Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation

03/16/2026

Topgolf Social and Mini-Fundraiser

Get ready for an evening of swings, laughs, and good company at Topgolf in Woodbury. Golf skills are optional, enthusiasm is highly encouraged.

MRPF will cover the bay costs, just show up and join the fun! Food and beverage will be on your own.

In the spirit of supporting scholarships and opportunities across Minnesota, freewill donations will be accepted during the event.

Thursday, March 26, 4:30-6:30 PM
Top Golf | 560 Bielenberg Dr. Woodbury, MN 55125
RSVP by March 18 - Hope to see you there!

RSVP - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7if4RJ9OoTTP4HqN-cJJHhDZbLCtelrZ2Bu3FJqXqme7OEQ/viewform

02/18/2026

The Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation is once again offering scholarships for students pursuing careers in parks, recreation, and related fields.

These scholarships exist to support the next generation of professionals who will lead our parks, programs, and public spaces. Whether they are studying recreation, parks management, tourism, or a closely related discipline, this financial support helps remove barriers and keep talented students moving forward in our field.

The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Minnesota degree-granting programs with a parks and recreation emphasis, as well as Minnesota residents attending similar programs in neighboring states. Applicants should be planning to begin a career in parks, recreation, tourism, or a related profession after graduation.

Applications are due March 1. Please share widely with students, interns, and emerging professionals in your network.

Learn more and apply here:
https://mnrpf.org/scholarships

A sincere thank you to our scholarship partners who make this possible: Sally Callahan, Jay and Shannon Lotthammer, St. Croix Recreation Fun Playgrounds INC, Webber Recreational Design, Inc., and WSB. Your investment is helping grow a strong, passionate, and prepared workforce for the future of our profession.

01/23/2026

Thank you White Bear Lake Area Schools for hosting your annual career fair and giving us the opportunity to share the great opportunities that exist in Parks and Recreation!

01/05/2026

MRPF membership renewal notices have been emailed out! Thank you to those that have already renewed!

We just want to take a moment to say thank you. Your continued membership helps us give back to the parks and recreation profession through scholarships, education, and support for current and future professionals.

If renewing in person is more your style, we will be set up at the MRPA Annual Meeting on January 9.

We are so grateful to be part of this community and for everything you do to support it. 💚

11/17/2025

Give to the Max Day is almost here, and early giving is now open.
The Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation relies on the generosity of supporters across Minnesota to fund scholarships, professional development, and innovative programs that strengthen our field.

This year, we are excited to share a special thank you. Thanks to Jay Webber and Webber Recreational Design, Inc., every donation to MRPF will be entered into a drawing for tickets to the Minnesota Wild game on January 27 against the Chicago Blackhawks at Grand Casino Arena. We are grateful for their support and partnership.

Every gift made during early giving also enters MRPF into Golden Ticket drawings that add bonus dollars to your contribution. Your support helps our students, professionals, and communities grow.

Thank you for helping advance the future of parks and recreation in Minnesota.

Donate at - https://www.givemn.org/organization/Minnesota-Recreation-And-Park-Foundation

10/30/2025

Thank you to everyone who helped the Foundation raise money today! Whether you bought beads, pulled for beer/wine, or participated in getting your headshot done - WE APPRECIATE YOU!

Special thanks to those who donated to the Beer and Wine pull, MWP Recreation for sponsoring the headshots, and Jason West for calling our heads and tails game!

Congrats to Maddy and Kelly on their winnings!

10/11/2025

Congratulations to the team in City of Shoreview, MN (Local Government) for being profiled by the National Recreation and Park Association!

Tropics Waterpark in Shoreview, Minnesota, offers guests an exciting, safe and all-ages experience.

The Shoreview team envisioned immersive, engaging play for all ages and made it into a reality within an existing footprint. They took community feedback into consideration and improved the space while staying true to their original design. Learn how they brought this space to their community: https://bit.ly/3IxOKKN

09/24/2025

Thank you to the 50+ of you that joined us for a social with the MPRA ERLI program participants! It was a great time catching up and meeting new colleagues!

07/25/2025

A great night connecting with incredible professionals at the MRPF/Women in Leisure Services social! We gathered at A Bar of Their Own for conversation, community, and a little bit of fun. This photo doesn’t capture everyone who attended—but it does show the spirit of the evening: collaboration, laughter, and the power of showing up.

Huge thanks to WILS-Zeta Chapter for including us in their social, and an extra shoutout to Webber Recreational Design for picking up the tab—courtesy of Jay Webber on his way out of town!
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03/10/2025

Exciting Scholarship Announcement!
The Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation is proud to welcome St. Croix Recreation Fun Playgrounds INC back as a returning scholarship sponsor and to introduce Shannon and Jay Lotthammer, who are generously sponsoring two scholarships this year!

These contributions directly support the next generation of parks and recreation professionals, helping them gain the education and experience needed to serve our communities. Our work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of donors and sponsors who believe in investing in the future of our field.

If you or your organization are interested in making a lasting impact, we invite you to join us in supporting these aspiring professionals. Learn more about our scholarship opportunities here: https://mnrpf.org/scholarships

Thank you to our incredible sponsors for making a difference!



Alt text: graduation cap to a leather wallet over a brown background and wood table.

02/10/2025

Thank you to the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) and National Recreation and Park Association for the new video highlighting parks and recreation as a career of choice! Please share this video WIDELY, as a way to elevate parks and recreation as a "Choice Career!"

A fulfilling career awaits in parks and recreation! A Choice Career: Parks and Recreation is a powerful, interview-driven video that highlights real people a...

02/07/2025

The Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation (MRPF) is now accepting applications for three scholarship opportunities designed to support students and professionals in the parks and recreation field!

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP – For students pursuing a degree with a parks and recreation emphasis at a Minnesota school (or MN residents attending an eligible out-of-state program).

BARRY BERNSTEIN MEMORIAL DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP – Supporting students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in parks and recreation, including Hispanic, Native American, Black/African American, and LGBTQIA+ students.

PROFESSIONAL GRADUATE DEGREE SCHOLARSHIP – Up to $2,000 for MRPF professional members furthering their education with a graduate degree in parks and recreation.

Application Deadline: Monday, March 3

Know someone who should apply? Tag them, share this post, and help us shape the future of parks and recreation in Minnesota!

Apply today: mnrpf.org/scholarships

This scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to students pursuing a degree at a school located in Minnesota with a park and recreation emphasis. Permanent residents of Minnesota, attending a college or university in a neighboring state (with a parks and recreation emphasis) are also....