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January 30, 2024

Colleagues and Friends at MRPA,

On January 22 I submitted my resignation to Executive Director, Michelle Snider. It’s been 24 years since I began work at MRPA at the Lake Harriet office. I have learned so much from many of you and I hope that I have contributed to MRPA educational events, networks, programs, and sports tournaments across the state. I am especially proud of our team’s resilience and teamwork during the pandemic. What’s next for me? Top of my list is to continue pursuing my passion for travel. The pandemic gave me time to reflect and the realization that I would like to explore a new chapter. I will end with one of my favorite quotes: “Ships in the harbor are safe, but that’s not what ships are built for”. I so appreciate you, our MRPA members and a summer celebration will occur. Thank you.

Deb Weinreis

MRPA On the Air - a podcast for Minnesota Recreation and Park Association members and friends.

New Episode - Referendum Process

Hosts Bryce and Meredith talk with MRPA Board President-Elect, Eric Carlson from the City of Apple Valley, about the referendum process. 

MRPA is grateful to Landscape Structures and Flagship Recreation for their sponsorship of the podcast. 

Legislative Committee Listserv -- Join for MRPA Legislative News

MRPA is developing an email listserv for members interested in the Legislative Committee meetings held during this year’s state legislative session. This listserv will allow us to communicate more quickly and effectively with members interested in this information. Legislative updates will also be sent to this group of members throughout the session. Click here to add your name to this email list. Thank you!



Upcoming MRPA Events

Communicating for Impact

Thursday, February 8

Morning session: $99

Morning & afternoon sessions: $119

.3 CEUs Available

Participants will have the opportunity for hands-on practice in developing a communication strategy and learn practical tips for designing communication materials to help you meet your goals.

*Registration deadline - tomorrow, February 1

Learn more and complete registration form here

Click here to pay online

 MRPA Race, Equity, and Inclusion Workshop on February 27

The MRPA Race and Equity Advisory Committee will host a virtual workshop from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 27. The session is called, A Straight, White Guy’s Journey Through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In this session, presenter Jimmi Langemo will share his personal journey of growing up in rural Minnesota to dedicating his life to creating equitable and inclusive environments for people. During the session, Jimmi will teach you a method for identifying and mitigating, if not eliminating biases. He will also share with you examples of how he has woven DEI into an organization’s business operations and decision-making processes, establishing equity and creating inclusive environments.

Click here for the informational flyer and registration form

Click here to pay online

Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course & Exam

There will be two CPSI course and exams held this spring. Thank you to both Anoka County Parks and the City of Blaine for hosting the CPSI courses. Class size is a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 60 participants.

March 20-22, 2024

Bunker Hills Activity Center, Maple Room

550 Bunker Lake Blvd

Andover, MN 55304

Click here for the registration form

Click here to pay online

May 8-10, 2024

SBM Fire Station 3

11920 Ulysses St. NE

Blaine, MN 55449

Click here for the registration form

Click here to pay online