About MRPA

WE ARE COMMITTED TO:

Leadership
Providing professional development, networking, best practices and informational support for our customers

Stewardship
Proactively advocating to preserve our parks, conserve our natural resources and advance the values of recreation and leisure services 

Wellness
Impacting health and active living through educational and social opportunities

Inclusion
Respecting our difference and supporting opportunities for everyone

Engagement
Building relationships and seeking collaborative partnerships with community members and organizations

Integrity
Serving fairly and professionally while building trust through our interactions 

Click here to read more about the MRPA Core Values. 

Minnesota Recreation and Park Association

Since 1937, MRPA members have dedicated their time and energies to enhancing the parks and recreation profession in their communities and in the state of Minnesota.

MISSION STATEMENT:
To improve the quality of life in Minnesota by enhancing the profession of parks, open space, recreation, and leisure services.

Minnesota Recreation and Park Association is a professional membership association serving nearly 900 members statewide. MRPA strives to:

• Foster and maintain high standards of professional qualifications and ethics among the members of MRPA
• Provide continuing education, technical assistance, and social exchange among all members
• Support and promote effective education within colleges and universities
• Encourage study and research in the field of leisure services
• Take a proactive position on legislation affecting the parks and recreation field
• Encourage public support, and promote awareness/understanding of the values of recreation, parks, and leisure in individuals’ lives
• Promote effective relationships with other organizations for further advancement of parks, recreation, and leisure service opportunities
• Provide recreational services including tournament competition, youth sports training, and sports management services
• Serve as an information resource on trends/developments/future changes related to the delivery of parks and recreation services

 

MRPA offers the Did You Know Program, an advocacy and education program developed by Lee’s Summit, Missouri – owned by Missouri Park and Recreation Association.  The MRPA Board of Directors approved the purchase and management of the DYK program.  Thank you to the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation, as the founding partner.

The Did You Know committee has developed a database template that agencies will use to provide their research and statement information to MRPA.  The Association has uploaded the Minnesota data on the MRPA website.  If you’re interested in purchasing the Did You Know Toolkit, contact Michelle Snider at snider@mnrpa.org or 763.571.1305 ext. 100.

MRPA Board of Directors:

The membership of the Board of Directors consists of persons elected by the professional membership (current Board consists of 15 members).  Click here to read more.

MRPA Legislation:

MRPA has advocated for local, state, and federal funding for parks and recreation for the past 60 years. MRPA feels this advocacy is vital to ensure quality public parks, protection of natural resources, and equal access to outdoor recreation for all citizens.  Click here to read more.

MRPA Office and Staff:

Minnesota Recreation and Park Association
200 Charles Street NE
Fridley, MN 55432

Executive Director
Michelle J. Snider
763.571.1305 x100
snider@mnrpa.org

Administrative Assistant
Bethani Gerhard
763.571.1305 x109
gerhard@mnrpa.org