MRPA

national sports center, blaine

september 23-26

MIN

NESO

TA RECREATION

AND PARK ASSO

CIATION

200 Charles Street NE

Fridley, MN

55432

MRPA Contact Information8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday

200 Charles Street NEFridley, MN 55432T: 763.571.1305 x100F: 763.571.5204

Michelle Snider, Executive DirectorE-mail: snider@mnrpa.orgWeb: www.mnrpa.org

Welcome to the 2014 Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference. The conference committee has been working hard to provide opportunities for delegates, students and retirees during the conference, including numerous networking events and the chance to meet with over 80 vendors at our exhibit hall. We extend our gratitude to each and every one of the sponsors and conference partners as well as the Annual Conference Committee for helping make the 2014 MRPA conference a great success. And lastly, thank you for your attendance. This conference is an exceptional learning opportunity and we encourage all delegates to be active, participate and enjoy all the opportunities this conference has to offer.

Nate Monahan, Blaine Parks and RecreationAndy Soltvedt, Anoka County Parks and Recreation2014 Annual Conference Co-Chairs

MRPA

2014 Conference CommitteeThank you to the Conference Committee Chairs and their committees for organizing an excellent education opportunity for all of the delegates. This conference would not be possible without their time and dedication.

Conference Committee Chairs

Programming Committee: Heidi Sedlecek Jason EisoldFood/Beverage Committee: Kari Hemp Ann MosackVolunteer Committee: Eric AndersonExhibit Hall Committee: Jennifer Fink Becky SolaLogistics Committee: Tanya Mozingo Ryan GundersonSponsorships Committee: Aimee PetersonMarketing Committee: Anoka County

Focused Educational SessionsThe 2014 Annual Conference offers a wide variety of educational sessions for all recreation professionals. Several sessions were coordinated with specific focuses in mind. Please look for icons indicating which sessions may be of particular interest to specific job responsiblities.

Older Adult Focus Park Maintenance Focus New Professional Focus

enhancing community

Conference Sponsors and PartnersThe 2014 MRPA Conference would like to recognize our corporate members and vendors. Many of them have come forward and are sponsors of this conference. Without the support of these organizations, this conference would not have the great speakers, presenters, and networking opportunities for which we are accustomed. We encourage you to visit with these organizations and express your appreciation.

Conference Partners:

• Twin Cities Gateway• WSB & Associates, Inc.• Women in Leisure Services

Sponsors:• Hiway Federal Credit Union• Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation• Musco Sports – Lighting• Flagship Recreation• Sam’s Club

MRPA Conference Financial AssistanceThe Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation is offering a limited number of financial assistance packages for the Annual Conference in September, 2014. Support of up to $200 is available toward your conference registration – a limited number of packages are available, so apply early.

Requirements include:• A statement from your supervisor

indicating that your training budget has been cut or reduced.

• Choose the package that reflects your membership status, $200 for current MRPF members and $175 for conference support and new membership for one year.

• All requests for financial assistance must be submitted by August 8, 2014.

Minnesota Recreation and Park FoundationAttn: Conference Support200 Charles Street NEFridley, MN 55432Email: jennifer.fink@co.ramsey.mn.us

Experience Curling at Fogerty ArenaWednesday, September 24

3:30 pm-5:30 pm

Register Online at www.mnrpa.org.

Enjoy curling at Gabe’s Rinkside Bar and Grill (9250 Lincoln Street NE, Blaine, 55345) - Wednesday, September 24 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Come watch or pre-register to participate in a curling demo/competition. Price is $10 per person to participate when you pre-register online at mnrpa.org. Appetizers included with cash bar available.

Golf Opportunity, TPC BlaineTuesday, September 23

8:00 am-12:30 pmShotgun Start

Register Online at www.mnrpa.org.

Have you ever wanted to live the PGA Tour experience? Take advantage of a rare opportunity to golf at the TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, home of the 3M Championship Tournament. For $99 per person you will be able to golf 18 holes with a cart. This is a great chance to golf a premier private course in Minnesota for a discounted price. Space is limited so register early. Please contact Nate Monahan at (763) 286-6607 with any questions or requests for more information.

TPC Twin Cities11444 Tournament Players PkwyBlaine, MN 55449

Totally 80s Network SocialThursday, September 25

4:30 pm-8:30 pm

Flashback to the 80s at our themed on-site social at the National Sports Center. Don’t miss this 80s Party on the field of the sports center. The social will feature music from Urban Myth Band along with The Family Feud Game Show, and the Guess Who 80s Photo Contest. Evening grill out included with cash bar available.

Please submit 80s photos of yourself and other delegates to be included in our Guess Who 80s Photo Contest. Submit your photos electronically to Kari Hemp at khemp@bloomingtonmn.gov by Monday, September 1.

Also, start thinking of your fellow delegates to recruit as your team members to play The Family Feud!!

Networking Opportunities

enhancing community

Sponsored By:

TUESDAY

Communication Tips for Increasing your Employability and Enjoying Your CareerStan Rosen1:30-2:45 pm

Everyone sells. Either you are selling, or you are being sold to! Stan Rosen has more than 30 years of experience in sales, marketing and has offered career consulting to over 2,000 people. He was recognized as an advisor to the #1 DECA program in the state for over 20 years, and was a Minnesota Teacher of the Year finalist. His passion is helping you to tell your best story and how to best market yourself when trying to climb the career ladder. In his presentation, Stan will cover how to make known the best skills you have available to an organization, choosing the right values in a job, not just your interests and skills, and how to set yourself apart from others in a candidate pool. This session is for those that see the changes in our profession, want to do more in their own organization, make a career transition, or search for that perfect job.

Pre-Conference InstituteEnhancing Your Community Through CommunicationRegistration: 1:00 pm-1:30 pm

In everything we do, communication is critical to our success. Whether this is our interpersonal communication, our social media communication or communicating our story to enhance our viability to an organization, we can always use some advice. During the pre-conference institute, keynote speaker Stan Rosen, will give you the tools to help you communicate not only what your best skills are, but what your value is to an organization. Then, you have a choice. Three different speakers will touch on different subjects: internal communication, external communication or personal communication. Take your pick, you won’t be disappointed!

Stan Rosen

Schedule at aGlance

Registration1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Featured Speaker:Stan Rosen1:30 pm – 2:45 pm

Mini Keynotes:3:00 pm – 4:15 pm

Professional CommunicationJody Janati, University of Minnesota, Communication Studies Department

3:00-4:15 pm

Most professionals are faced with difficult interactions where their integrity can be compromised. Explore how to effectively communicate, especially when functioning in the role of a group facilitator and leader. Leading with your assertive voice allows you to be clear and concise across diverse audiences while maintaining a professional tone. You will learn how to balance your personal appeals and better understand how to structure a message that best suits your communication style. Step by step methods for dealing with intense conversations will also be discussed.

Using Digital Marketing to Grow Awareness and ParticipationJosh Dahmes, Chief Digital Officer, Risdall

3:00-4:15 pm

Learn where to invest your limited time resources while at the same time taking advantage of the digital marketing space. Josh Dahmes, chief digital officer from Risdall will share information on the size and scope of various social media and other digital marketing platforms. Participants will learn strategies for promoting leagues, programs and events to the right audiences in a way that will grow awareness and participation in local park and recreation activities.

Jody Janati has an Ed.D. degree in organizational leadership, and a M.A. degree in speech communication. She currently teaches in the Communication Studies Department at the University of Minnesota. Her primary interest area pertains to interpersonal conflict resolution strategies. She offers a variety of public and professional workshops on conflict reduction tactics and effective interpersonal communication skills throughout the year. During her academic career she has held a number of administrative positions in higher education and has taught at a number of colleges in the metro area. Courses include: public speaking, conflict and negotiation, small group communication, success strategies, organizational communication and interpersonal communication.

Josh was doing search marketing when Google launched in 1998 and was involved with social media when Facebook was still for college students only. His extensive digital marketing experience started in 1997 and today includes search marketing optimization, social media, email marketing, online media buying, affiliate marketing and web analytics, with a focus on metrics and ROI. Josh joined Risdall in 2005 as the vice president of online marketing and was recently promoted to the role of chief digital officer. He has been speaking at seminars and conferences for more than 10 years, but continues to work with companies on how to use the Internet and social media to drive bottom-line results. Josh has also participated in Minneapolis Park and Recreation volleyball along with various other sports for over 15 years.

Effective Oral Advocacy and Persuasion: Getting Decision-Makers to “Yes”James R. Coben, Professor and Senior Fellow, Dispute Resolution Institute, Academic Director, Master in Study of Law, Hamline University School of Law

3:00-4:15 pm

A great idea does not always win the day. Like it or not, human beings are not always dispassionate, rational decision-makers. How a proposal is communicated is often as important as the merits of the proposal itself. This highly interactive session will explore the current frontiers of the contemporary multi-disciplinary science of negotiation and what insights it offers into constructing and presenting “yesable” proposals. A critical look at the heuristics (the unspoken, experience-derived, short-cuts in decision-making) that are in play when people evaluate offers, together with an introduction to practical techniques you can implement to establish trust, will help make you better prepared for your next public advocacy presentation.

James Coben is a professor of law at Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota and former director of Hamline’s Dispute Resolution Institute, consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the top five among U.S. law school dispute resolution programs. He teaches civil procedure and a variety of alternative dispute resolution courses and is the academic director of the law school’s Master in the Study of Law program, which offers residence and online degrees for non-JD students.

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pre-conference institute

Still Standing: Lessons Learned From a National Guard SoldierJohn Kriesel, Director of Veteran Services, Anoka County

When SSG John Kriesel lost his legs and two buddies to a roadside bomb near Fallujah, Iraq Dec. 2, 2006, no one expected him to survive—he died three times on the operating table.

The Minnesota Army National Guard soldier from Cottage Grove, tells his story, Still Standing. As the title implies, the real story is not his amazing survival or that he lost his legs and almost his life in the desert sand, but it is the confluence of many miracles and triumphs along the way. It is the story of an ordinary young man who overcame extraordinary challenges with the help of friends, family and total strangers to emerge stronger and with a new perspective on life.

Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Development and Program ImplementationLisa Gilliland, Operations Supervisor, Anoka County Parks and Community Services Division

Todd Murawski, Recreation Specialist, Anoka County Parks and Community Services Division

Cory Hinz, Recreation Services Manager, Anoka County Parks and Community Services Division

Lil Leatham, Landscape Architect, Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.

10:15 am-11:30 am

This session will describe a unique master planning process undertaken by the Wargo Nature Center and Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. (HGKI) to create a master plan which focused on “hardscape” such as the building and outside campus as well as the “softscape” areas such as programming, marketing, and staffing. Most master plans focus on either “hardscape” or the “softscape.” The goal of this master plan was to create a realistic working document with a sustainable indoor AND outdoor experience.

WEDNESDAY

Schedule at a Glance

Registration/Breakfast8:00 am – 8:30 am

Featured Speaker: John Kriesel8:45 am – 10:00 am

Education Sessions10:15 am – 11:30 am

Lunch 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Education Sessions12:30 pm – 1:45 pm2:00 pm – 3:15 pm3:30 pm – 4:45 pm

Experience Curling Networking Event3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

John Kriesel

Sponsored By:

Aquatics In-Service Training and Current Hot Topics in the Aquatics IndustryShane Wampler, City of Faribault

10:15 am-11:30 am

This interactive session will provide aquatics professionals practical advice for bringing more intentionality into how they schedule, organize and implement in-service trainings for aquatics staff. This session will share new ideas on in-service trainings and will discuss some of the current industry hot topics in aquatics.

How Does Your Community Garden Grow? Panel: Ginger Cannon, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board; Kristin Aarsvold, City of Edina; Nicole Weedman, City of Eden Prairie; Larry Cipolla, Master Gardener, University of Minnesota Extension Service

10:15 am-11:30 am

For over 20 years, community gardens have been growing in Minnesota communities. Unearth the challenges and rewards, whether you have a garden in your community or are thinking about one, this session will be interactive and informative. Learn about new trends such as how to create urban agriculture policies and how to engage youth through edible playground programs. Find out about funding sources, partnerships and how to make your community garden grow.

education sessions

Parks and Wreckreation: Alternatives to Traditional ParksCheryl Brennan, Loss Control Field Services Manager, League of Minnesota Cities

10:15 am-11:30 am

Discover new alternatives in the world of parks and recreation! Explore bike trails, terrain parks, splash parks, playgrounds, and climbing features. Review safety and liability considerations when designing and maintaining your parks and equipment.

Make It OKKay King, Director of Older Adults Program, National Alliance on Mental Illness, MN

10:15 am-11:30 am

One in four American adults experience a mental illness each year. Yet, most people live with the symptoms for 10 years before seeking treatment, largely due to the stigma. Mental illness is a touchy subject, creating voids in conversation. In this forum, participants will hear stories of heroes, engage in a discussion about the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and learn how to reduce the stigma. We will also talk about mental health resources in the community. A broader community campaign was launched last year and is designed to encourage people to talk more openly about mental illnesses and ask for help.

The Do’s & Don’ts of Running a TournamentRecreational Sports Commission

12:30 pm-1:45 pm

There are many factors that play an intricate role for running a successful tournament. In this session you will gain knowledge of the positive and negative factors that will determine whether a player/team will register again for your tournament. Discover the balance of coordinating facilities, volunteers, tournament format, concessions and the crucial role marketing plays in a tournament’s success. Participants will also have an opportunity to test their skills on a mock tournament.

Balancing ConflictJody Janati, University of Minnesota

12:30 pm-1:45 pm

Got Conflict? Learn 101 things to “say and do” during difficult interactions. Maintain your personal integrity through effective communication strategies that really work. Participants will learn step by step responses to transform difficult conversations. Multiple techniques will be discussed to ensure you can find your voice, maintain wholeness and go unimpaired while engaging others during difficult interactions. Be cool, calm and collected and set healthy boundaries with others and ultimately find your "Conversation Peace."

Your Benefits with PERAPhil Coleman, Retirement Services Coordinator, PERA Education Division

12:30 pm-1:45 pm

This program will explore how Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) is funded and the various types of benefits provided for members. Attendees will look at how benefits are calculated and the various options available to you at retirement. How benefits are applied and available PERA services will be discussed.

Sponsored By:Women In Leisure

Services (WILS)

WEDNESDAY

Splash Pad RoundtableDan Schultz , Rosemount Parks and Recreation; Ross Demant, City of Otsego; Zac Dockter, Cottage Grove Parks and Recreation

2:00 pm-3:45 pm

Is your community considering the addition of a splash pad to your recreational facility offerings? Come and hear from three metro communities about the planning process, design features, and cooperative purchasing options for starting the process of building your splash pad.

The Boomers are Turning 65: How are they doing?

LaRhae Knatterud, Director of Aging Transformations, Minnesota Department of Human Services

12:30 pm-1:45 pm

The large and historic baby boom generation began turning 65 in 2011, and for the next 17 years, 10,000 of them will turn 65 every day. The baby boomers have left their mark on each part of lifecycle from the time they were born. Experts predict that they will continue to leave their mark on aging and their later years, changing norms and expectations. As they age, are they following some of the predictions made about this last stage of their lives or are they inventing new pathways?

• What trends can be identified now that characterize this generation? Were these predicted? If not, what are they inventing and why?

• What implications do these trends have for those who provide services to older adults?

• How can providers market effectively to this large boomer group and position themselves to take advantage of the huge opportunities that this generation represents?

This presentation will describe and discuss the trends and unique features of the boomer generation and suggest possible strategies to increase success in serving and working with this savvy generation.

2014 Twin Cities Market Demographics, Habits and TrendsMandy Whiteside , KARE 11 Manager of Strategic Partnerships

12:30 pm-1:45 pm

Finding out how your target audience gets information is half the battle when marketing your recreation programs. This session will look at the results of a survey pinpointing Twin Cities consumer market profiles. The information was captured in 2014 so the results will be current. Learn about consumer demographics, media habits, attitudes and lifestyles, and finally consumer behavior.

Understanding the Control DramaJody Janati, University of Minnesota

2:00 pm-3:45 pm

People “get their way” with others by making them pay attention to them, and then elicit a certain reaction from them to make themselves feel fulfilled. The positive feelings gained are won at the expense of the other person. This often causes imbalance and drama in our interpersonal relationships. Learn about common control drama patterns and how to negate them. Understand and respond to attempts made to gain influence at your expense. Awareness of these dramas can lead to understanding and forgiveness, as awareness alone often equals change. The more you understand someone, the easier you can forgive them.

The Economic Benefits of Parks, Recreation and TrailsSarah Nicholls, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Departments of Community Sustainability & Geography, Michigan State University

2:00 pm-3:45 pm

Parks, trails and other recreation amenities offer a multitude of benefits to individuals and communities. Understanding and quantification of these benefits can allow parks and recreation providers to better strategically position themselves as vital and profitable components of their city, county and/or state. This presentation will focus on the economic benefits of parks, recreation and trails. A variety of sources of economic benefit will be reviewed, including: direct contributions to spending and jobs; parks, recreation facilities and trails as drivers of tourism activity; parks, recreation and trails as magnets for new businesses and retirees; impacts of parks and trails on property values and the property tax base; parks and other green spaces as providers of ecosystem services; and parks, recreation, and trails as contributors to the reduction of health care costs.

education sessions

Keeping the Maturing Population Connected with the Community

Courtney L.B. Whited, DARTS Mobility Management Program Director

2:00 pm-3:45 pm

The number of local governments identifying transportation as a key challenge suggests an increasing recognition that keeping older individuals connected to the community is imperative. Transportation options, along with zoning and planning initiatives, are fundamental to achieving that. This response may also reflect a growing awareness that, no matter how service/program-rich a community might be, if older adults cannot reach those services/programs, they will be of no value to the older adult community. (“The Maturing of America: Communities Moving Forward for an Aging Population,” n4a [National Association of Area Agencies on Aging] June 2011)

In this presentation, participants will learn about a how-to kit on overcoming the current transportation hurdle Minnesota recreation and park programs are encountering as they are working to connect older adults to their programing. It will cover a current, statewide transportation resource guide. Additionally, the how-to kit highlights which key players to begin conversations with, what major talking points to cover and where the potential funding sources are, all in an effort to expand on the current transit solutions.

Parks as Gateways to Outdoor RecreationSarah Nicholls, Ph.D., Departments of Community Sustainability & Geography, Michigan State University; Ryan Neptune, Tyler May and Jeff Deehan

3:30 pm-4:45 pm

Increased engagement of the U.S. population in outdoor recreation – in particular among youth, minorities and urban dwellers – has been recognized as critical to the long-term health and vitality of American society and its individual communities. The National Recreation and Park Association has identified social equity, ensuring all people have access to the benefits of local parks and recreation, as one of its three key pillars. This session will demonstrate the value of the concept of “gateway parks,” public-private partnerships designed to serve existing participants and attract newcomers into outdoor recreation/sports. Such parks not only provide a convenient venue for outdoor recreation participation within (sub)urban areas, but can also function as feeder markets to regional facilities, thereby benefiting not only local but also regional economies and communities. The new Hawk Island Snow Park in Lansing, Michigan, located within an Ingham County park, will be used as a case study of one such successful gateway facility.

A Century of Safety Training: Your Guide to Current Red Cross Programs and ResourcesMary S. Barber-Schmitz, American Red Cross

3:30 pm-4:45 pm

Learn about the latest American Red Cross programs and administrative processes affecting Red Cross instructors, instructor trainers, aquatics supervisors, and authorized providers. This session will also cover tips for navigating the Red Cross recordkeeping system and other online resources, as well as best practices for supervisors of water safety instructors and lifeguards to help avoid expiration of staff certifications. Time will be reserved for questions and answers.

Personal Finances: What Social Security Can Do For YouRhonda Whitenack, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration

2:00 pm-3:45 pm

Having enough money to live comfortably to retire should be on everyone’s mind, even those just starting in the field. This session will cover topics such as…

• How much can I earn from working and still get Social Security?

• How does Social Security figure my benefit?

• Who else can get benefits in my family?• What other services are available from

the Social Security Administration

Find out what Social Security can do for you!

Everyone Should Get to Play: ADA in Parks & Recreation

Amber Eisenschenk, Staff Attorney, League of Minnesota Cities

3:30 pm-4:45 pm

Cities were required to create a transition plan in the 1990s to make facilities compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Has yours been collecting dust? What about your recreation programs? Are they accessible? Discover more about the ADA requirements—and some easy changes—that can prevent big headaches.

THURSDAY

Helping to Clean America’s Rivers: From the Bottom UpChad Pragracke, 2013 CNN Hero of the Year Award Winner

As the founder of America’s only “industrial strength” river clean-up organization, Living Lands & Waters, Chad tells a compelling and funny story about growing up on the river and how his river experiences led to his unique vision to clean up the Mississippi River.

During his hour-long talk, Chad takes the audience out on one of the world’s greatest rivers – a journey filled with endless challenges and gripping adventures. His delivery is motivating, captivating, genuine and refreshingly spontaneous.

From the darkness of underwater shell-diving to the brightness of open-air community clean-ups, Chad’s tale embodies the importance of setting goals (one river and one piece of garbage at a time) and illustrates how determination, hard-work and persistence pays off.

The river environment is relentlessly real and Chad brings the same up-front honesty to his presentation. Chad’s sincere enthusiasm is an uplifting wave for audiences of all ages as he relates his personal conviction to clean America’s rivers.

Chad empowers the audience with his fascinating story and genuine compassion to make a difference.

Chad Pregracke

Chad Pregracke is the president and founder of Living Lands & Waters (LL&W), the world’s only “industrial strength” not-for-profit river cleanup organization. Chad formed LL&W at the youthful age of 23, after spending his life growing up and working on the Mississippi River. Early on, he became appalled by the amount of garbage in the river and decided that if no one else was going to do something about it, he would.

Over the last 16 years, he, his crew, and nearly 70,000 volunteers have removed over seven million pounds of garbage out of our nation’s rivers. He’s also broadened his mission to include a MillionTrees and an Adopt-A-River Mile Project, as well as a new floating classroom aboard a barge that he and his crew live on seven months of the year, teaching students, educators and individual citizens about the value of our rivers and natural resources.

Schedule at a Glance

Registration/Breakfast8:00 am – 8:15 am

Featured Speaker: Chad Pregracke8:15 am – 9:30 am

Education Sessions9:45 am – 11:00 am

Lunch & Featured Speaker: Joe Schmit11:15 am – 12:00 pm

Education Sessions12:15 pm – 1:30 pm

Director’s Forum12:15 pm – 2:00 pm

Exhibit Hall1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Totally 80s Networking Event4:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Sponsored By:

“PERFECT” Organizational PlanningJohn VonDeLinde, Anoka County Parks and Recreation and Dr. Steven Jones, Anoka Ramsey Community College

9:45 am-11:00 am

This session will outline a planning model used in developing an organizational enhancement plan for the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department. Teaming up with Anoka Ramsey Community College’s Workforce Training Center, the County undertook a year-long process to improve the development and sustenance of the parks employee team. The process was led by a 16-member intradepartmental team called the PERFECT committee (Parks Employees Recommending Future Enhancements to Communication and Teamwork).

Keeping our Parks and Programs SafeChief Jason Ohotto, Minneapolis Park Police Department

9:45 am-11:00 am

Safety is the essential starting point for successful recreation programs. Without believing parks and programs are safe, no parent would send their child to participate. In urban areas, where the stakes are highest, preventing violence in parks is paramount. Without active partnership between dedicated law enforcement and recreation professionals, street violence could easily undermine the mission of parks and recreation. This discussion will highlight the relationship between members of the Minneapolis Park Police Department and employees of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Fresh and Fit: The Right Business Choice For You!Sandy Breuer, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of New Brighton and DuWayne Konewko, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Maplewood

9:45 am-11:00 am

Is it time to freshen up your food operation? Are you looking for healthier food options? Could a public/private partnership work in your facility? If you answered yes to any of these questions, come learn about the possibility of Subway coming to your facility. Two Minnesota community centers will share their experience on bringing a Subway restaurant into their facility. Learn about how they ventured into this area, what costs were involved, the revenue benefits, what gains occurred and the process from inception to the grand opening. Lease terms and the construction process will also be shared.

3, 2, 1…NetworkMRPA Professionals

9:45 am-11:00 am

You’ve heard of Speed Dating? Welcome to Speed Networking – a whirlwind session offering students and those new to the field an opportunity to network with recreation professionals from a variety of backgrounds. In this interactive session you’ll have a chance to sit down with multiple professionals for quick one-on-one conversations. You will also be involved in small group discussions on current trends in the field of recreation. Be prepared to discuss your career interest quickly and efficiently, show-off portfolios, get feedback on your resume/cover letter and ask questions.

education sessions

Revenue Generation through Forest Health Management

Jeff Perry and Tim Sevcik, Anoka County Parks and Recreation

9:45 am-11:00 am

This session will discuss utilization of forest products as a means to generate revenues. Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department’s fuelwood production program is based on active management of diseased and hazardous trees, storm damage clean-up, active timber management, and invasive species removals. Timber generated through forest activities is processed into fuelwood utilizing the county’s commercial fuelwood processor. Fuelwood is stored in a central processing yard to season for a minimum of one year to eliminate the risk of spreading insects and diseases prior to utilization. Bundled fuelwood is utilized in the two Anoka County Parks campground facilities while bulk oak firewood is sold to the public for recreational and home heating needs. Revenues generated through the sale of fuelwood are utilized to offset the expense of equipment maintenance and replacement for the department’s forestry operations.

THURSDAY

ImpactJoe Schmit

11:15-12:00 pm

We make our biggest impressions when we are not trying to be impressive. The words we say or don’t say, the things we do or don’t do, and the ways we react or don’t react can have a tremendous influence on those around us. In his new book, Silent Impact, award-winning broadcaster Joe Schmit tells stories of real people and the ways in which they had profound influence on others in daily life. He points to simple, powerful lessons in the stories, and will inspire you to recognize your daily opportunities to make an intentional impact on others.

Joe Schmit

Shake it Up: The New Way to Think PLAY

Scott Roschi, Design Director, Landscape Structures, Inc.

12:15 pm-1:30 pm

Park planners are always striving to deliver signature experiences, a unique way to engage the community. Parks play a significant role in the health, well-being and economic vitality of communities. Our region is rich in history and natural beauty, both of which are encroached by booming urban and suburban populations. Park design must provide opportunity to appreciate diverse cultural and natural offerings in our surroundings. Well thought out site design respects this and provides creative ways to deliver user experiences.

Designers are re-thinking play spaces to inspire and educate; to appeal to a wider variety of ages, abilities and interests, connecting people and communities.

Through case studies, attendees will learn:

1. To articulate how design can bring to life a community’s vision.

2. To examine how design characteristics elicit valuable play experiences for people of all ages and abilities.

3. To identify elements that connect people and communities.

Arts in the ParksJulie Andersen, Recreation Supervisor, Eagan Art House/City of Eagan; Eileen Cohen, Art Educator and Gallery Coordinator, Silverwood Park; Bethany Whitehead, Executive Director, Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts

12:15 pm-1:30 pm

Eileen Cohen of Silverwood Park in Saint Anthony, Julie Andersen of the Eagan Art House, and Bethany Whitehead of Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts in Fridley, share their creative arts programming that engages art enthusiasts, nature lovers, general park visitors and everyone in between. Each of these art programs have unique relationships with their affiliated parks departments and the speakers will share their own arrangements. The speakers will share successes and challenges in offering festivals, exhibitions, and educational programming at each location, providing a variety of perspectives on planning and hosting formal arts programming within park environments.

DIRECTOR’S FORUMBest Value Approach to Parks Management and Information ExchangeJake Smithwick, Arizona State University12:15 pm-2:00 pm

Welcome to the Director’s Forum! This session will begin with an in-depth look at the best value approach and how it relates to parks and recreation departments. Best value is a business model that can be applied to any type of system, organization, procurement, project, or need. It is different from the traditional low-bid process by evaluating proposers based on price and quality, then transferring much of the performance risk to the selected vendor. The best value approach leverages expertise from the industry so as to develop an optimal project delivery plan and identify and minimize project risk. The City of Roseville, Minnesota used the best value model to deliver their $19M Parks and Recreation Renewal Program (PRRP), from design and consulting, public engagement, and construction. The current projects (lead consultant, natural resources, and playgrounds) have 0% change orders, 0% schedule delays, and 8.5 out of 10 citizen satisfaction.

The Director’s Forum will also include a roundtable discussion lead by former MRPA President, Cindy Walsh and current MRPA President, Mary Pat Black. Delegates are asked to submit hot topics for discussion to Michelle Snider at snider@mnrpa.org prior to the conference. The facilitators will incorporate these topics into the roundtable discussion.

Capitalizing on Nature: Sustainability Principles for Long-Term BenefitDoug Mensing, Applied Ecological Services, Inc.

12:15 pm-1:30 pm

In many park planning and redevelopment projects, corners have been cut due to short-sighted economics…often at the cost of long-term sustainability. This session will present an overview of sustainability principles and how they have been applied to park design and redevelopment projects with direct benefit to the triple bottom line.

Audience objectives include gaining ability to:

1. Explain the benefits of incorporating sustainability principles into parks;

2. Apply a practical approach to identifying opportunities to incorporate sustainability practices into their parks;

3. Explain cost-saving opportunities based on real park projects.

education sessions

The New Volunteer Workforce – Exploring Trends and Changes in VolunteerismMary Quirk, Minnesota Association For Volunteer Adminstration

12:15 pm-1:30 pm

This session will offer concise key findings about current trends in volunteerism from recent research. The Minnesota Association on Volunteer Administration (MAVA) will share practical tips on how to successfully incorporate skills-based volunteers, involve volunteers in leadership roles, use volunteering to gain workforce skills, and prepare for the potential of the Boomers as they retire and the Millennials who are volunteering in record breaking numbers. Participants will share their own experiences and discuss trends impacting volunteerism throughout the nation and the world.

• More than 80 vendors are expected to attend the Exhibit Hall.

• This is your opportunity to gain new ideas related to the newest technology, products, services, equipment and programs.

• Please take time to visit the exhibit hall vendors as their contributions are integral to the conference’s success.

• Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

• Prizes

EXHIBIT HALLThursday, September 251:30 pm-4:30 pm

Sponsored By:

FRIDAY

Don’t Flinch: The Six-and-a-Half Lessons You Can Learn From a Starving ActorJack Stahlmann

As a Screen Actors Guild member and an established film producer, Jack spins funny and charming stories about his failed auditions, hoodwinking Arnold Schwarzenegger, and describes the “intangible it” that creates a movie star. In this presentation, Jack teaches what he learned the hard way in Hollywood and how those lessons can be applied to your profession, providing real-world takeaways to use well after the speech is over.

Jack Stahlmann

As a professional speaker Jack Stahlmann has inspired and educated hundreds of organizations, from backrooms at small companies to the penthouses of Fortune 500 offices. Stahlmann’s entertaining and informative presentations are built around his experiences in Los Angeles as an actor, producer, director… and of course, a waiter.

In 2002, he launched his own production company which created several films that enjoyed international success. The Fifteen Minute Show, an extremely low budget feature film that was produced for less than $1,000, was the darling of the 2003 New York International Film and Video Festival. In 2004, he launched his most successful project, The Lift, which was featured in five film festivals worldwide. Freelancing in the directorial ranks, he was instrumental in creating the Margaret Cho stand-up show, Cho Revolution, working as the second assistant director.

As an actor, his shining moment came in a co-star role on the CBS drama, Cold Case, where he played a wimpy park ranger. He also appeared on Days of Our Lives and several regional commercials. Jack currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Schedule at a Glance

Registration/Breakfast8:30 am – 9:00 am

Featured Speaker: Jack Stahlmann9:00 am – 10:30 am

Education Sessions10:45 am – 12:00 pm

education sessions

Aligned to Move: Rethinking Fitness and Posture for All AgesBeth Jensen, Restorative Exercise™ Specialist and Lindsay McCoy, Restorative Exercise™ Specialist

10:45 am-12:00 pm

In developed countries, the modern lifestyle has made it easier for us to survive. Unfortunately, it has also sapped our body’s ability to move in its natural and most beneficial state. Because of this, conventional exercise and good health habits are actually often doing more damage to their bodies. This session will discuss the importance of strong whole-body structural alignment in all areas of life. Attendees will also explore how natural movements can be incorporated into fitness programs, office settings, and parks. Finally, some specifics on working with populations of different ages will be addressed. Quoting Katy Bowman, the creator of Restorative Exercise™, “Exercise is movement, but movement is not exercise. Think outside the ‘exercise’ box.”

It’s Raining Partnerships!Kevin Bigalke, Nine Mile Creek Watershed District; James Wisker, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District; Bob Kojetin, Former Edina Park Director and Former Manager of Nine Mile Creek Watershed District

10:45 am-12:00 pm

Watershed districts are special purpose units of local government that manage water resources on an area land that drains to a given water body. Watershed districts can be a viable option for parks and recreation agencies seeking partnerships for project and program development and implementation. The presenters will discuss ways to partner with local watershed district, and explore the different cost-share grants watershed districts provide, other potential project funding opportunities, and opportunities to partner on programmatic activities.

Archery for BeginnersAlex McKinney, Outdoor Recreation Supervisor, Three Rivers Park District

10:45 am-12:00 pm

Join Three Rivers Park District instructors and learn how to implement a portable archery program. This hands-on session will include lots of shooting time and also discuss ways to get archery happening in your own parks. This is an active session. Please meet in the Grand Hall.

Get a Jump Start on Innovative Programming! Hear the Success Stories from the 2014 MRPF New Initiative Grant Program Recipients.Chaska, Victoria and Carver County Parks and Recreation Departments (Bike Konnect Program and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (Mobile Pollination Education Station)

10:45 am-12:00 pm

What better way to get the creative justices flowing than to hear what has been successful in other agencies! 2014 MRPF grant recipients, a collaborative effort of the City of Chaska, Carver County and the City of Victoria will share the process of coming together to plan and implement a family Bike Konnect event which consisted of an eight mile family bike ride and celebration between the three agencies to help promote trail connections and healthy living. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will describe their innovative idea of creating a mobile pollination education station (bike-based) that combines hands-on art, science and education about the pollination process of monarch butterflies. The station also shows how individuals can take a personal role in habitat changes and water quality. Information will be available for the next round of grants, so come and get some ideas on how these could impact your community or how you can take advantage of this great funding opportunity through the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation.

Tour of the National Sports Center10:45 am-12:00 pm

This walking tour will highlight the National Sports Center (NSC) grounds and its many amenities. Take a look at the Super Rink and the eight sheets of ice under its roof. Learn about the caretaking of the 52 outdoor soccer fields as well as the turf at the 8,500-seat NSC Stadium. Experience the Velodrome, a wooden track set at 43 degrees where racers go fast and furious to cross the finish line first. NSC staff will be our tour guides, so come armed and ready with your questions! This group will meet in the atrium before heading out.

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MRPA Conference Registration FormEarly Bird Deadline: July 25, 2014 • Register online at mnrpa.org

DELEGATES MRPA MEMBER NON-MEMBER TOTALUntil July 25 After July 25 Until July 25 After July 25

Full Conference PackageTuesday Pre-Conference Institute - Friday

$360 $415 $540 $590

Pre-Conference Institute Only $50 $75 $80 $105

Conference PackageWednesday - Friday

$340 $385 $490 $540

Daily - Wednesday $185 $235 $235 $285

Daily - Thursday $235 $285 $285 $325

Daily - Friday $75 $125 $130 $180

Continuing Education Units (CEU) $10 $10 $20 $20

Student Sponsorship $35 $35 $35 $35

RETIREES & STUDENTS WITH MEAL WITHOUT MEAL TOTAL

Volunteer Package (Wednesday-Friday) $120 $140 FREE FREE

Non-Volunteer Package $150 $170 $30 $50

Non-Volunteer Daily $65 $75 $15 $20

TOTAL ENCLOSED

PRE-CONFERENCE INSTITUTE

Tuesday, September 23 - 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM Communications

Cancellation PolicyCancellations accepted through August 8, minus a $25 handling fee. No refunds will be given after this date. Alternate attendees are permitted. Registration fees are used toward educational sessions and meals.

Hotel Accommodations Available at the Cornerstone Suites - Blaine, MNReserve your hotel room at Cornerstone Suites, 10580 Baltimore Street NE in Blaine, by calling (763) 792-0750 by August 23. Mention the MRPA conference to receive the group rate of $89, plus tax, per night.

Conference Food and BeverageWe hope you enjoy the menus we have selected for you. The National Sports Center will provide special dietary accommodations if needed, please note any food allergies or dietary needs that we should be aware of. We have tried to incorporate healthy eating and ensure a variety of menu selections for everyone’s desired palates. Meals included for each day: Wednesday and Thursday: full breakfast, lunch, and exhibit hall appetizers; and Friday: full breakfast.

Please submit payment to:MRPA200 Charles Street NEFridley, MN 55432Fax: 763.571.5204

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