MRPA IN ACTION
Someone You Should Know: Aaron Thelen RECREATION SUPERVISOR, CITY OF NEW HOPE Aaron Thelen has always enjoyed being outdoors, playing sports and being active. “Growing up, I was the kid who always organized the activities and sports for people to play,” says Aaron Thelen, recreation supervisor for the City of New Hope. “Even when I was young, I knew I wanted to pursue some sort of education or sports degree working with kids.”
director and at the University of Northwestern – Saint Paul as an assistant women’s soccer coach. “By gaining more work experience and learning more about different programs, I soon realized there were jobs in parks and recreation,” states Thelen. “I knew what I wanted to pursue.”
He adds, “I accepted my first parks and recreation position as a recreation programmer for the City While in college, Thelen took a of Arden Hills and worked there philosophy course and heard a quote Aaron Thelen (left) and his family for a little over two years. In 2017, I from the philosopher Confucius: accepted the recreation supervisor “Choose a job you love and you’ll for the City of New Hope, overseeing youth programs, adult never have to work a day in your life”. Since then, Thelen has really programming and special events.” resonated with that quote. “I believe parks and recreation is where I’m supposed to be,” he states. “Yes, there are days that may be Thelen became a member of MRPA when he started working for busy or hard, but I love what I do and love going to work every day.” the City of Arden Hills. “MRPA does a fantastic job in providing networking opportunities through the annual conference, various Thelen graduated from the University of Northwestern – Saint Paul workshops and other events,” says Thelen. “Over the years I have with a degree in physical education and health education. “I soon volunteered on the annual conference logistics and programming came to the realization that I did not want to teach in a classroom committees, attended the Emerging Recreation Leaders Institute setting,” he says. “I knew I still loved programming and working (ERLI), and was the past programming network chair. with kids, but I wasn’t sure what that looked like in a full-time position.” “Through MRPA I have gained a lot of experience, met new colleagues, friends and am very thankful for all that MRPA does for Thelen ended up accepting a full-time job working in another our profession,” adds Thelen. “I am so thankful to be part of parks field and then over the years he picked up a few part-time and recreation, and am passionate about creating activities and athletic positions. He worked at the YMCA as a sports instructor, events that bring joy and bring people together in a community.” Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS) as an athletic tournament
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