go
local parks to see updates, find out about programs, and learn more about the park system.
Busy Beaver Playground was originally built in 1997 and is referred to as a “tot lot” because it’s built for ages six and under.
This is a neighborhood park located near several apartment buildings and includes playground equipment and two small
shelters. After 27 years, the equipment was showing its age and needed significant updating. Vinyl coatings were deteriorating from sun and weather exposure. Certain areas were rusting and the City of Newport had multiple requests to add swings at the park.
Updating playgrounds was the most requested change to their park system in
a 2021 survey conducted by a professional survey. Of the 250 households surveyed, 91% supported upgrading their playgrounds. Pioneer Park playground was in greater need of replacement and unfortunately, there were not funds available to also rebuild Busy Beaver.
While this was happening, Newport staff was also exploring adding a dog park and had asked the St. Paul Park Marathon Refinery for $50,000 for dog park fencing. Their community relations group was eager to help Newport with something the community wanted. Later they called the Mayor of Newport and said they’d rather fund something like a playground than a dog park; and they’d be willing to go as high as $100,000 toward a playground. The Mayor didn’t hesitate, and immediately explained the need to rebuild Busy Beaver Playground.
Many residents in community groups historically underrepresented among visitors to Three Rivers Park District have expressed urgent requests for water-based skills, sharing that their lack of water-based experiences creates a huge obstacle to aquatic-based recreation activities.
This feedback led Three Rivers staff to begin a partnership with V3 Sports, a nonprofit organization with a mission to elevate their community through wellness, fitness and education, which includes a major focus on swimming and water safety at their new facility in North Minneapolis. Three Rivers received grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Education to partner with V3 Sports.
The program’s pilot phase began in February and continued through June 2024. The partnership aimed to empower and equip people with the knowledge and skills to prevent water-related incidents and respond effectively in emergency situations. The goal was for families to
learn essential water safety knowledge and swimming skills in a safe and supportive environment. By the end of this phase, the program hosted more than 10 family water safety workshops, each three to four hours long, reaching a total of 250 people.
Winona Park and Recreation hosted the Free Holiday Shopping experience for the first time in 2024. During the event, 20 different volunteers helped participants pick out gifts and wrap them. Several volunteers donated items to the shop as well.
There were 75 youth that were able to access the shop over six days in December and an estimated 300 family members or other important people received gifts from youth. Staff estimated 700 gifts were wrapped during the six days at the event. During one of the busiest evenings, multiple volunteers were wrapping on all the tables and flat surfaces (including an air hockey, ping pong and pool table) at the East Recreation Center.
Staff typed a short note to send home with all the youth. These notes told guardians about the gifts, how the event was hosted, and thanked the volunteers and community members who donated.
The Saint Peter Library, part of the Recreation and Leisure Services Department and connected to the community center, benefited from a unique interdepartmental partnership. This collaboration enabled seamless coordination between the library, community center, and recreational services, amplifying the department’s impact and fostering a more integrated approach to serving the Saint Peter community.
In 2024, the library focused on empowering teens through leadership, skill development, and hands-on community engagement by creating the Teen Advisory Board
Staff received thank you notes back - one guardian shared a note on social media and two guardians thanked volunteers and staff while they were at the free holiday
(TAB) and VolunTeen Programs in September. These programs offered teens opportunities to volunteer, lead, and create, fostering valuable skills, leadership, and community involvement. The department structure enhances their impact, providing a dynamic, integrated environment for teens to explore their potential and contribute to their community.
The VolunTeen Program offered teens to opportunities to assist with library tasks such as shelving books, helping patrons, and maintaining spaces. Teens proposed and implemented their own projects, including an online book club and a choose-your-ownadventure video game hosted on the library website. These projects enhanced digital literacy, including skills in website development, game design, and online communication.
shopping experience. Volunteers shared with staff about how much they enjoyed the event and how excited the participants were to pick out their gifts.
AAnderson Race Management
Mary Anderson
4047 Camberwell Drive North Eagan, MN 55123 (651) 688-9143 mary@andersonraces.com andersonraces.com
ATE Recreation
Grant Kangas 11500 Wayzata Blvd #1039 Minnetonka, MN 55305 (763) 447-7349 grant@aterecreation.com aterecreation.com
BB32 Engineering Group
Scott Ward 2211 Oneil Road Hudson, WI 54016 (651) 256-3090 scott.ward@b32eng.com b32eng.com
Bituminous Roadways Inc.
Logan Blodgett
1520 Commerce Drive Mendota Heights, MN 55120 (651) 686-7001 logan.blodgett@bitroads.com bitroads.com
Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Anne Gode 1960 Premier Drive Mankato, MN 56001 (952) 890-0509 anne.gode@bolton-menk.com bolton-menk.com
Burbach Aquatics, Inc.
Julie Westemeier 5974 Hwy 80 South Platteville, WI 53818 (608) 348-3262 juliew@burbachinc.com burbachinc.com
CC&C Courts (DBA Sport
Court North
Craig Jones 9208 James Ave South Suite 5 Bloomington, MN 55431 952-746-4545 craig@sportcourtmn.com sportcourtmn.com
Commercial Recreation Specialists, Inc.
Terese Welch 807 Liberty Drive, Suite 101 Verona, WI 53593 (608) 848-8781 crsmarketing@crs4rec.com crs4rec.com
Confluence
Terry Minarik
530 N. Third Street Suite 120 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (952) 451-0144 tminarik@thinkconfluence.com thinkconfluence.com
Creative Resources Agency
Bridget Resig 1208 5th Street South Hopkins, MN 55343 612-558-3268 bridget@acreativeresource.com acreativeresource.com
Custom Bridges and Boardwalks
Joe Krebs 606 Delco Dr Clinton, WI 53525 608-676-2282 contact@custommfginc.com custommfginc.com
Custom Builders Inc.
Jeffrey Reiter 12383 - 234th St. Cold Spring, MN 56320 320-443-0107 jeffrey.reiter@custombuildersmn.com custombuildersmn.com
DDamon Farber Landscape Architects
Tom Whitlock
310 4th Ave South, Suite 7050 Minneapolis, MN 55415 612-332-7522 twhitlock@damonfarber.com damonfarber.com
Daylight Specialists
Jeff May 5001 Drew Ave North Suite 1 Minneapolis, MN 55429 952-818-4854
jeff@daylightspecialists.com daylightspecialists.com
FFinnlySport
Jesse Parker 14990 53rd Ave N Plymouth, MN 55446 800-851-0342 jesse.parker@finnlysport.com finnlysport.com
Fireflies Play Environment Inc.
Camille Calderaro
275 E. 4th St. #620 St. Paul, MN 55101 612-990-2969 camille@lunningwende.com lunningwende.com
Flagship Recreation LLC
Kelly Simich 11123 Upper 33rd St. N. Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (763) 550-7860 kelly@flagshipplay.com flagshipplay.com
GGametime Hero
Britney Hall 6620 Winona Ave San Diego, CA 92120 541-556-8896
britney@gametimehero.com gametimehero.com
Goodmark Nurseries
Mellissa Acevedo 8920 Howe Road Wonder Lake, IL 60097 815-653-9293 melissa@goodmarknurseries.com goodmarknurseries.com
HH+U Construction
Nikki Rugh 5555 West 78th St., Suite A Minneapolis, MN 55439 (612) 438-0258 nrugh@hu-construction.com hu-construction.com
Heritage Products Group
Nick Wilz 1940 Fernbrook Lane N Plymouth, MN 55447 763-477-5885 nick@heritageppg.com heritageppg.com
HGA Architects and Engineers
Nancy Blankfard, AIA 420 North 5th Street, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 758-4000 nblankfard@hga.com hga.com
HKGi
Eric Blodgett
800 Washington Ave N Suite 103 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 338-0800 eric@hkgi.com hkgi.com
Horizon Commercial Pool Supply
Jason Gillet 4444 Round Lake Road West Arden Hills, MN 55112 (651) 917-3075 jason.gillet@horizonpoolsupply.com horizonpoolsupply.com
HydroApps LLC
Courtney Klein PO Box 31894 St. Louis, MO 63131 314-377-5769 courtneyklein@hydroapps.com hydroapps.com
ISG
Amanda Prosser 6465 Wayazata Blvd. Suite 970 St. Louis Park, MN 55426 (952) 426-0699 amanda.prosser@isginc.com isginc.com
JJLG Architects
Tom Betti 710 South 2nd St. 8th Floor Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 746-4260
TBetti@jlgarchitects.com jlgarchitects.com
Johnson Fitness
Drew Wurst
7585 Equitable Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 500-0508
drew.wurst@johnsonfit.com johnsonfit.com
Kimley-Horn
Ben Sporer 767 Eustis Street Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55114 612-351-0627 ben@kimley-horn.com kimley-horn.com
KL Engineering
Michael Ostendorf 393 Red Cedar Street Suite 2 Menomonie, WI 54751 715-231-1600
Michael.Ostendorf@klengineering.com klengineering.com
Kompan
John Engfer
605 West Howard Lane, Suite 101 Austin, TX 78753 (612) 940-1138 joheng@kompan.com kompan.com
Kraus-Anderson
Eric Quam 501 South 8th Street Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 332-7281 eric.quam@krausanderson.com krausanderson.com
Megan Andrada 601 7th Street South Delano, MN 55328 (888) 438-6574
meganandrada@playlsi.com playlsi.com
LHB, Inc.
Lydia Major 701 Washington Avenue North, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 338-2029 lydia.major@lhbcorp.com lhbcorp.com
Life Floor
Briana Valente 2010 East Hennepin, Suite 208 Minneapolis, MN 55413 (612) 986-7560 briana.valente@lifefloor.com lifefloor.com
M
Mid-America Pool Renovation
Ryan Thompson 5929 154th Terrace
Springfield, MO 816-994-3300
ryan@poolrenovation.com poolrenovation.com
Midwest Playscapes, Inc.
Andrew Pudwill 8632 Eagle Creek Circle Savage, MN 55378 (800) 747-1452 andrew@midwestplayscapes.com midwestplayscapes.com
MWP Recreation
Harlan Lehman PO Box 27328
Golden Valley, MN 55427 (800) 622-5425 harlan@mnwiplay.com mnwiplay.com
Musco Sports - Lighting
Brock Carstens
100 1st Ave West Oskaloosa, IA 52577 (763) 533-2030 brock.carstens@musco.com musco.com
MyRec.com
Colleen Kinkade PO Box 16997 Salt Lake City, UT 84116 (802) 465-9732 info@myrec.com myrec.com
NNational Fitness Campaign
Lindsay Valenti 1740 Kearny Street San Francisco, CA 94133 (518) 596-3944 lindsay@nfchq.com nfchq.com
Northland Recreation
Bill Johnson 10085 Bridgewater Bay Woodbury, MN 55129 (651) 815-4097 info@northlandrec.com northlandrec.com
Nystrom Publishing Company
Gerry Nystrom 9100 Cottonwood Lane Maple Grove, MN 55369 (763) 425-7900 gerry@nystrompublishing.com nystrompublishing.com
OOertel Architects, LTD.
Andrew Cooper 1795 St. Clair Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55105 (651) 696-5186 bdever@oertelarchitects.com oertelarchitects.com
Outdoorlink, Inc.
Dave Ramirez 3058 Leeman Ferry Rd SW Huntsville, AL 35801 813-758-7762 dave@outdoorlinkinc.com outdoorlinkinc.com
PPernsteiner Creative Group, Inc.
Todd Pernsteiner 5115 Excelsior Blvd. #433 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 841-1111
todd@pernsteiner.com pernsteiner.com
Plaisted Companies
Brian Thunberg
11555 205th Ave NW Elk River, MN 55330 (763) 450-9145 bthunberg@plaistedcompanies.com plaistedcompanies.com
Pleva Mechanical Inc.
Taylor Stone 13420 Bittersweet Rd Woodward, IA 50276 515-438-2279 taylor@plevamechanical.com pleva.org
Premier Polysteel
Tim Solum
305 Enterprize Dr. Northwood, IA 50459 (507) 301-1655 tim@premierpolysteel.com premierpolysteel.com
RRadar Talent Solutions
Josiah Misselt 4406 Beard Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55410 612-473-2060 josiah@radartalentsolutions.com radartalentsolutions.com
Rec Technologies Inc.
Rachel Williams 1624 California Street San Francisco, CA 94109 rachel@rec.us rec.us
RJ Thomas Manufacturing / Pilot Rock
Justin Jorgensen PO Box 946 Cherokee, IA 51012-0946 (800) 762-5002 jjorgensen@rjthomas.com rjthomas.com
RJM Construction
Brad Barickman 830 Boone Avenue North Golden Valley, MN 55427 (952) 837-8600 brad.barickman@rjmconstruction.com rjmconstruction.com
Rock Hard Landscape Supply
Kim Gaida-Wagner 3600 Hwy 13 West Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 895-7408 kgaida@rockhardmn.com rockhardmn.com
Romtec, Inc.
Hannah Duncan 18240 N Bank Road Roseburg, OR 97470 (541) 496-3541 hduncan@romtec.com romtec.com
SSafetyFirst Specialty Contracting, Inc.
Marissa Bauer 31095 Baugh Street NW Princeton , MN 55371 (651) 210-7038 marissa.bauer@ safetyfirstplayground.com safetyfirstplayground.com
SitelogIQ
Kate Carroll 7900 W 78th St, Ste 400 Edina, MN 55439 888-514-1971 kate.carroll@sitelogiq.com sitelogiq.com
Snow Kreilich Architects
Alita Major 219 North 2nd Street Suite 201 Minneapolis, MN 55401 612-752-0261
alita@snowkreilich.com snowkreilich.com
Sports Lighting Authority
Harlan Gallop
11900 Wayzata Blvd Suite 216G Minnetonka, MN 55305 (763) 525-0070 hgallop@sportslightingauthority.com sportslightingauthority.com
SRF Consulting Group Inc.
Ken Grieshaber 3701 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55416-3791 (763) 475-0010 kgrieshaber@srfconsulting.com srfconsulting.com
Errors and Omissions:
St. Croix Recreation
Chris Johnsen
1826 Tower Drive West Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 430-1247 cj@stcroixrec.com stcroixrec.com
Stantec
Todd Wichman 2335 West Hwy 36 St. Paul, MN 55113 (612) 712-2145 todd.wichman@stantec.com stantec.com
Synthetic Turf Solutions of MN
Mark Prince 7546 Kimberly Lane Eden Prairie, MN 55346 (952) 913-7012
mark@synthetic-turf-mn.com syntheic-turf-mn.com
TTerra Construction
Alysia Karger 21025 Commerce Blvd Suite 1000 Rogers, MN 55374 763-202-2819
Alsia@terragc.com terragc.com
TKDA
Holly Ball
1500 Piper Jaffray Plaza 444 Cedar St Saint Paul, MN 55101 (651) 292-4400 holly.ball@tkda.com tkda.com
UUSTA Northern
Pat Colbert
2685 Vikings Circle Suite #100 Eagan, MN 55121 (952) 358-3283 pat.colbert@usta.northern.com usta.northern.com
WWebber Recreational Design
Jay Webber 1442 Brooke Ct Hastings, MN 55033 (800) 677-5153 customerservice@webberrec.com webberrec.com
Widseth
Jillian Reiner 610 Fillmore Street Alexandria, MN 56308 320-335-5011 jillian.reiner@widseth.com winseth.com
WSB
Candace Amberg 701 Xenia Ave South Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (763) 231-4848 candace@wsbeng.com wsbeng.com
Listing includes members as of September 15, 2025. The information provided in this Buyer’s Guide is for reference purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the listings. Minnesota Recreation & Park Association (MRPA) does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein. All company details, including contact information and services, are subject to change without notice. MRPA assumes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies. We recommend verifying all information directly with the companies listed. Corporate members, if you find an error in your listing, please email bethani.gerhard@mnrpa.org and we will correct it in the online version.
Horizon Commercial Pool Supply
Jason Gillet 4444 Round Lake Road West Arden Hills, MN 55112 (651) 917-3075 jason.gillet@horizonpoolsupply.com horizonpoolsupply.com
HydroApps LLC
Courtney Klein PO Box 31894 St. Louis, MO 63131 (314) 377-5769 courtneyklein@hydroapps.com hydroapps.com
Mid-America Pool Renovation
Ryan Thompson 5929 154th Terrace Springfield, MO (816) 994-3300 ryan@poolrenovation.com poolrenovation.com
Architecture / Engineering
B32 Engineering Group
Scott Ward 2211 Oneil Road Hudson, WI 54016 (651) 256-3090 scott.ward@b32eng.com b32eng.com
Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Anne Gode 1960 Premier Drive Mankato, MN 56001 (952) 890-0509 anne.gode@bolton-menk.com bolton-menk.com
Confluence
Burbach Aquatics, Inc.
Julie Westemeier 5974 Hwy 80 South Platteville, WI 53818 (608) 348-3262 juliew@burbachinc.com burbachinc.com
Terry Minarik 530 N. Third Street Suite 120 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (952) 451-0144 tminarik@thinkconfluence.com thinkconfluence.com
Damon Farber Landscape
Architects
Tom Whitlock 310 4th Ave South, Suite 7050 Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 332-7522 twhitlock@damonfarber.com damonfarber.com
HGA Architects and Engineers
Nancy Blankfard, AIA 420 North 5th Street, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 758-4000 nblankfard@hga.com hga.com
HKGi
Eric Blodgett 800 Washington Ave N Suite 103 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 338-0800 eric@hkgi.com hkgi.com
ISG
Amanda Prosser 6465 Wayazata Blvd. Suite 970 St. Louis Park, MN 55426 (952) 426-0699 amanda.prosser@isginc.com isginc.com
JLG Architects
Tom Betti 710 South 2nd St. 8th Floor Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 746-4260 TBetti@jlgarchitects.com jlgarchitects.com
Kimley-Horn
Ben Sporer 767 Eustis Street Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 351-0627 ben@kimley-horn.com kimley-horn.com
KL Engineering
Michael Ostendorf 393 Red Cedar Street Suite 2 Menomonie, WI 54751 (715) 231-1600
Michael.Ostendorf@klengineering.com klengineering.com
LHB, Inc.
Lydia Major
701 Washington Avenue North, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 338-2029 lydia.major@lhbcorp.com lhbcorp.com
Oertel Architects, LTD.
Andrew Cooper 1795 St. Clair Ave Saint Paul, MN 55105 (651) 696-5186 bdever@oertelarchitects.com oertelarchitects.com
Snow Kreilich Architects
Alita Major 219 North 2nd Street Suite 201 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 752-0261 alita@snowkreilich.com snowkreilich.com
SRF Consulting Group Inc.
Ken Grieshaber
3701 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55416-3791 (763) 475-0010 kgrieshaber@srfconsulting.com srfconsulting.com
Stantec
Todd Wichman 2335 West Hwy 36 St. Paul, MN 55113 (612) 712-2145 todd.wichman@stantec.com stantec.com
TKDA
Holly Ball
1500 Piper Jaffray Plaza 444 Cedar St Saint Paul, MN 55101 (651) 292-4400 holly.ball@tkda.com tkda.com
Widseth
Jillian Reiner 610 Fillmore Street Alexandria, MN 56308 (320) 335-5011 jillian.reiner@widseth.com widseth.com
WSB
Candace Amberg 701 Xenia Ave South Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (763) 231-4848 candace@wsbeng.com wsbeng.com
Bituminous Roadways Inc.
Logan Blodgett 1520 Commerce Drive Mendota Heights, MN 55120 (651) 686-7001 logan.blodgett@bitroads.com bitroads.com
Creative Resources Agency
Bridget Resig 1208 5th Street South Hopkins, MN 55343 (612) 558-3268 bridget@acreativeresource.com acreativeresource.com
Custom Bridges and Boardwalks
Joe Krebs 606 Delco Dr Clinton, WI 53525 (608) 676-2282 contact@custommfginc.com custommfginc.com
Custom Builders Inc.
Jeffrey Reiter 12383 - 234th St. Cold Spring, MN 56320 (320) 443-0107 jeffrey.reiter@custombuildersmn.com custombuildersmn.com
H+U Construction
Nikki Rugh 5555 West 78th St., Suite A Minneapolis, MN 55439 (612) 438-0258 nrugh@hu-construction.com hu-construction.com
Kraus-Anderson
Eric Quam 501 South 8th Street Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 332-7281 eric.quam@krausanderson.com krausanderson.com
RJM Construction
Brad Barickman 830 Boone Avenue North Golden Valley, MN 55427 (952) 837-8600 brad.barickman@rjmconstruction.com rjmconstruction.com
Terra Construction
Alysia Karger 21025 Commerce Blvd Suite 1000 Rogers, MN 55374 (763) 202-2819 Alsia@terragc.com terragc.com
Johnson Fitness
Drew Wurst 7585 Equitable Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 500-0508 drew.wurst@johnsonfit.com johnsonfit.com
National Fitness Campaign
Lindsay Valenti 1740 Kearny Street San Francisco, CA 94133 (518) 596-3944
lindsay@nfchq.com nfchq.com
Life Floor
Briana Valente 2010 East Hennepin, Suite 208 Minneapolis, MN 55413 (612) 986-7560 briana.valente@lifefloor.com lifefloor.com
Graphic Design
Pernsteiner Creative Group, Inc.
Todd Pernsteiner 5115 Excelsior Blvd. #433 t. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 841-1111 todd@pernsteiner.com pernsteiner.com
Radar Talent Solutions
Josiah Misselt 4406 Beard Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55410 (612) 473-2060
josiah@radartalentsolutions.com radartalentsolutions.com
Heritage Products Group
Nick Wilz 1940 Fernbrook Lane N Plymouth, MN 55447 (763) 477-5885 nick@heritageppg.com heritageppg.com
Plaisted Companies
Brian Thunberg 11555 205th Ave NW Elk River, MN 55330 (763) 450-9145 bthunberg@plaistedcompanies.com plaistedcompanies.com
Rock Hard Landscape Supply
Kim Gaida-Wagner 3600 Hwy 13 West Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 895-7408 kgaida@rockhardmn.com rockhardmn.com
Lighting
Daylight Specialists
Jeff May 5001 Drew Ave North Suite 1 Minneapolis, MN 55429 (952) 818-4854 jeff@daylightspecialists.com daylightspecialists.com
Musco Sports - Lighting
Brock Carstens
100 1st Ave West
Oskaloosa, IA 52577 (763) 533-2030 brock.carstens@musco.com musco.com
Outdoorlink, Inc.
Dave Ramirez
3058 Leeman Ferry Rd SW Huntsville, AL 35801 (813) 758-7762
dave@outdoorlinkinc.com outdoorlinkinc.com
Sports Lighting Authority
Harlan Gallop 11900 Wayzata Blvd Suite 216G Minnetonka, MN 55305 (763) 525-0070 hgallop@sportslightingauthority.com sportslightingauthority.com
Nurseries
Goodmark Nurseries
Mellissa Acevedo 8920 Howe Road Wonder Lake, IL 60097 (815) 653-9293
melissa@goodmarknurseries.com goodmarknurseries.com
Playground & Park Furnishings
ATE Recreation
Grant Kangas
11500 Wayzata Blvd #1039 Minnetonka, MN 55305 (763) 447-7349 grant@aterecreation.com aterecreation.com
Commercial Recreation Specialists, Inc.
Terese Welch 807 Liberty Drive, Suite 101 Verona, WI 53593 (608) 848-8781 crsmarketing@crs4rec.com crs4rec.com
Fireflies Play Environment Inc.
Camille Calderaro
275 E. 4th St. #620 St. Paul, MN 55101 (612) 990-2969 camille@lunningwende.com lunningwende.com
Flagship Recreation LLC
Kelly Simich 11123 Upper 33rd Street North Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (763) 550-7860 kelly@flagshipplay.com flagshipplay.com
Gametime Hero
Britney Hall 6620 Winona Ave San Diego, CA 92120 (541) 556-8896 britney@gametimehero.com gametimehero.com
Kompan
John Engfer 605 West Howard Lane, Suite 101 Austin, TX 78753 (612) 940-1138 joheng@kompan.com kompan.com
Landscape Structures
Megan Andrada 601 7th Street South Delano, MN 55328 (888) 438-6574 meganandrada@playlsi.com playlsi.com
Midwest Playscapes, Inc.
Andrew Pudwill 8632 Eagle Creek Circle Savage, MN 55378 (800) 747-1452 andrew@midwestplayscapes.com midwestplayscapes.com
MWP Recreation
Harlan Lehman PO Box 27328 Golden Valley, MN 55427 (800) 622-5425 harlan@mnwiplay.com mnwiplay.com
Northland Recreation
Bill Johnson 10085 Bridgewater Bay Woodbury, MN 55129 (651) 815-4097 info@northlandrec.com northlandrec.com
St. Croix Recreation
Chris Johnsen 1826 Tower Drive West Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 430-1247 cj@stcroixrec.com stcroixrec.com
Webber Recreational Design
Jay Webber 1442 Brooke Ct Hastings, MN 55033 (800) 677-5153 customerservice@webberrec.com webberrec.com
SafetyFirst Specialty Contracting, Inc.
Marissa Bauer 31095 Baugh Street NW Princeton , MN 55371 (651) 210-7038 marissa.bauer@ safetyfirstplayground.com safetyfirstplayground.com
Printing
Nystrom Publishing Company
Gerry Nystrom 9100 Cottonwood Lane Maple Grove, MN 55369 (763) 425-7900 gerry@nystrompublishing.com nystrompublishing.com
Race Management
Anderson Race Management
Mary Anderson
4047 Camberwell Drive North Eagan, MN 55123 (651) 688-9143 mary@andersonraces.com andersonraces.com
Restroom & Park
Structures
Romtec, Inc.
Hannah Duncan 18240 N Bank Road Roseburg, OR 97470 (541) 496-3541 hduncan@romtec.com romtec.com
Sensors / Controls
Pleva Mechanical Inc.
Taylor Stone 13420 Bittersweet Rd Woodward, IA 50276 (515) 438-2279 taylor@plevamechanical.com pleva.org
Premier Polysteel
Tim Solum
305 Enterprize Dr. Northwood, IA 50459 (507) 301-1655
tim@premierpolysteel.com premierpolysteel.com
RJ Thomas Manufacturing / Pilot Rock
Justin Jorgensen PO Box 946 Cherokee, IA 51012-0946 (800) 762-5002 jjorgensen@rjthomas.com rjthomas.com
C&C Courts (DBA Sport Court North)
Craig Jones 9208 James Ave South Suite 5 Bloomington, MN 55431 (952) 746-4545 craig@sportcourtmn.com sportcourtmn.com
FinnlySport
Jesse Parker 14990 53rd Ave N Plymouth, MN 55446 (800) 851-0342 jesse.parker@finnlysport.com finnlysport.com
MyRec.com
Colleen Kinkade PO Box 16997
Salt Lake City, UT 84116 (802) 465-9732 info@myrec.com myrec.com
Rec Technologies Inc.
Rachel Williams 1624 California Street San Francisco, CA 94109 rachel@rec.us rec.us
USTA Northern
Pat Colbert 2685 Vikings Circle Suite #100 Eagan, MN 55121 (952) 358-3283
pat.colbert@usta.northern.com usta.northern.com
Synthetic Turf Solutions of MN
Mark Prince 7546 Kimberly Lane Eden Prairie, MN 55346 (952) 913-7012 mark@synthetic-turf-mn.com syntheic-turf-mn.com
From vibrant schoolyards to inclusive community parks, our playgrounds are crafted to spark imagination and support every stage of play. With decades of experience, cutting-edge design, and a passion for play, we bring your ideas to life.
Our projects feature:
• Custom-themed play structures
• Inclusive play zones
• Nature-inspired designs
• Sensory areas
• Durable, eco-friendly materials
We partner with brands that we trust. In turn, we can produce safe, sustainable, and inspiring playgrounds. Each project reflects our commitment to creativity, quality, and community.
Ready to build your next playground? Explore our portfolio and see how we turn ideas into places where kids thrive.
Our splash pad designs offer interactive, imaginative and inclusive water experiences for people of all ages and abilities. From thrilling surprises to inventive challenges, innovative products from Aquatix encourage exploration while ensuring that every splash delivers a smile. Find inspiration for your splash spaces at aquatix.playlsi.com. Splash into the world of water play with Aquatix®!