MRPA Magazine Fall 2026 by Pernsteiner Creative Group, Inc.

MINNESOTA RECRE ATION & PARKS VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 4 • FALL 2026

2025

RECOGNIZING MINNESOTA AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR OUTSTANDING 2025 ACHIEVEMENTS MINNESOTA MINNESOTA RECREATION & PARKS

2026

2026 MRPA CORPORATE

RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION

3 202 BUYER’S RCIAL E M COM GUIDE GUIDE BUYER’S

ALSO INSIDE: • 2026 MRPA Lifeguard Competition Winners

• Theodore Wirth Home Opened to Visitors During May’s ‘Doors Open Minneapolis’

< • 2026 Commercial Buyer’s Guide

www.mnrpa.org

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MINNESOTA

RECREATION & PARKS

UPCOMING MRPA EVENTS

Publisher Minnesota Recreation and Park Association 200 Charles Street NE, Fridley, MN 55432 www.mnrpa.org Tel: 763.571.1305

MRPA Retiree Luncheon September 16 Springbrook Nature Center Fridley

An affiliate of National Recreation and Park Association

Editorial Staff Michelle J. Snider Bethani Gerhard

Cert ified Play ground Safe ty Inspec tor Co urse & September 23 Exam -25 New Brighton Community Ce nter

Emerging Re Leaders Inst creation itute (ERLI) 2 Fall of 2026 Various Loca tions

Advertising Sales / Magazine Design Todd Pernsteiner Pernsteiner Creative Group todd@pernsteiner.com 952.841.1111

MRPA Annual Conference 2026 October 20 - 23 Duluth Entertainment Convention Center

Annual Gen eral Meetin g & Awards Lu nche Januar y 8, 20 on 27 Eagan Comm unity Center

MRPA Board of Directors 2026 President: Sonya Rippe, Plymouth President-Elect: Alex McKinney, Washington County Past President: Eric Carlson, Apple Valley Secretary: Tracy Petersen, Edina Treasurer: Andy Soltvedt, Anoka County

Visit www.mnrpa.org for more details and to register.

RSC Chair: Chris Morrow, Maple Grove East Metro: Kelly Distad-Arvold, New Brighton East Metro: Kellee Omlid, Farmington East Metro: JJ Williams, Washington County Northeast Region: Carson Law, Wright County Northwest Region: Lynn Neumann, Hutchinson Southern Region: Eric Anderson, Owatonna

WHAT’S INSIDE…

West Metro: Nikki Friederich, St. Louis Park West Metro: Greg Simmons, Champlin West Metro: Jenna Smith, New Hope 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 2027 issue: January 9, 2027 Spring 2027 Issue: March 6, 2027 Summer 2027 issue: June 7, 2027 Fall 2027 issue: September 14, 2027

2025

From the President................................................ 4 MRPA in Action...................................................5-7 Keeping Up......................................................... 8-9 Membership That Moves the Profession Forward.........................................10-11

MRPA reserves the right to approve all submitted advertising in MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks magazine.

Foundation Corner......................................... 12-13

View past issues at www.mnrpa.org/Publications.

From Community Park to Community Destination: The Transformation of Commons Park............................................... 20-22

2026 MRPA Lifeguard Competition.............14-16 New Ulm Installs Communication Board.....16-17

14 16

Historic Theodore Wirth Home Opened to Visitors in May............................ 23-26

MRPA Awards of Excellence 2025..... 27-45 2026 Corporate Buyer’s Guide.....................47-58 Advertising Index................................................58

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 3

FROM THE PRESIDENT By Sonya Rippe, MRPA President 2026

Dear MRPA Members – Fall is upon us, which is my favorite time of the year! Cooler temperatures, leaves turning brilliant colors, and football season (Skol, Vikings!) make this a special time in Minnesota. While the days may be getting shorter, our parks continue to provide endless opportunities to recreate, connect, and enjoy the outdoors. The Awards Committee was busy this spring reviewing 45 applications for the Awards of Excellence program, which recognizes agencies across Minnesota for outstanding achievements in parks, recreation, and leisure services. Across six categories, 28 award recipients were recognized this summer for their exceptional work and contributions to our profession. The MRPA Board of Directors continues to advance the 2024–2026 Strategic Plan through focused efforts in Funding Sustainability, Membership & Governance, and Staffing. The Board is finishing the year strong with the approval of updated bylaws in August, along with continued work on the Manual of Procedures, Human Resources Handbook, and other important organizational priorities. As we move closer to completing this strategic plan, the Board is engaging in thoughtful discussions about what our association should look like beyond 2026. This fall, the Board will distribute a membership survey to gather additional feedback and help guide the development of our next strategic plan. Throughout this process, our mission remains our compass: improving the quality of life in Minnesota

by enhancing the profession of parks, open space, recreation, and leisure services. In parks and recreation, we spend our days building community. One of the most important communities we have is our own. Membership in the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association is about more than access. It is about connection, professional growth, and a shared commitment to strengthening parks and recreation across Minnesota. MRPA membership connects you to something bigger than your day-to-day work. It provides: • Professional development that keeps you

learning and evolving • A network of peers who understand your

challenges and share ideas • Leadership and volunteer opportunities

that grow your impact • A stronger, more visible voice for parks

and recreation across the state And perhaps most importantly, membership reminds us that we are not doing this work alone. To be more inclusive of agencies of all sizes, a new membership model designed to be easier to understand will be implemented in 2027. Membership is not just about what you receive; it is also about what you support. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming months as we share additional details about this exciting change. The 2026 MRPA Annual Conference is just around the corner, and we are excited to

return to Duluth after a 25-year absence. The conference will take place October 20–23, 2026, at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. With the theme “Lifted,” the planning committee is working hard to finalize the details for what promises to be an exceptional event. Be on the lookout for a few more opportunities to get involved with MRPA. This fall, there will be a callout for members interested in joining several committees, including the reactivation of the Professional Development Committee and the formation of a 90th Anniversary Committee as we prepare to celebrate MRPA’s 90th Anniversary in 2027. The committees will be structured to ensure broad representation across the membership, so we encourage anyone interested in getting involved to consider participating. As we march into fall, I encourage each of you to take time to enjoy the parks and open spaces you help create and sustain. Fall brings out some of the very best in Minnesota’s parks, lakes, and trails, offering us a chance to slow down, reconnect, and appreciate the places we work so hard to protect and enhance. Thank you for the work you do to make our communities healthier, more vibrant, and more connected — one park, one program, and one person at a time. Warm regards, Sonya Rippe

AS WE MOVE CLOSER TO COMPLETING THE STRATEGIC PLAN, THE BOARD IS ENGAGING IN THOUGHTFUL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WHAT OUR ASSOCIATION SHOULD LOOK LIKE BEYOND 2026. THIS FALL, THE BOARD WILL DISTRIBUTE A MEMBERSHIP SURVEY TO GATHER ADDITIONAL FEEDBACK AND HELP GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR NEXT STRATEGIC PLAN. 4 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

MRPA IN ACTION

Playground Maintenance Courses and Exam There were 30 participants in attendance at the Playground Maintenance Course on September 10 at the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center. This one-day educational class was developed by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) as an overview of playground safety standards and guidelines. There were 32 participants in attendance at the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) course and exam, which was held September 23-25 at the New Brighton Community Center. Thank you to both the City of Brooklyn Park and the City of New Brighton for hosting these playground maintenance courses.

The Playground Maintenance Course is a one-day (6.25 hour) educational course that provides participants with an understanding of basic playground hazards, applying safe maintenance practices on equipment, identifying surfacing types and proper maintenance procedures, and establishing proper record keeping practices. Participants receive a certificate upon completion of the Playground Maintenance Course.

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 5

MRPA IN ACTION

Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute 2 Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute (ERLI2) program kicked off on September 15. Thank you to Fridley Parks and Recreation for hosting the first session at Moore Lake Community Building. MRPA appreciates the support of this leadership program sponsors: Flagship Recreation, Landscape Structures, Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation and Stantec. Thank you to the ERLI 2 committee members Jacob Andersen, Alyssa Blanco, Erin Link, and John W. Stutzman. There are 27 members participating in this year’s program, which meets a total of five dates over the fall season. ERLI is an MRPA professional development program that prepares emerging leaders for career growth through practical education, peer connections, and insights from experienced professionals. Participants will strengthen skills in leadership, project management, staff development, communication, and understanding the broader impact of their work— building a strong foundation for future leadership roles and professional success.

COMMUNITYCENTERED. Recognition naturally follows when exceptional community spaces are created to deliver lasting value. Congratulations to Three Rivers Park District on their Award of Excellence for the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park Redevelopment project.

Bolton-Menk.com

6 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

MRPA IN ACTION

MRPA Retiree Luncheon The 11th Annual MRPA Retiree Luncheon was held September 16 at Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley. The event brought together 18 recent and longtime retirees for an afternoon of camaraderie and connection. Thank you to Fridley Parks and Recreation for hosting!

Front row (left to right): Bob Kojetin, Mary Pat Black, Marcia Bach, Donna Tilsner, Jan Ficken, Leah Just Back row (left to right): Patty Anderson, Chris Esser, Dolf Moon, Chuck Wocken, Jon Oyanagi, Bob Biercheid, Mike Polehna, Greg Mack, Michael Hecker, Terry Just, Bill Bach

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MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 7

KEEPING UP

Brooklyn Center Parks and Recreation Receives Award from National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) The 2026 winner of the Innovation in Equity Award was Brooklyn Center Parks & Recreation for the Reciprocal Swim Lessons. This NRPA award recognizes a park and recreation agency leading an innovative project that improves access to the benefits of local parks and recreation for everyone in the community, no matter the color of their skin, age, income level or ability. The NRPA Innovation Awards recognize park and recreation agencies nationwide that have improved and strengthened their communities through innovative practices in park design, health and wellness, conservation, and equity. Winners will be recognized during the NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA.

8 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

St. Louis Park Basketball Court Ribbon Cutting Gets Surprise Visitor Earlier this year, the St. Louis Park city council approved a $45,000 donation from nonprofit organization Good Sports and Gatorade Fuel Tomorrow, in partnership with Paige Bueckers, to renovate the basketball court at Blackstone Park. Paige Bueckers made a surprise appearance at the ribbon cutting event on Aug. 10 and stuck around to play basketball drills with youth from around the Twin Cities. St. Louis Park mayor and council members were in attendance for the ribbon cutting as well. Bueckers grew up in St. Louis Park and says the court at Blackstone is where she “fell in love with the game.” She played for the Hopkins High School varsity team for five seasons and went on to play at UConn before being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings.

KEEPING UP

City of Eden Prairie Hosts Stanley Cup Viewing Party The City of Eden Prairie hosted a public appearance with Jackson Blake from the Carolina Hurricanes this summer. The Stanley Cup viewing party was held on July 30, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Eden Prairie Community Center. Jackson Blake returned to his hometown of Eden Prairie to present the Stanley Cup after the Hurricanes defeated the Las Vegas Golden Knights 4–2 in the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Finals. An estimated 1,300 fans lined up around the Eden Prairie Community Center to see Jackson Blake.

DESIGN THAT REVEALS THE PULSE OF NATURE

thinkconfluence.com

HIGHLAND BRIDGE | ST. PAUL, MN 2026 NATIONAL ASLA URBAN DESIGN AWARD WINNER

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 9

Membership That Moves the Profession Forward Introducing New 2027 MRPA Membership Rates In parks and recreation, we spend our days building community. One of the most important communities we have is our own. Membership in the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association is about more than just access. It is about connection, professional growth, and a shared commitment to strengthening parks and recreation across Minnesota.

For 2027, MRPA is introducing a new membership model designed to be easier to understand and more inclusive for agencies of all sizes. The previous structure included multiple categories, agency fees, and per-person costs that could be difficult to navigate. The new model simplifies everything into a straightforward tiered structure based on the number of members in your organization. Here is what that looks like: # of Members

Annual Membership

$325

$650

$975

4-5

$1,300

challenges and share ideas

6-10

$2,250

• Leadership and volunteer opportunities

11-15

$2,750

16-20

$3,250

Unlimited

$3,750

MRPA membership connects you to something bigger than your day-to-day work. It provides: • Professional development that keeps you

learning and evolving • A network of peers who understand your

that grow your impact • A stronger, more visible voice for parks

and recreation across the state And maybe most importantly, it reminds you that you are not doing this work alone.

This shift is about more than simplifying dues. It is about expanding access.

10 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

Under the previous model, agencies paid a base fee plus individual memberships, which could limit how many staff were included. The new structure encourages broader participation by making it more cost-effective to include your entire team. That means: • More staff connected to professional

development • More voices contributing to networks

and discussions • More opportunities for emerging

For many agencies, this model creates an opportunity to move from “a few members” to “our whole team is part of MRPA.” Membership is not just about what you receive. It is also about what you support. Your involvement helps strengthen the profession and supports initiatives like scholarships through the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation, leadership development, and statewide collaboration.

In a time when expectations are rising and resources are tight, staying connected and informed is more important than ever. If your agency has not yet explored the new membership model, now is the time. Because when more of us are at the table, sharing ideas, learning from each other, and growing together, the entire profession benefits. And ultimately, so do the communities we serve.

professionals to get involved early

Award Winning Parks & Recreation Architecture

Stop by Our Booth at the MRPA Conference Oct 22, Duluth, MN

SERVICES PROVIDED Architecture Interior Design Historic Preservation Building Science Programming | Planning Building Assessment Project Visualization | Concept Design

100 Washington Avenue South, Suite 500 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 612 337 0000 | www.millerdunwiddie.com

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 11

See You in Duluth!

A Very Special Thank You

Conference season is almost here, and the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation is looking forward to seeing everyone in Duluth!

I also want to take this opportunity to recognize Sally Callahan for an incredibly generous $5,000 gift to the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation. This gift would be remarkable on its own, but it comes on top of years of extraordinary generosity from Sally and the Callahan family. Their support of MRPF has included a legacy gift, an ongoing commitment of $1,000 each year toward scholarships, and continued investment in the future of our profession. There are people and families whose support becomes woven into the history of an organization, and the Callahan family is certainly one of those for MRPF. Sally, thank you not only for this generous gift, but for believing so strongly in the Foundation, in our scholarship recipients, and in the parks and recreation professionals who serve communities throughout Minnesota. We are incredibly grateful.

The MRPA Annual Conference is always one of my favorite opportunities to reconnect with colleagues from across the state, celebrate the work happening in our profession, and, of course, have a little fun while supporting the Foundation. This year, MRPF will once again have several ways to join in and help us raise funds that go directly back into supporting parks and recreation professionals and students across Minnesota. Heads or Tails Split the Pot is back! It’s simple, it gets competitive surprisingly fast, and someone is going home with half the pot. The other half supports MRPF and the work we do throughout the year.

Come Find Us at Conference We’ll also have our Beer & Wine Pull during the Exhibit Hall. Pick a bottle, take a chance, and help support the Foundation at the same time. These conference fundraisers are always a lot of fun, but they also make a real difference. Every raffle ticket and bottle purchased helps us continue investing in scholarships, professional development, and the people who make Minnesota parks and recreation what it is.

When you get to Duluth, make sure MRPF is on your conference list. Join us for the opening party, stop by during the Exhibit Hall, play Heads or Tails, take your chances at the Beer & Wine Pull, and say hello. The fundraising is important, but so is the connection. MRPF exists because of this profession and the people in it. Conference is one of the best times of the year to celebrate both. See you in Duluth! Jennifer Fink President Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation

FUN WITH THE FOUNDATION AT THE MRPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

WELCOME PARTY Tuesday, October 20; 5:30 pm Night one at the MRPA conference, swing on by Duluth’s original Grandmas for networking and supporting the Foundation before the week begins. Grandma’s Canal Park, 522 Lake Ave S. Duluth, MN 55802

PRESS YOUR LUCK WITH

WINE & CRAFT BEER PULL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 1:00 - 4:00 PM AT THE MRPA CONFERENCE IN THE EXHIBIT HALL.

Heads Tails

BUY YOUR BEADS AT THE EXHIBIT HALL FOR A CHANCE TO WIN 50% OF THE PRIZE POOL!

If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Aimee Peterson at apeterson@maplegrovemn.gov.

FALL NE W I N I T I AT I V E G RANT DUE F R I D AY, O C T O B E R 30 AT 4:30 P M 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. S U BMIT AN APPLICATION AT MNRP F. ORG / G RANTS

Champions Crowned at 4th Annual MRPA Lifeguard Competition 17 TEAMS COMPETED FOR THE TITLE

By Bethani Gerhard, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association

Seventeen lifeguard teams competed on a warm Sunday morning this summer at the New Hope Aquatic Park. Teams had a great time assessing aquatic-related scenarios and competitions. This was the third annual MRPA Lifeguard Competition held on July 26, 2026 Congratulations to the following teams for placing in the competition: 1st Place – Shady Oak Beach, City of Minnetonka 2nd Place – Edina Aquatic Center, City of Edina 3rd Place – Anoka County Parks, Bunker Beach

14 MINNESOTA MINNESOTARecreation Recreation&&Parks Parks| |www.mnrpa.org www.mnrpa.org

2026 Competition Winners

1st Place – Shady Oak Beach, City of Minnetonka

MRPA Aquatics Network Lifeguard Competition planning committee

2nd Place – Edina Aquatic Center, City of Edina

MRPA extends a thank you to all the volunteers and the following MRPA Aquatics Network members for planning this year’s event: • Mikayla Beuch, St. Louis Park • Alyssa Blanco, Edina • Heather Flock, South St. Paul • Tescha Lindquist, Red Wing • Megan Mulligan, Minnetonka • Kevin O’Brien, Faribault • Tony Portesan, New Hope • Bridget Russell, Greater

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area, Minnesota

3rd Place – Anoka County Parks, Bunker Beach

• Olivia Steffl, Crystal

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 15

A special thank you to the sponsors helping make this year’s event happen – Horizon Commercial Pools for and Abbey’s Hope. MRPA would also like to thank the City of New Hope for hosting this event at their aquatic park. The MRPA Aquatics Network always looking for help implementing next year’s competition. If your aquatics staff is interested in getting involved, have them join our meetings the first Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Most meetings are via zoom or have a Zoom option if they meet in-person. Planning for this lifeguard competition begins after the New Year. Interested in hosting the event at your facility? Contact Mikayla Beuch at mbeuch@stlouisparkmn.gov.

where

Vision meets Environment

Milford Mine Memorial Park, Near Crosby MN

Jillian Reiner PLA, ASLA, RSP1 Landscape Architect 320.335.5011 Jillian.Reiner@Widseth.com

16 MINNESOTA MINNESOTARecreation Recreation&&Parks Parks| |www.mnrpa.org www.mnrpa.org

RECREATION REIMAGINED SMART DESIGN FOR EVERY SPORT, EVERY SEASON. The City of Rogers envisioned a year-round, multi-sport facility built to serve its growing community. JLG Architects helped make it happen. Named a 2025 Top Project by Finance & Commerce, the HealthPartners Fieldhouse at the TruStone Center is an 85,538-square-foot permanent, preengineered stretched-fabric structure. This smart design alternative avoids the high operational costs of inflatable domes while connecting seamlessly to the existing Rogers Activity Center. Premium Pivot® turf ensures this grass is always greener, with flexible field space designed to accommodate soccer, football, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. Beyond team sports, the Fieldhouse’s most popular amenities extend to a walking track, batting cages, and a mezzanine-level playground, welcoming families and athletes alike.

Look for JLG at this year’s conference — we’ll be sharing more about this project and others. To see more from JLG’s Sports Studio, scan the QR code.

New Ulm Installs its First

Communication Board By Cheryl Kormann, New Ulm Parks and Recreation

The City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Department is proud to have recently installed a communication board in its highest profile park, Hermann Heights. The City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Department is proud to have recently installed a communication board in its highest profile park, Hermann Heights. A communication board is a visual tool designed to support individuals who, for various reasons, experience challenges expressing themselves verbally. Using symbols, pictures, and action cues, the board helps people communicate needs, feelings, and requests, ensuring that everyone can fully participate in community spaces. The board provides a different option to communicate and benefits individuals with language delays or barriers and/or designed for those that need visuals.

A communication board is a visual tool designed to support individuals who, for various reasons, experience challenges expressing themselves verbally. Using symbols, pictures, and action cues, the board helps people communicate needs, feelings, and requests, ensuring that everyone can fully participate in community spaces. 18 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

The board was funded through a generous donation from Tavern 507, a restaurant located inside New Ulm’s Best Western Hotel. The idea was spearheaded by Kallie Schugel, Brown County’s autism social worker, who has a passion for serving; so much so, that she waitresses at Tavern 507 for fun. Tavern 507 had recently opened, and since Schugel felt strongly about the importance of giving back to the community, she approached General Manager Bethany Scott. She asked Scott if they would be interested in fundraising for a communication board to be placed in one of New Ulm’s popular and frequently visited parks. “The rest was history,” stated Scott. This idea took on a whole new level for Scott who has a daughter that is neurodivergent, a condition with a different neurological function from what is considered normal and frequently references to autism spectrum disorders where communication barriers may exist. These individuals depend on non-verbal ways to communicate, so the fundraising effort was particularly close to Scott’s heart. Funds were raised by Tavern 507 by donating 10-percent of sales on Friday nights for six weeks. The fundraising effort was promoted through social media and in-restaurant advertising. Both Schugel and Scott agreed people tend to be even more kind and

people tend to be even more kind and generous when they can see the donation going directly back into the community. “Tavern 507’s parent owner, Bird Dog’s leadership team was truly honored to be able to give back in this way,” stated Scott. The New Ulm Optimist Club added the additional $500 to Tavern 507’s $1,700 donation so that the communication board would be fully funded.

Master Planning Facility Condition Assessment Pre-Design Community Engagement Construction Management

Thanks to these donations, visitors of all abilities will have a clearer and more accessible way to engage with others; an important step in making our facilities welcoming and inclusive for everyone. The City of New Ulm extends our sincere gratitude to Kallie Schugel, Bethany Scott, and Tavern 507 and their supporters for their dedication to autism awareness and helping create a more inclusive community.

The board provides a different option to communicate and benefits individuals with language delays or barriers and/or designed for those that need visuals.

Contact our team to discover how we can help with your next project.

Dustin Phillips

dustin.phillips@krausanderson.com

Megan Livgard

megan.livgard@krausanderson.com

Ben Albrecht

ben.albrecht@krausanderson.com

Together, Strengthening the Communities We Serve www.krausanderson.com

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 19

N OR TH S TA R PA R TNER SP ONSOR ED A R TI CL E

FROM COMMUNITY PARK TO COMMUNITY DESTINATION:

The Transformation of Fridley’s Commons Park By Katie Swanson, Landscape Structures, Inc.

For decades, Commons Park has occupied an important place in the fabric of Fridley. Its location near the geographic center of the city and within walking distance of schools and community facilities has made it one of Fridley’s most visible and wellused parks. Today, it looks dramatically different. Following an intensive 11-month redevelopment, Commons Park has been transformed into a vibrant destination built around play, water, gathering and connection. A large inclusive playground, splash pad, shade structures, public art, gathering spaces and other improvements have reshaped the park while maintaining elements, including athletic fields and green space, that have long been important to residents. The physical transformation happened quickly. The planning behind it did not.

For Fridley Parks and Recreation Director Mike Maher, that distinction is an important part of the story. “You can’t start community engagement too early,” Maher said. “You want your community stakeholders to feel like it is their park. You want them to feel a connection and that the project is being built for them.”

A vision years in the making Fridley began looking comprehensively at its park system in 2019, working with a consultant to evaluate needs and opportunities across its 39 parks. Several priorities consistently emerged through community engagement: more gathering spaces, a splash pad, improved safety and security, and greater access to nature. Those priorities became guiding principles for a larger Park System Improvement Plan

and, ultimately, a $30 million investment authorized by the Fridley City Council. When it came time to determine where to make one of the system’s largest investments, Commons Park was a natural choice. “The reason Commons stood out as the best location for the biggest investment is really the location,” Maher said. The large park sits adjacent to Fridley’s school community, with an elementary school, middle school, high school and community center all within walking distance. Its ball fields, playgrounds, green space and sledding hill already made it one of the city’s busier parks. As concept plans developed and the city secured additional state and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources funding for an inclusive playground and splash pad,

FOLLOWING AN INTENSIVE 11-MONTH REDEVELOPMENT, COMMONS PARK HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO A VIBRANT DESTINATION BUILT AROUND PLAY, WATER, GATHERING AND CONNECTION.

20 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

WITH MANY PIECES TO BRING TOGETHER, THE PROJECT TEAM APPROACHED THE SITE AS ONE COHESIVE EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN A CHECKLIST OF INDIVIDUAL AMENITIES. the project began to evolve beyond a traditional park renovation. The goal became creating a destination.

Designing a park, not a collection of amenities With many pieces to bring together, the project team approached the site as one cohesive experience rather than a checklist of individual amenities. The playground, splash pad, shade, gathering areas and public art are concentrated around what the team referred to as the park’s “hub.” The idea was that each amenity could strengthen the others, creating a place where people could play, gather and spend extended periods of time. Maher credits much of the project’s success to alignment among the city, architect, landscape architect and other project partners. “We had a ‘yes, and’ mentality, which led to a lot of great ideas,” he said. “We wanted these things to work together and coexist, and add strength to each other.” That approach is particularly visible in the play environment. Flagship Recreation worked with the city as its local playground consultant, with Landscape Structures Inc. manufacturing the playground equipment. Early in the design process, the team identified an opportunity to create a signature element that could serve as a visual anchor for the new park. Fridley became the first community in Minnesota to incorporate the Volo Aire playstructure into a playground design. Its height initially caught the project team’s attention, but Maher said its play value ultimately made the difference. “We knew it would be the perfect magnet to draw people into the playground,” he said. “There’s the wow factor, but what sold us was the amount of play value packed into that space.” Rather than creating one prescribed route through the structure, the design provides a variety of ways to climb, explore, gather and play.

For Brett Altergott, senior project consultant at Flagship Recreation, that became an example of how the project could create a distinctive experience while using products that could be thoughtfully combined and customized for the community. “They took something that was a traditional park and turned it into this awesome destination within Fridley,” Altergott said. “From day one to where it is now is just amazing.”

Expanding what inclusion means Creating an inclusive destination was a priority from the beginning, but the team’s understanding of inclusion continued to evolve as the project progressed. A pivotal moment came when Maher received a call from a local stakeholder group made up of healthcare providers, parents and others advocating for more inclusive playground opportunities. The conversations that followed challenged the project team to consider inclusion beyond mobility alone. “It was enlightening to learn that inclusive play means so many different things,” Maher said.

The resulting playground incorporates opportunities for children who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices, including a smaller ramped playstructure and accessible experiences such as a WeGo-Swing®. But the team also considered sensory processing, cognitive disabilities, multigenerational play and the needs of younger children. A dedicated area provides developmentally appropriate play for ages 2 to 5. For Maher, the process reinforced the value of inviting people with different experiences into the planning conversation. “That was a great experience for the project team to learn how we could add elements to the design that would benefit a wide array of community members,” he said.

Creating reasons to stay The playground may provide the visual “wow,” but community feedback also emphasized something more fundamental: People wanted comfortable places to spend time. Shade and seating ranked near the top of the requests during Commons Parkspecific engagement. MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 21

The finished park includes a large custom shade structure from SkyWays® by Landscape Structures Inc. near the play area along with smaller shaded spaces near the splash pad. Already, Maher has watched families seek out those areas and establish a home base for their visit. “People seek out those shaded spaces right away to camp out for the day,” he said. “It’s clear it is utilized and valued. Shade is just super critical.” The large shade sails have also proven more versatile than anticipated, supporting performances and other community activities. Splash play adds another reason to extend a visit. The splash pad, manufactured by Aquatix® by Landscape Structures Inc., was part of the broader park vision from early in the process, and its design developed alongside the playground. Colors, shapes and other visual elements help the two spaces feel connected. The combination has changed the way families use Commons Park. Since its soft opening in June, Altergott said families have arrived prepared to stay. Wagons, snacks, coolers and chairs are common sights. Fridley recreation programs regularly bring groups of 40 to 50 children to the park, while visitors from across the Twin Cities metro are also discovering the space. For Maher, seeing people experience Fridley for the first time, or in a new way, has been an unexpected benefit of the project. At the same time, maintaining a strong sense of local ownership remained essential. Community members participated throughout the planning process. A committee helped guide the public art component. Local advocates influenced the approach to inclusion. The park

retained two ball fields after significant conversations with the athletic community. Customized elements throughout the site further connect the finished space to Fridley. “A lot of our community members can say, ‘I helped with that,’” Maher said. “There’s a pride.”

Building infrastructure for community Now that the park is open, the city is beginning to explore what else the space can become. The concentration of activity creates what Maher calls a “built-in audience” for recreation programming. Staff are already considering arts and crafts, performances, theater and other activities that can build on the energy already present in the park. “There’s already this infrastructure of fun that can support other things,” he said. That may be one of the most significant outcomes of the project. Commons Park is not simply a new playground, splash pad or gathering area. It is infrastructure for community life. And while the physical redevelopment took approximately 11 months, Maher points to nearly four years of project-

specific engagement and an even longer park-system planning process as critical to the outcome. The process included online surveys, conversations in parks, engagement with schools, advocacy groups, athletic organizations and hundreds of community members. It also included difficult conversations and competing priorities. Those moments mattered, too. Maher points to discussions surrounding changes to the ball fields as an example. Athletic users strongly advocated for their needs, requiring the city and community to work together toward solutions. The process was not always easy, but the relationships that emerged are stronger because of it. Almost every element at Commons Park, Maher said, has a similar story behind it. “There were hundreds of people involved in each of these elements,” he said. “For some people, it was just one piece they were focused on, but together we created something where the sum was greater than the individual pieces.” For other parks and recreation professionals considering a transformation on this scale, that may be Commons Park’s most valuable lesson. Destination parks are not created simply by assembling the right amenities. They emerge from understanding a community, giving residents meaningful opportunities to participate and finding ways for individual pieces to support a larger vision. At Commons Park, years of conversations ultimately came together during 11 months of construction. The result is a place designed not just to attract people, but to give them reasons to come back, stay awhile and feel that the park belongs to them.

22 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Historic Theodore Wirth Home Opened to Visitors During May’s ‘Doors Open Minneapolis’ By Susan Schoepke, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

As part of an international movement that invites people to explore the buildings that shape their cities, Doors Open Minneapolis offers a behind-the-scenes look at 75 historic venues around the city that are generally not open to the public. Building owners and caretakers are typically available to share what makes these places unique and the role they play in Minneapolis’ history. This year, for the fourth time, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) opened the doors at the historic Theodore Wirth Home, located at 3954 Bryant Ave. S, in Lyndale Farmstead Park in south Minneapolis. Its unique architecture and long history provide a backdrop for learning Theodore Wirth about the role of Theodore Wirth and the development of the Minneapolis park system. Current resident Superintendent Al Bangoura moved into the home in 2019 with his family. With this move, he joined eight

Theodore Wirth in front of his home in 1927

Minneapolis park superintendents who have chosen to live there. He is also the first Black superintendent to reside in the historic home, a milestone that carries deep meaning for him and his family.

and the people who built it – my family and I live in the park,” said Bangoura. “Being the first Black superintendent to call it home is a reminder of how far we’ve come and the doors we can keep opening for others.”

“Living in the Wirth Home connects me every day to the history of this park system

The building originally served as the residence and home office of Theodore

“Living in the Wirth Home connects me every day to the history of this park system and the people who built it – my family and I live in the park,” said Bangoura.

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 23

Wirth, the second superintendent of Minneapolis parks and a pivotal figure in the park system’s development, who lived in the home from 19101945. He had been recruited to leave his job as superintendent of parks in Hartford, Connecticut by Charles Loring in 1905. Wirth later claimed that one condition he and Loring had agreed to verbally was that the Minneapolis park board would provide a house for Wirth — a perk that Wirth enjoyed in his Hartford job. In Wirth’s first annual report as superintendent in 1906, he included a detailed plan, which showed where the superintendent’s house would be located facing Bryant Avenue between 39th and 40th. At that time, the park board did not own that land. Wirth’s plan included a warehouse, greenhouses and nurseries, and

a pond for waterfowl along King’s Highway, in addition to the house. “That the proper place for the superintendent’s residence would be within this administration plant is quite evident,” Wirth wrote, “because this varied plant should be under his daily supervision, and because the principal administration work must be done from this point.” Constructed in 1910 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, the Wirth Home features architectural elements from the 1890s-1920s, including Mission Revival on the exterior and Arts and Crafts style within. Since Wirth’s residence there, seven succeeding superintendents have lived in the house. The building is currently undergoing restoration, which will

Theodore Wirth home interior

Constructed in 1910 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, the Wirth Home features architectural elements from the 1890s-1920s, including Mission Revival on the exterior and Arts and Crafts style within. Theodore Wirth home renovation in 1966

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Both halves of the park’s name tell a story. The “Lyndale” comes from Colonel William S. King’s Lyndale Farm (a 1,400-acre spread that once covered nearly all of Lake Harriet) making this park, quite literally, the old farmstead.

Lyndale Farmstead

honor the home’s history and preserve original design details, craftsmanship and materials. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Superintendent Bangoura implemented a program that applied the rent he pays into a rehabilitation fund to support maintenance work and preservation of the house. Today, the Theodore Wirth Home sits within Lyndale Farmstead Park, a 17-acre park near the northeast corner of Lake Harriet that includes a recreation center, ice rink, playground, beautiful walking paths and pickleball, soccer, softball and tennis facilities. Both halves of the park’s name tell a story. The “Lyndale” comes from Colonel William S. King’s Lyndale Farm (a 1,400acre spread that once covered nearly all of Lake Harriet) making this park, quite literally, the old farmstead. And while many assume the Wirth Home must be located in Theodore Wirth Park, the park system’s largest, it has always stood here near the Chain of Lakes, where Wirth planned much of the park system Minneapolis still enjoys today.

Moore Moore Lake Lake ParkParkFridley, Fridley, MN MN Moore Lake ParkFridley, MN

www.oertelarchitects.com www.oertelarchitects.com www.oertelarchitects.com MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 25

Breathe In. On these trails in precious land, prairie grass dances along our legs, breezes kiss our cheeks, and birds sing good morning and good night to each other. Leaf scent rises from the thin evening air, familiar and sweet. Nature is protected here, and if you are careful you can see it be big and small, each of equal value to a vast image of life, rich with complexity. If you are careful, you will see yourself in this image. If you are careful, you will catch a breath on this path. If you are careful, you will stop here and imagine this moment you are in. You can breathe here in this place where intention meets wildness with respect and nurture. You can have this moment to breathe and get your toes wet, to be curious, and be home.

ISG IS HONORED TO HAVE THE TRUST OF MINNESOTA COMMUNITIES. It is important that we explore each site’s environment, history, character, and community needs to create designs that belong to the landscape. Embracing natural resources and celebrating local heritage, we help preserve the qualities that make places meaningful. We are grateful for the peace of wild things and the people who protect them, which guide our work every day. Photo: Lake Washington Regional Park + Campground, Le Sueur County, MN Architecture + Engineering + Environmental + Planning

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Text

By Bethani Gerhard, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association

2025 RECOGNIZING MINNESOTA AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS Each year, MRPA recognizes agencies or organizations in Minnesota for their outstanding achievements. Congratulations to the 28 MRPA Awards of Excellence recipients for projects and programs completed in 2025.

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2025 2026 27

MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 Administrative or Management Strategies Bloomington

Eagan

The Data Driven Park Maintenance and Operations Plan responded directly to community expectations for safe, clean, and well-maintained parks by establishing defined service levels and aligning resources to meet those standards. This resulted in more reliable maintenance across trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and public spaces, enhancing the overall user experience.

The City of Eagan completed the Caponi Art Park Property Assessment & Feasibility Study to address a unique administrative and management challenge. Caponi Art Park is publicly owned by the City of Eagan but operated by an independent nonprofit organization, creating a complex environment where operational responsibilities, maintenance expectations, and investment priorities required clearer alignment.

Data Driven Park Maintenance and Operations Plan

Technology used included Geographic Information System (GIS) inventory data to develop a maintenance modeling tool to forecast resource needs. The project was funded with general funds in the park and recreation budget in two contracts. The operations plan used data to guide investment decisions. This ensured parks in all areas of the community received an appropriate level of care, supporting fair access to quality recreational spaces regardless of location.

Property Assessment & Feasibility Study

Rather than developing a traditional master plan or policy document, the City intentionally created an internal feasibility and property assessment tool designed to support informed decision-making while avoiding premature financial or capital commitments. The objective was to establish operational clarity and shared understanding before future investments occur. The study functions as a practical reference guide enabling future leaders to quickly understand how the park operates within the broader municipal park system. Technology and analytical tools used included GIS-based site analysis, infrastructure and accessibility assessments, phased implementation planning, and asset-management concepts supporting long-term maintenance tracking and capital planning.

Inver Grove Heights

Reimagining Camp Management & Registration For many years, the Kids R.O.C.K. program utilized the department’s recreation software to manage camp enrollment, scheduling, billing, and recordkeeping. However, the software lacked the functionality needed to manage the camp with complex scheduling and frequent attendance adjustments. The primary goal of this project was to streamline the registration and management process for Kids R.O.C.K. by implementing a system that better aligned with the unique operational needs. A childcare management software system was implemented. It consisted of flexible scheduling, automated billing, secure digital records, and integrated communication tools. This technology allowed registration, camper information collection, attendance tracking, billing, and communication to occur within a single platform, significantly improving operational efficiency and the overall experience for families.

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MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 Administrative or Management Strategies Mendota Heights

Mendota Heights Park System Master Plan The Mendota Heights Park System Master Plan is a transformative initiative and the City’s first comprehensive roadmap for parks, recreation, and open space planning. Created at a pivotal time as the system focuses on reinvestment, the plan establishes a strategic vision for the next 15 years. Grounded in extensive community engagement, it reflects resident priorities through more than 1,000 survey responses, in-person outreach, and stakeholder input. The plan combines community feedback with data-driven analysis, including Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and equity assessments, to identify service gaps, improve accessibility, and guide balanced investment. It outlines actionable strategies to enhance amenities, expand recreation opportunities, improve trail connectivity, and support long-term financial sustainability. Ultimately, the plan positions Mendota Heights to strengthen quality of life and ensure an equitable, vibrant parks system for future generations.

Newport

Pedestrian and Trail Network Planning The primary goal of the project was to develop a strategic plan to create a cohesive, community-centered trail network that would connect Newport’s two main commercial corridors with surrounding neighborhoods and key destinations, such as parks, regional and national trails, City Hall, schools, and public transit. The study also considered Newport’s position within the broader regional network, including connections to the Mississippi River Trail, Washington and Dakota County Trails, and the expanding networks in neighboring communities. This effort was driven by findings from the downtown area study, which highlighted both community demand and economic opportunity. Technology played an important role in the planning process. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and spatial analysis were used to inventory existing trails, identify gaps and analyze data. The resulting document provided a well-defined plan of almost 30 trails and segments for expanding and enhancing Newport’s trail system.

Washington County

Permitted Foraging Program In 2025, Washington County began allowing foraging activities to occur within the parks. The primary goal of this project was to develop a safe, equitable, and manageable approach to foraging within Washington County Parks. Under previous ordinances, foraging was prohibited; however, the activity continued to occur informally throughout the parks. Recognizing this gap between policy and practice, Washington County sought to create a structured process that would allow visitors to forage responsibly while minimizing impacts on natural resources, park operations, and other user groups. A key objective was to balance access with stewardship. By establishing clear guidelines and designated areas, the organization aims to protect sensitive habitats while still allowing for sustainable use of natural resources. This program was designed to ensure that foraging activities do not interfere with routine park maintenance, ecological preservation efforts, or visitor experiences.

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 29

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MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 Marketing & Communications Anoka County Parks

Saint Peter

Anoka County Parks and Washington County Parks partnered to launch a strategic, influencer-driven social media campaign designed to improve awareness of the regional park and trail system. The primary goal was strengthening awareness of opportunities to communities that have historically been underserved. These groups included: BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color), and individuals with different mobility challenges, who often rely on social media and app-based networks to learn about what destinations are truly accessibility-friendly.

The An Evening With program was created in 2025 with the idea of bringing national bestselling authors to Saint Peter by hosting an annual event in the winter season. They hosted Kate DiCamillo (The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Because of Winn Dixie) and plans to host Richard Paul Evans (The Christmas Box, The Broken Road) in February 2027.

Social Media Influencer Awareness Campaign

By collaborating with influencers who already have strong connections to these communities, the project aimed to expand awareness, build trust, and encourage new users to explore regional parks. This initiative exemplifies excellence in public-sector marketing and demonstrates a thoughtful, impactful approach to expanding community access to outdoor recreation.

An Evening With...

The primary goal of An Evening With series was to make authors accessible to readers through an intimate lecture, Q&A and book signings. This free event has already reached over 1,000 members of the audience in 2025 and 2026. Multiple organizations were involved and the program was a reflection of the Saint Peter community: banding together to create something great. The City of Saint Peter Recreation & Leisure Services Department demonstrated an exceptional contribution to the community through extensive marketing and communications to make this first-time event a huge success.

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32 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

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MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 Park and Facility Apple Valley

Hayes Youth Athletic Complex The citizens of Apple Valley approved a parks referendum in the fall of 2023. One of the projects funded was the construction of a new youth athletic complex at Hayes Park. The local youth sports communities were looking for top-tier ballfields and more open grass turf fields to accommodate large soccer, football, and lacrosse programs. The goal was simple – more rectangle grass fields and betterquality ballfields. The objectives to meet that goal required some creativity with an existing site and buildings to work around, houses bordering two sides of the site, and a portion of the complex located on an adjacent school property. Natural resources and sustainable building components were a large part of the referendum project and the Hayes Youth Athletic Complex. The site was brought up to current standards for storm water management and energy-efficient LED lights were. The lights helped expand the field hours by utilizing energy efficient heads. The light can be directed on the field to minimize light spillover to neighboring lots.

Bloomington

Logan Lodge—Interim Senior Activity Center The goal of this project was to create a welcoming and functional interim senior activity center following the closure of Creekside Community Center, which had served Bloomington’s older adults for over 50 years. In 2023, Bloomington voters approved a referendum funding the future Community Health and Wellness Center (CHWC) on the Creekside site. Staff were tasked with identifying a solution to maintain senior programming during the two-year transition period. A decommissioned DMV facility was renovated to serve as Logan Lodge, an interim senior center. Key objectives included maintaining programming, providing a dedicated space for socialization, and adapting an existing facility to meet the unique needs of the seniors. The design emphasized functionality, incorporating multi-use program spaces, improved accessibility, and creative storage solutions. The project created a welcoming environment that would feel comfortable to participants during a period of change. Through the creative reuse of an existing building, the project successfully created a space that supports ongoing programming and community connection until the CHWC opens in 2027.

Eagan Parks and Recreation Eagan Art House

The primary goal of the Eagan Art House project was to create a permanent, intentional creative hub that would serve the Eagan community for the next 50 years while aligning with the City’s sustainability and climate action goals. The project sought to expand access to arts education, support growing demand for programming, and provide a safe, accessible, and environmentally responsible facility within the community’s park system. For more than three decades, arts programming operated out of a 1,200-squarefoot 1960s rambler home, originally gifted to the community and creatively adapted to function as studios and office space. While the space was beloved, it became increasingly clear that it could no longer meet increasing program demand, accessibility expectations, or modern safety and ventilation standards. The City of Eagan constructed a 10,000-square-foot, fully accessible public arts facility nestled within 110 acres of surrounding parkland. The new Eagan Art House has four flexible, multifunctional studio spaces and dedicated kiln, storage, office, and support spaces. The Eagan Art House became the City’s first fossil fuel-free municipal building.

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MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK // BROOKLYN PARK, MN

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MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation Rock Island Swing Bridge Lighting

During the 2023 legislative session, the State of Minnesota awarded funding to Dakota County for a project within the City of Inver Grove Heights. Lighting was added to the Rock Island Swing Bridge (RISB). The trail head, parking lot, and restroom building are owned and maintained by Dakota County, but the actual park, shelter, and bridge belong to the City of Inver Grove Heights. The project goals included enhancing safety and accessibility. Consistent, high-quality lighting was installed to improve visibility for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring safe use of the bridge during evening and low-light hours. Dynamic and aesthetically pleasing lighting to highlight the bridge as a landmark helped community pride and created a recognizable visual icon. Usable hours of the bridge were extended, as well as connecting trail systems, encouraging increased use for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation. By creating a nighttime feature, there was a broader appeal of the park and riverfront area. Energy-efficient lighting technologies, such as LED systems and programmable controls were installed to minimize environmental impact and reduce long-term operational costs.

Mankato

All Seasons Arena Renovation The All Seasons Arena (ASA) Renovation was unique in how it stretched the budget to provide the most service and outcome possible for what is ultimately a relatively small budget. Most of

Apple Valley Hayes Youth Athletic Complex

Rogers Indoor Turf Facility

Ramsey Cty Battle Creek Waterworks

Construction Management Design-Build General Contracting

36 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

the funds for the project went toward items that the customers would not be able to touch or see – the refrigeration room, the new ice plant and the reduction in size of the north ice rink. The funds left to provide a customer experience were limited, but the staff and the design plan maximized the impact. The goal was to have the community appreciate the refreshed space worthy of a $12 million project. The other unique feature of this project was how it was able to retain the original integrity of the space, while adding accessible features. With thoughtful design and dedicated conversations with user groups and staff, modest upgrades met the budget and ADA needs.

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MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 Monticello

West Bridge Park Playground Replacement Project The West Bridge Park Playground project set out to replace a beloved but outdated 24 year old playground that was described as ‘beyond its useful life, and its outdated equipment hinders engaging play’. The primary goal was to create a modern, inclusive, multi age playground that is fully ADA accessible, safety compliant, and welcoming to children of all abilities. The project incorporated a multi lingual playground rules sign to ensure families of diverse cultural and language backgrounds can understand safety expectations and feel welcome. The river themed design and naturalized landscaping reinforce Monticello’s connection to the Mississippi River and help establish the playground as a destination within the community’s riverfront corridor. The project also added mosaic seating for a unique artistic element to reflect the community’s creative identity and sense of place.

Rochester

Soldiers Field Memorial Park Improvements The City of Rochester’s Soldiers Field Memorial Park Improvements transformed one of southeastern Minnesota’s most historic and heavily used urban parks into a more inclusive, connected and resilient community destination. Guided by the 2022 Master Plan Update and informed by nearly 3,000 public comments, the $23.5 million project modernized aging infrastructure and expanded recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. Improvements included a major aquatics expansion featuring a lazy river, three waterslides, a 50-meter lap pool and inclusive amenities, along with new playgrounds, trails, shelters, basketball courts, stormwater improvements and environmental enhancements such as native plantings and pollinator meadows. The project strengthens the City of Rochester’s park system while enhancing recreation, accessibility and community connection.

Saint Peter

Gorman Park Improvement Project - Phase 1 The primary goal of Gorman Park Improvement Phase 1 was to create a universally designed play environment that goes beyond basic ADA compliance. A key objective was to ensure individuals of all ages and abilities can participate in play and social interaction. Accessible poured-in-place surfacing helped provide a continuous, stable surface to improve safety and mobility for users with wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. A ramped play structure allowed access to elevated play components, while sensory rich features supported a range of cognitive and developmental needs. Inclusive equipment such as an accessible merry-go-round and adaptive swings expanded participation for users with varying abilities. Shade structures were installed to improve comfort, reduce heat exposure, and extend seasonal use of the park. The addition of a literary garden and outdoor classroom created flexible spaces to support educational programming and community gathering.

38 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

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MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 Three Rivers Park District and Brooklyn Park Mississippi Gateway Regional Park Redevelopment In September 6, 2025, a decade’s worth of planning, community engagement, design and construction culminated in a grand opening celebration for the new Mississippi Gateway Regional Park in Brooklyn Park. Three Rivers Park District and Brooklyn Park combined parkland each agency owned into one regional park operated by Three Rivers. The park offers a wealth of opportunities for visitors to get close to the river and the surrounding lands. Key new features identified in the plan and completed in 2025 included: • The Gateway Center, a combination visitor center/nature center that serves as the hub for park exploration and discovery.

• The Treetop Trail elevated walkway, which provides an accessible route from the Gateway Center 900 feet along a ridgeline and offers unparalleled views of the Mississippi River floodplain below. • The Mini-Mississippi water play feature, which allows kids of all ages to splash and wade in a shallow water play area designed to spark curiosity and creativity. • The Mississippi Playway, located on a hillside below the Treetop Trail and featuring slides, climbing rocks and nature play elements. • Shelters for gatherings, including smaller structures available on a first-come, first-serve basis as well as a reservation shelter that can accommodate larger groups.

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40 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

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MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 Woodbury

Central Park Renovation and Expansion A comprehensive renovation to Woodbury Central Park included modernizing aging infrastructure, enhancing the overall visitor experience, and creating an accessible community destination. The upgraded electrical infrastructure, lighting, and advanced building automation systems were upgraded. The redesigned interior layout was created for a welcoming environment with improved wayfinding and circulation throughout the facility. There was a strong emphasis on local art, including large tile mosaic feature walls, along with a dedicated gallery

wall showcasing local artists. There was an enhanced welcome desk, additional seating areas, and improved visibility throughout the facility to strengthen customer service and overall usability. The Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground was updated to improve safety, accessibility, and user experience, incorporating nature-inspired design elements. Solar panels and highefficiency mechanical systems were installed, as well as advanced building controls to significantly reduce energy consumption. The overall outcome was Woodbury Central Park has become a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community hub designed to serve residents for generations to come.

Programming and Events Bloomington

Indigenous Art Fair Centered on the guidance of Indigenous partners, the art fair ensured the land’s original stewards led the narrative. This approach moved beyond traditional recreation to create a meaningful space for cultural revitalization, and traditional arts. The event drew over 1,500 attendees and transformed public space into a vibrant hub for Indigenous voices. Visual artists showcased mediums ranging from traditional beadwork, textiles, and painting to contemporary digital design. Performing artists provided education as well as teaching traditional songs and dances.

Brooklyn Center

Reciprocal Swim Lessons Funding for the Reciprocal Swim Lesson program was carefully structured to minimize costs while ensuring high-quality instruction. During spring of 2025, swimsuits, goggles, and swim caps were funded through a grant provided by the outreach manager. For the fall of 2025, the school district covered the cost of all swim equipment. Transportation was provided using the City of Brooklyn Center vans. The only expense was fuel for the vans. Staffing costs were minimized because the aquatics supervisor and aquatics coordinator taught the classes as part of their regular duties. The program was a collaboration between the Brooklyn Center Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Center Community Schools. This collaboration exemplifies a model of shared resources, shared expertise, and shared responsibility for student success. The partnership is ongoing, expanding, and central to increasing equitable access to aquatics in Brooklyn Center, one of the most diverse and lowest-income communities in Minnesota.

The event’s operational success was rooted in a unique partnership. All expenses and onsite logistics were shared by the Bloomington Public Schools and the City of Bloomington. This collaboration allowed a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to seamlessly manage a high-capacity event, proving that pooled resources can achieve extraordinary results. MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 41

MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Pickleball on the Parkway

The innovative program transformed a half-mile stretch of West River Parkway, along the Mississippi River, into a dynamic, temporary pickleball venue featuring 30 courts, tournament play, open recreation, and learn-to-play opportunities. Set within one of the most highly visited park corridors, the event blended sport and festival elements—including vendors, food, and entertainment—to create an energetic, highly visible community experience. The event required collaboration across both internal teams and external partners to successfully plan and execute this large-scale pickleball activation event. It was a strong example of layered collaboration—bringing together internal expertise, community support, local businesses, and corporate sponsors— to deliver a complex, large-scale program that was both operationally successful and highly engaging for the public.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Spark’d Studios—Creative Entrepreneurship Youth Employment Program The Creative Entrepreneurship Youth Employment Program was a paid eight-week employment program for residents of Minneapolis ages 1518 during the summer of 2025 developed by Spark’d Studios. Spark’d Studios is a team within the recreation department of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board that focuses on creative technology and career skills education for youth ages 10-18. The goals of this program were to give youth exposure to creative careers, grow their creative professional skills, prepare them for future employment and educational opportunities, and to grow their confidence and self-esteem for their own personal growth. This was achieved through the objectives of having daily lessons on creative and professional skills, completing weekly projects to reinforce these lessons, receiving mentorship from creative professionals, and developing and completing a personal creative project that demonstrated their skills and capabilities.

42 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

St. Louis Park Rollin‘ @ The ROC

Rollin’ @ The ROC was created to bring roller skating back to St. Louis Park after the closure of the Roller Garden in 2021. The Roller Garden had been open for more than 50 years and served as a major gathering place for generations of skaters. Opened in 2018, The ROC is a covered, open air community venue that functions as a refrigerated ice rink in the winter and a versatile concrete event space in the summer. While not a traditional roller skating rink, The ROC gives residents a local, affordable space to stay connected to an activity that has been part of St. Louis Park’s identity for more than five decades. The program objectives were to offer two roller skating events per month from May through September, maintain a $5 admission fee that includes skate rentals with no registration required, and provide free roller skating lessons once per month to support new participants. In addition, the program would create a consistent, recurring activity that helps residents feel comfortable using The ROC for everyday recreation, not just large rentals or special events.

MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 Wright County Challenge Wright

The primary goal of this program was to increase community engagement in the parks by encouraging residents to explore more trails and discover amenities they may not have previously known about. Initial planning for the program began in February with a staff meeting focused on identifying ways to encourage more residents to visit Wright County Parks. Prior to the program launch, participants received an email with maps for all seven parks and general location information for where the medallions could be found along the trails. The program officially kicked off on June 13, 2025 with an event where participants picked up their buckthorn hiking sticks, asked questions about the challenge, and connected with staff before beginning their hikes. Throughout the summer, participants completed the hikes and submitted photos to verify their progress. The program concluded in mid-August with a celebration event where participants gathered to view photos submitted during the challenge, reflect on their accomplishments, and participate in prize drawings made possible through community sponsorships.

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MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 43

MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 Sponsorships and Partnerships Hutchinson

Veteran’s Memorial Field (VMF) - Grandstand Project and Facility Renovations The primary goal of the Veteran’s Memorial Field Project was to enhance the functionality, accessibility, and overall user experience of the Dave Mooney Baseball Complex while positioning the facility to successfully host the 2025 Minnesota Baseball Association (MBA) State Amateur Baseball Tournament. The volunteer involvement and organizational support from the Huskies and local partners was very prevalent. There was increased use and visibility of the facility during and after improvements. In June 2025, Huskies and the City of Hutchinson hosted an open house before the state tournament, inviting the public to explore all the enhancements made to the facility. The improvements have created a long-term asset that continues to benefit residents, visitors, and local organizations. The project fostered a sense of shared pride and ownership, with sponsors and residents seeing their contributions reflected in a lasting community asset.

Three Rivers Park District

Mitakuye Owasin Interpretive Trail The Mitakuye Owasin Interpretive Trail has significantly expanded the depth and authenticity of Native American education at Lowry Nature Center. This project represented a meaningful step toward reshaping the environmental narrative and ensuring Dakota perspectives are visible, contemporary and integral to Minnesota’s park experiences. Developed in collaboration with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and in close partnership with Hocokata Ti Cultural Center, the trail features seven bilingual wayside panels and spoken-word audio components. The trail represents a model of authentic tribal partnership and relationship-centered design. By embracing the Dakota concept of mitakuye owasin “all my relations,” the project invites visitors to reflect on interconnectedness and shared stewardship of the land.

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44 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 Volunteer Initiatives Bloomington

Dred Scott Field Improvement Kickoff This project received strong community support, reflected in volunteer participation from all partner organizations and ongoing engagement from the Bloomington Fastpitch Association. Dred Scott Playfields serves as a destination for youth softball leagues, tournaments, and regional events that attract teams and families from across the Twin Cities metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Improvements to the fields enhance the quality, safety, and playability of the facilities, helping ensure Bloomington remains a competitive and welcoming host location for youth athletic programming and regional tournaments.

The project strengthened community connections while delivering tangible benefits to Bloomington residents. By bringing together corporate volunteers, youth sports organizations, and municipal

staff, the initiative not only improved a key recreational asset but also demonstrated the power of community partnership to enhance public spaces and support youth athletics.

Eagan

Teen Planning Committee The Teen Planning Committee (TPC) project demonstrated strong and growing community support throughout the year. Monthly meetings helped foster a positive and collaborative relationship with city staff, while parents and city council leadership showed enthusiastic support for the initiative. Recruitment efforts were largely organic, with significant overlap between existing staff and early participants. Many members were initially connected through current programs or in-person outreach at events, which helped expand involvement over time. They hosted a variety of free, teen focused events, including a clothing swap, thrift exchange, skate party, and sunset gathering. Additionally, approximately 77 individuals signed up to receive communications about the TPC in comparison to 19 individuals in 2024. Of those, roughly 20–25 members were actively engaged at various times during the year. Even when members were not consistently active, ongoing communication ensured they remained informed and could potentially promote events within the broader community, further extending the project’s reach and impact.

Congratulations to all 2025 winners! We can’t wait to see what next year brings. 2025

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 45

Showcase the People and Work Making an Impact Minnesota Recreation & Parks magazine celebrates the people and places that make our profession exceptional while providing valuable resources to help agencies and corporate partners connect, collaborate, and succeed.

MRPA Professional Members: Get Your Article Published in Minnesota Recreation & Park Every park and recreation agency has people and teams who make a lasting impact. Whether it’s an employee who consistently goes above and beyond, a team that accomplished something extraordinary, a new facility your agency recently opened, or a product that has improved your workflow, share your story with your peers. We welcome articles from professional agency members that relate to a specific issue’s theme or another topic relevant to Minnesota’s parks and recreation profession. If you have an article idea, email it to Bethani Gerhard at gerhard@mnrpa.org.

Here are three ways to submit content for the magazine: 1. Submit a feature article of up to 500 words, along with three to five highresolution photos, if available. 2. Submit a Keeping Up brief (up to 100 words, including headline) along with one or two high-resolution photos. Keeping Up highlights agency and professional accomplishments and milestones, such as new hires, staff retirements, completed projects, awards and facility openings. 3. Suggest a topic you would like to see featured in an upcoming issue, and we will write the article.

2027 Issue Deadlines Winter 2027: January 9, 2027 Issue topics: Strategic & Master Planning; Community Forums; MRPF Grants Spring 2027: March 6, 2027 Issue topics: Park & Rec Technology; Event Planning & Marketing Summer 2027: June 7, 2027 Issue topics: MRPA Conference Guide; Community Partnerships Fall 2027: September 14, 2027 Issue topics: MRPA Agency Awards; 2027 Buyer’s Guide

Article ideas should be submitted at least 30 days before the issue deadline listed below. Completed articles are due by those deadline dates. To submit content, email Bethani at gerhard@mnrpa.org.

Need inspiration? View and download past issues at www.mnrpa.org/Publications. Articles from company partners are not currently accepted, except from companies participating at the Loon Level North Star Partner sponsorship.

Magazine Advertising

Minnesota Recreation & Parks advertising helps you reach park and recreation professionals who influence purchasing decisions for programs, facilities, equipment, and services – getting you in front of the people who need your products and services. The quarterly publication is printed and mailed to MRPA members and each issue is also available online at mnrpa.com/Publications. Rate options are available to fit nearly any budget, with discounted rates offered to MRPA corporate members. To learn more, contact Todd Pernsteiner at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 221-3030. Visit www.bit.ly/MRPAMediaKit to view the advertising Media Kit.

MRPA Corporate Members - Alphabetical

A Anderson Race Management Mary Anderson 4047 Camberwell Drive North Eagan, MN 55123 (651) 688-9143 mary@andersonraces.com www.andersonraces.com

Ayres Associates, Inc.

Kim Porter 3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy Eau Claire, WI 54701 porterk@ayresassociates.com www.ayresassociates.com

B B32 Engineering Group Scott Ward 2211 Oneil Road Hudson, WI 54016 (651) 256-3090 scott.ward@b32eng.com www.b32eng.com

BarkPass

Brian Hatfield 16 West Encanto Blvd #518 Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 844-7284 brian@barkpass.com www.barkpass.com

Bituminous Roadways Inc. Logan Blodgett 1520 Commerce Drive Mendota Heights, MN 55120 (651) 686-7001 logan.blodgett@bitroads.com www.bitroads.com

Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Anne Gode 1960 Premier Drive Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 625-4171 anne.gode@bolton-menk.com www.bolton-menk.com

Burbach Aquatics, Inc.

Julie Westemeier 5974 Hwy 80 South Platteville, WI 53818 (608) 348-3262 juliew@burbachinc.com www.burbachaquatics.com

C Commercial Recreation Specialists, Inc.

Fireflies Play Environment Inc. Camille Calderaro 275 E. 4th St. #620 St. Paul, MN 55101 (612) 990-2969 camille@lunningwende.com www.firefliesplay.com

Flagship Recreation LLC Kelly Simich 11123 Upper 33rd St. N. Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (763) 550-7860 kelly@flagshipplay.com www.flagshipplay.com

Terese Welch 807 Liberty Drive, Suite 101 Verona, WI 53593 (608) 848-8781 crsmarketing@crs4rec.com www.crs4rec.com

Custom Bridges and Boardwalks

Goodmark Nurseries

Joe Krebs 606 Delco Dr Clinton, WI 53525 contact@custommfginc.com www.custombridgesandboardwalks.com

Custom Builders Inc.

Jeff Reiter 12383 - 234th St. Cold Spring, MN 56320 (320) 443-0107 jeffrey.reiter@custombuildersmn.com www.custombuildersmn.com

D Damon Farber Landscape Architects Tom Whitlock 310 4th Ave South, Suite 7050 Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 332-7522 twhitlock@damonfarber.com www.damonfarber.com

F FinnlySport

Jesse Parker 14990 53rd Ave N Plymouth, MN 55446 lindsey.weingarth@finnlysport.com www.finnlysport.com

48 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

Melissa Acevedo 8920 Howe Road Wonder Lake, IL 60097 melissa.acevedo@ goodmarknurseries.com www.goodmarknurseries.com

H H2I Group

Mara Mueller 3109 Neil Armstrong Blvd. Eagan, MN 55121 (612) 354-8478 mmueller@h2igroup.com www.h2igroup.com

H+U Construction

Nikki Rugh 5555 West 78th St., Suite A Minneapolis, MN 55439 (612) 438-0258 nrugh@hu-construction.com www.hu-construction.com

HGA Architects and Engineers Leah Smith 420 North 5th Street, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 758-4390 lmsmith@hga.com www.hga.com

MRPA Corporate Members - Alphabetical Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. Eric Blodgett 800 Washington Ave N Suite 103 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 338-0800 eric@hkgi.com www.hkgi.com

Horizon Commercial Pool Supply

Andy Verchota 4444 Round Lake Road West Arden Hills, MN 55112 (651) 917-3075 andy.verchota@horizonpoolsupply.com www.horizonpoolsupply.com

I ISG

Amanda Prosser 6465 Wayazata Blvd. Suite 970 St. Louis Park, MN55426 (952) 426-0699 Amanda.Prosser@ISGInc.com www.isginc.com

Kraus-Anderson

Mike Phillips 501 South 8th Street Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 332-7281 mike.phillips@krausanderson.com www.krausanderson.com

JLG Architects

Tom Betti 710 S. 2nd St., 8th Floor Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 746-4260 tbetti@jlgarchitects.com www.jlgarchitects.com

Johnson Fitness

Landscape Structures

Drew Wurst 7585 Equitable Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 500-0508 drew.wurst@johnsonfit.com www.johnsonfitness.com/ commercial/index

Megan Andrada 601 7th Street South Delano, MN 55328 (763) 972-3391 meganandrada@playlsi.com www.playlsi.com

LHB, Inc.

Lydia Major 701 Washington Avenue North, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 752-6956 lydia.major@lhbcorp.com www.lhbcorp.com

KLJ Engineering

Kary Johnston 400 E Broadway Ave Suite 600 Bismarck, ND 58502 (800) 213-3860 kary.johnston@kljeng.com www.kljeng.com

Kompan

Lifefloor

John Engfer 605 West Howard Lane, Suite 101 Austin, TX 78753 (612) 940-1138 joheng@kompan.com www.kompan.us

Suzanne Keller 2010 E. Hennepin Ave, Building 8, Suite 206 Minneapolis, MN 55413 (612) 567-2813 solutions@lifefloor.com www.lifefloor.com

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DREW WURST

Senior Commercial Account Manager drew.wurst@johnsonfit.com (952) 500-0508 JohnsonFitness.com/Commercial

DREAM. DESIGN. DELIVER. MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 49

MRPA Corporate Members - Alphabetical Locus Architecture

Wale Falade 4453 Nicollet Ave Minnapolis, MN 55419 (612) 706-5600 wale@locusarchitecture.com www.locusartchitecture.com

M Midwest Groundcover Express Blower Service Justin Crandall P.O. Box 120 Long Lake, MN 55356 (763) 274-9829 midwestgroundcover@gmail.com www.midwestgroundcover.net

Midwest Playscapes, Inc.

Andrew Pudwill 8632 Eagle Creek Circle Savage, MN 55378 (800) 747-1452 andrew@midwestplayscapes.com www.midwestplayscapes.com

Miller Dunwiddle

David Rau 100 Washington Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 278-7778 drau@millerdunwiddie.com www.millerdunwiddle.com

Mini Golf on the Go

Kristoffer Olson 1640 Dunlap Street North Saint Paul, MN 55108 (612) 261-0193 mn@minigolfonthego.com www.minigolfonthego.com

Minnesota Sodding Company Samantha Nova 14995 218th Street East Welch, MN 55089 snova@mnsodco.com www.mnsodco.com

MNL Corp.

Colleen Quiram 8740 77th Street NE Otsego, MN 55362 (763) 295-0010 colleen.quiram@mnlcorp.com www.mnlcorp.com

MSA Professional Services, Inc. Deb Benesch 60 Plato Blvd East, Suite 140 St. Paul, MN 55107 (612) 548-3132 msa_conferences@msa-ps.com www.msa-ps.com

Musco Sports - Lighting

Brock Carstens 100 1st Ave West Oskaloosa, IA 52577 (763) 533-2030 Brock.Carstens@musco.com www.musco.com

MWP Recreation

Eric Denning PO Box 27328 Golden Valley, MN 55427 (763) 546-7787 Eric@mwprecreation.com www.mnwiplay.com

N Northland Recreation, LLC Bill Johnson 10085 Bridgewater Bay Woodbury, MN 55129 (651) 815-4097 info@northlandrec.com www.northlandrec.com

Nystrom Publishing Company Gerry Nystrom 9100 Cottonwood Lane Maple Grove, MN 55369 (763) 425-7900 gerry@nystrompublishing.com

O Oertel Architects, LTD.

Andrew Cooper 1795 St. Clair Ave Saint Paul, MN 55105 (651) 696-5186 acooper@oertelarchitects.com www.oertelarchitects.com

Outdoorlink Inc

Dave Ramirez 3058 Leeman Ferry Road SW Huntsville, AL 35801 dave@outdoorlinkinc.com www.outdoorlinkinc.com

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P PCL Construction Kori Shingles 7101 Metro Blvd Edina, MN 55439 (612) 364-3729 KShingles@pcl.com www.pcl.com

Premier Polysteel

Tim Solum 305 Enterprize Dr. Northwood, IA 50459 (507) 301-1655 tim@premierpolysteel.com www.premierpolysteel.com

R RJM Construction

Brad Barickman 830 Boone Avenue North Golden Valley, MN 55427 (952) 837-8600 brad.barickman@rjmconstruction.com www.rjmconstruction.com

Rock Hard Landscape Supply Kim Gaida-Wagener 3600 Hwy 13 West Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 895-7408 kgaida@rockhardmn.com www.rockhardmn.com

Romtec, Inc.

Elliot Acree 18240 N Bank Road Roseburg, OR 97470 (541) 496-3541 riassoc@romtec.com www.romtec.com

S Safety First Specialty Contracting, Inc.

Charles Bot 31095 Baugh Street NW Princeton, MN 55371 (320) 496-9118 charles.bot@safetyfirstplayground.com www.safetyfirstplayground.com

MRPA Corporate Members - Alphabetical SitelogIQ

Susie MacMillan 7900 West 78th Street, Suite 400 Edina, MN 55439 (612) 325-3392 susan.macmillan@sitelogiq.com www.sitelogiq.com

Snow Kreilich Architects

Alita Major 219 North 2nd Street, Suite 120 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 752-0261 alita@snowkreilich.com www.snowkreilich.com

Solid Rock Construction

Beth Louden 14665 Buchanan St NE Suite 4 Ham Lake, MN 55304 (763) 270-5058 beth@srcmn.com www.srcmn.com

Southern Minnesota Inspection

Chris Plonske 211 Johnson Street Eagle Lake, MN 56024 (507) 257-3742 cplonske@ southernminnesotainspection.com www.southernminnesotainspection.com

Sports Lighting Authority

Harlan Gallop 6701 W. 23rd Street Minneapolis, MN 55426 hgallop@sportslightingauthority.com www.sportslightingauthority.com

SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

Tim Wold 3701 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55416-3791 (763) 475-0010 twold@srfconsulting.com www.srfconsulting.com

St. Croix Recreation

Hannah Johnsen 1826 Tower Drive West Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 430-1247 hannah@stcroixrec.com www.funplaygrounds.com

Synthetic Turf Solutions of MN Mark Prince 7546 Kimberly Lane Eden Prairie, MN 55346 (651) 341-7763 mark@synthetic-turf-mn.com www.synthetic-turf-mn.com

T Tarkett Sports

Matthew Cole 9148 Sierra Rd Woodbury, MN 55125 (216) 339-5393 matthew.cole@fieldturf.com www.fieldturf.com

TenCate Grass

Leigh Larson 10138 Bode St Plainfield, IL 60585 (612) 859-3685 l.larson@tencategrass.com www.tencategrass.com

Terra Construction

Alysia Karger 21025 Commerca Blvd Suite 1000 Rogers, MN 55374 (763) 202-2819 akarger@terragc.com www.terragc.com

TKDA

Holly Ball 3311 E Old Shakopee Rd, Suite 300 Bloomington, MN 55425 (651) 292-4400 holly.ball@tkda.com www.tkda.com

Trail Ready Solutions, Inc. Deb Vosejpka 10930 Kingsborough Court Cottage Grove, MN 55016 (651) 274-0575 debvosejpka@comcast.net www.trailreadysolutions.com

U USTA Northern

Zeny Mccoy 2685 Vikings Circle Suite #100 Eagan, MN 55121 (952) 887-5001 zeny@northern.usta.com www.northern.usta.com

W Webber Recreational Design

Jay Webber 1442 Brooke Ct Hastings, MN 55033 (651) 438-3630 customerservice@webberrec.com www.webberrec.com

WSB & Associates, Inc. Candace Amberg 701 Xenia Ave S. Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (763) 231-4848 camberg@wsbeng.com www.wsbeng.com

North Star Partner Sponsorship – Learn about sponsor benefits at www.mnrpa.org/ Sponsorships

Errors and Omissions: Listing includes members as of September 1, 2026. 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 gerhard@mnrpa.org and we will correct it in the online version.

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 51

MRPA Corporate Members - By Category CATEGORIES Aquatics............................................ 48

Architecture / Engineering..... 48-49

Asphalt Paving.................................49

Athletic Equipment.........................49

Bridges / Boardwalks......................49 Construction Management..........49

Dog Park Management..................49

Fitness Products..............................49

Flooring..............................................49

Landscape Materials..................... 50

Lighting............................................. 50

Miniature Golf.................................. 50

Architecture / Engineering Ayres Associates, Inc.

Kim Porter 3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy Eau Claire, WI 54701 porterk@ayresassociates.com www.ayresassociates.com

B32 Engineering Group Scott Ward 2211 Oneil Road Hudson, WI 54016 (651) 256-3090 scott.ward@b32eng.com www.b32eng.com

Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Printing.............................................. 50

Anne Gode 1960 Premier Drive Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 625-4171 anne.gode@bolton-menk.com www. bolton-menk.com

Restroom & Park Structures......... 51

Damon Farber Landscape Architects

Nurseries & Trees............................ 50

Playground & Park Furnishings... 50 Playground Safety Products........ 50

Race Management........................ 50

Site Furnishings................................ 51 Sod...................................................... 51

Technology........................................ 51

Tennis.................................................. 51 Trail Solutions................................... 51

Turf......................................................53

AQUATICS Burbach Aquatics, Inc.

Julie Westemeier 5974 Hwy 80 South Platteville, WI 53818 (608) 348-3262 juliew@burbachinc.com www.burbachaquatics.com

Horizon Commercial Pool Supply

Andy Verchota 4444 Round Lake Road West Arden Hills, MN 55112 (651) 917-3075 andy.verchota@horizonpoolsupply.com www.horizonpoolsupply.com

Tom Whitlock 310 4th Ave South, Suite 7050 Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 332-7522 twhitlock@damonfarber.com www.damonfarber.com

HGA Architects and Engineers Leah Smith 420 North 5th Street, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 758-4390 lmsmith@hga.com www.hga.com

Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. Eric Blodgett 800 Washington Ave N Suite 103 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 338-0800 eric@hkgi.com www.hkgi.com

ISG

Amanda Prosser 6465 Wayazata Blvd. Suite 970 St. Louis Park, MN 55426 (952) 426-0699 Amanda.Prosser@ISGInc.com www.isginc.com

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JLG Architects

Tom Betti 710 S. 2nd St., 8th Floor Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 746-4260 tbetti@jlgarchitects.com www.jlgarchitects.com

KLJ Engineering

Kary Johnston 400 E Broadway Ave Suite 600 Bismarck, ND 58502 (800) 213-3860 kary.johnston@kljeng.com www.kljeng.com

LHB, Inc.

Lydia Major 701 Washington Avenue North, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 752-6956 lydia.major@lhbcorp.com www.lhbcorp.com

Locus Architecture

Wale Falade 4453 Nicollet Ave Minnapolis, MN 55419 (612) 706-5600 wale@locusarchitecture.com www.locusartchitecture.com

Miller Dunwiddle

David Rau 100 Washington Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 278-7778 drau@millerdunwiddie.com www.millerdunwiddle.com

MSA Professional Services, Inc. Deb Benesch 60 Plato Blvd East, Suite 140 St. Paul, MN 55107 (612) 548-3132 msa_conferences@msa-ps.com www.msa-ps.com

Oertel Architects, LTD.

Andrew Cooper 1795 St. Clair Ave Saint Paul, MN 55105 (651) 696-5186 acooper@oertelarchitects.com www.oertelarchitects.com

SitelogIQ

Susie MacMillan 7900 West 78th Street, Suite 400 Edina, MN 55439 (612) 325-3392 susan.macmillan@sitelogiq.com www.sitelogiq.com

MRPA Corporate Members - By Category Snow Kreilich Architects

Alita Major 219 North 2nd Street, Suite 120 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 752-0261 alita@snowkreilich.com www.snowkreilich.com

SRF Consulting Group Inc

Tim Wold 3701 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55416-3791 (763) 475-0010 twold@srfconsulting.com www.srfconsulting.com

TKDA

Holly Ball 3311 E Old Shakopee Rd, Suite 300 Bloomington, MN 55425 (651) 292-4400 holly.ball@tkda.com www.tkda.com

WSB & Associates, Inc. Candace Amberg 701 Xenia Ave S., Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (763) 231-4848 camberg@wsbeng.com www.wsbeng.com

Asphalt Paving Bituminous Roadways Inc. Logan Blodgett 1520 Commerce Drive Mendota Heights, MN 55120 (651) 686-7001 logan.blodgett@bitroads.com www.bitroads.com

Bridges & Boardwalks Custom Bridges and Boardwalks Joe Krebs 606 Delco Dr Clinton, WI 53525 contact@custommfginc.com www.custombridgesandboardwalks.com

Construction Management Custom Builders Inc.

Jeff Reiter 12383 - 234th St. Cold Spring, MN 56320 (320) 443-0107 jeffrey.reiter@custombuildersmn.com www.custombuildersmn.com

H2I Group

Mara Mueller 3109 Neil Armstrong Blvd. Eagan, MN 55121 (612) 354-8478 mmueller@h2igroup.com www.h2igroup.com

H+U Construction

Nikki Rugh 5555 West 78th St., Suite A Minneapolis, MN 55439 (612) 438-0258 nrugh@hu-construction.com www.hu-construction.com

Kraus-Anderson

Athletic Equipment

Mike Phillips 501 South 8th Street Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 332-7281 mike.phillips@krausanderson.com www.krausanderson.com

Southern Minnesota Inspection

PCL Construction

Chris Plonske 211 Johnson Street Eagle Lake, MN 56024 (507) 257-3742 cplonske@ southernminnesotainspection.com www.southernminnesotainspection.com

Kori Shingles 7101 Metro Blvd Edina, MN 55439 (612) 364-3729 KShingles@pcl.com www.pcl.com

RJM Construction

Brad Barickman 830 Boone Avenue North Golden Valley, MN 55427 (952) 837-8600 brad.barickman@rjmconstruction.com www.rjmconstruction.com

Solid Rock Construction

Beth Louden 14665 Buchanan St NE Suite 4 Ham Lake, MN 55304 (763) 270-5058 beth@srcmn.com www.srcmn.com

Terra Construction

Alysia Karger 21025 Commerca Blvd Suite 1000 Rogers, MN 55374 (763) 202-2819 akarger@terragc.com www.terragc.com

Dog Park Management BarkPass

Brian Hatfield 16 West Encanto Blvd #518 Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 844-7284 brian@barkpass.com www.barkpass.com

Ecological Restoration MNL Corp.

Colleen Quiram 8740 77th Street NE Otsego, MN 55362 (763) 295-0010 colleen.quiram@mnlcorp.com www.mnlcorp.com

Fitness Products Johnson Fitness

Drew Wurst 7585 Equitable Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 500-0508 drew.wurst@johnsonfit.com www.johnsonfitness.com/ commercial/index

Flooring Lifefloor

Suzanne Keller 2010 E. Hennepin Ave, Building 8, Suite 206 Minneapolis, MN 55413 (612) 567-2813 solutions@lifefloor.com www.lifefloor.com

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2026 53

MRPA Corporate Members - By Category Landscape Materials Midwest Groundcover Express Blower Service Justin Crandall P.O. Box 120 Long Lake, MN 55356 (763) 274-9829 midwestgroundcover@gmail.com www.midwestgroundcover.net

Rock Hard Landscape Supply Kim Gaida-Wagener 3600 Hwy 13 West Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 895-7408 kgaida@rockhardmn.com www.rockhardmn.com

Lighting Musco Sports - Lighting

Brock Carstens 100 1st Ave West Oskaloosa, IA 52577 (763) 533-2030 Brock.Carstens@musco.com www.musco.com

Sports Lighting Authority

Harlan Gallop 6701 W. 23rd Street Minneapolis, MN 55426 hgallop@sportslightingauthority.com www.sportslightingauthority.com

Miniature Golf Mini Golf on the Go

Kristoffer Olson 1640 Dunlap Street North Saint Paul, MN 55108 (612) 261-0193 mn@minigolfonthego.com www.minigolfonthego.com

Nurseries & Trees Goodmark Nurseries

Melissa Acevedo 8920 Howe Road Wonder Lake, IL 60097 melissa.acevedo@ goodmarknurseries.com www.goodmarknurseries.com

Playground & Park Furnishings Commercial Recreation Specialists, Inc. Terese Welch 807 Liberty Drive, Suite 101 Verona, WI 53593 (608) 848-8781 crsmarketing@crs4rec.com www.crs4rec.com

Fireflies Play Environment Inc. Camille Calderaro 275 E. 4th St. #620 St. Paul, MN 55101 (612) 990-2969 camille@lunningwende.com www.firefliesplay.com

Flagship Recreation LLC

Kelly Simich 11123 Upper 33rd Street North Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (763) 550-7860 kelly@flagshipplay.com www.flagshipplay.com

Kompan

John Engfer 605 West Howard Lane, Suite 101 Austin, TX 8753 (612) 940-1138 joheng@kompan.com www.kompan.us

Landscape Structures

Megan Andrada 601 7th Street South Delano, MN 55328 (763) 972-3391 meganandrada@playlsi.com www.playlsi.com

Midwest Playscapes, Inc.

Andrew Pudwill 8632 Eagle Creek Circle Savage, MN 55378 (800) 747-1452 andrew@midwestplayscapes.com www.midwestplayscapes.com

MWP Recreation

Eric Denning PO Box 27328 Golden Valley, MN 55427 (763) 546-7787 Eric@mwprecreation.com www.mnwiplay.com

54 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

Northland Recreation, LLC Bill Johnson 10085 Bridgewater Bay Woodbury, MN 55129 (651) 815-4097 info@northlandrec.com www.northlandrec.com

St. Croix Recreation

Hannah Johnsen 1826 Tower Drive West Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 430-1247 hannah@stcroixrec.com www.funplaygrounds.com

Webber Recreational Design

Jay Webber 1442 Brooke Ct Hastings, MN 55033 (651) 438-3630 customerservice@webberrec.com www.webberrec.com

Playground Safety Products Safety First Specialty Contracting, Inc.

Charles Bot 31095 Baugh Street NW Princeton, MN 55371 (320) 496-9118 charles.bot@safetyfirstplayground.com www.safetyfirstplayground.com

Printing Nystrom Publishing Company Gerry Nystrom 9100 Cottonwood Lane Maple Grove, MN 55369 (763) 425-7900 gerry@nystrompublishing.com www.nystrompublishing.com

Race Management Anderson Race Management Mary Anderson 4047 Camberwell Drive North Eagan, MN 55123 (651) 688-9143 mary@andersonraces.com www.andersonraces.com

DRG is staffed with a wide range of professional scientists, engineers, and technicians, specializing in a variety of services: Stream and Wetland Services

Solutions Through Innovation & Expertise

Environmental Design and Ecosystem Restoration Stormwater Management and Compliance

Davey Resources Group, Inc. (DRG) provides natural resource and urban

Urban and Community Forestry

forestry consulting, ecological design and restoration, and civil and water resource engineering to a variety of public and private-sector clients.

Inventory Management Software — TreeKeeper® Invasive Species Management Civil Engineering and Surveying Landscape Architecture and Design

CONNECT WITH YOUR DRG MINNESOTA TEAM TODAY.

Enjoy The Outdoors! PARK • STREET • CAMP SITE PRODUCTS

Across our different product lines we offer hundreds of choices in style, size, features, materials and colors. Commercial quality site products able to withstand years of use and exposure. Made in the USA since 1959.

Contact our Sales Representative in Minnesota: St. Croix Recreation Co. • Stillwater, MN 800-525-5914 • cj@stcroixrec.com • www.stcroixrec.com

MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | Fall 2025 2026 55

MRPA Corporate Members - By Category Restroom & Park Structures

Sod

Romtec, Inc.

Samantha Nova 14995 218th Street East Welch, MN 55089 snova@mnsodco.com www.mnsodco.com

Zeny Mccoy 2685 Vikings Circle Suite #100 Eagan, MN 55121 (952) 887-5001 zeny@northern.usta.com www.northern.usta.com

Technology

Trail Solutions

FinnlySport

Trail Ready Solutions, Inc.

Elliot Acree 18240 N Bank Road Roseburg, OR 97470 (541) 496-3541 riassoc@romtec.com www.romtec.com

Site Furnishings Premier Polysteel

Tim Solum 305 Enterprize Dr. Northwood, IA 50459 (507) 301-1655 tim@premierpolysteel.com www.premierpolysteel.com

Minnesota Sodding Company

Jesse Parker 14990 53rd Ave N Plymouth, MN 55446 lindsey.weingarth@finnlysport.com www.finnlysport.com

Outdoorlink Inc

Tennis

USTA Northern

Deb Vosejpka 10930 Kingsborough Court Cottage Grove, MN 55016 (651) 274-0575 debvosejpka@comcast.net www.trailreadysolutions.com

Dave Ramirez 3058 Leeman Ferry Road SW Huntsville, AL 35801 dave@outdoorlinkinc.com www.outdoorlinkinc.com

CHPL SIGN SOLUTIONS

888.464.9663 izoneimaging.com 56 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

PARK & RECREATION BUILDINGS CUSTOM DESIGNS - SHORT TIMELINES

Do you need your structure right away? Contact us to see how we can best serve you.

(541) 496-3541 risales@romtec.com

ROMTEC.COM

CATHEDRAL CITY PARK & RECREATION, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA

MRPA Corporate Members Turf Synthetic Turf Solutions of MN Mark Prince 7546 Kimberly Lane Eden Prairie, MN 55346 (651) 341-7763 mark@synthetic-turf-mn.com www.synthetic-turf-mn.com

Tarkett Sports

Matthew Cole 9148 Sierra Rd Woodbury, MN 55125 (216) 339-5393 matthew.cole@fieldturf.com www.fieldturf.com

TenCate Grass

Leigh Larson 10138 Bode St Plainfield, IL 60585 (612) 859-3685 l.larson@tencategrass.com www.tencategrass.com

ADVERTISER INDEX Alliiance...............................40

LHB........................................ 32

Bolton & Menk...................... 6

Midwest Playscapes....... IBC

Broyhill.................................. 58

Miller Dunwiddie.................. 11

Bryan Rock............................ 8

MNL Corp............................. 43

CC Courts.......................30-31

MWP Recreation.................. 5

Commercial Recreation Specialists........................... 24

Northland Recreation.......37

Confluence............................ 9 Davey Resource Group.... 58 Goodmark Nurseries........ 39 H+U Construction.............. 35 ISG......................................... 26 iZone Imaging.................... 56 Johnson Commercial Fitness.................................. 49 JLG.......................................... 17 Kraus-Anderson................. 19 Landscape Structures.... BC

Oertel Architects............... 25 Pilot Rock............................. 55 Plaisted Companies..........37 Premier Polysteel..................7 Romtec................................. 57 St. Croix Recreation........ IFC Terra Construction............ 32 USTA Northern...................40 Webber Recreational Design, Inc........................... 33 Widseth................................. 16 WSB..........................................7

BE SEEN! RESERVE YOUR 2027 ADVERTISING SPACE TODAY & SAVE! For more details and to receive the 2027 rate card, contact Todd Pernsteiner at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

View the media kit, visit www.bit.ly/MRPAMediaKit. 58 MINNESOTA Recreation & Parks | www.mnrpa.org

THE FUTURE OF PLAY

MidwestPlayscapes.com

NATURE. IMAGINATION. COMMUNITY. The new Kelley Park playground in Apple Valley brings nature, art and adventure together in a one-of-a-kind play environment designed to inspire all ages.

25+

FEET OF ADVENTURE

10,000+

SQ. FT OF PLAY

KELLEY PARK

PROJECT PARTNERS:

APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA

PARKS

PLAYGROUNDS

SITE AMENITIES

SHELTERS

SURFACING

FITNESS

MINNESOTA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION 200 CHARLES ST NE FRIDLEY MN 55432-5368

play with a new perspective

See how the dynamic three-dimensional circuitry created with our new PlayBooster® components encourages kids to stay in motion with higher elevations, faster slides, flowier routes and all new spaces to explore. Looks different, plays different. Unlock the full potential of PlayBooster at playlsi.com/new-perspective.