The Maine Recreation & Park Association (MRPA)

11/09/2026

💻 There’s still time to join the Rec & Tech Virtual Series!

Technology is changing the way we work in parks and recreation, and there are still some great sessions ahead! 🌟

MRPA is proud to partner with the North Carolina State Parks and Recreation and other state associations to bring you this virtual learning opportunity.

📅 Upcoming Sessions:

November 16: Smarter Parks: Technology That Works for Parks & Recreation

December 1: The Power of Recreation Data: Better Decisions. Stronger Communities

December 9: The Parks & Rec AI Toolkit: From Prompt to Productivity

December 17: More Than ChatGPT: How Can AI Help Rec Departments Deliver Exceptional Experiences?

⏰ 1:00–2:30 PM
🎓 Up to .1 CEUs per session
🎥 Recordings available for up to 3 weeks
💲 $25 per session

Whether you're looking to work smarter, explore AI, or discover new tools for your department, there's something for everyone!

💚 Bonus: Every Maine registration helps support MRPA!

Register Here: https://www.ncrpa.net/site_event_detail.cfm?pk_association_event=38020&fbclid=IwY2xjawVfL-RleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMXUyanZRcnREMXZkUFVDSlRzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEfPIcKT9TrsyN0fAJj6OuRGjc56PFVt1CUocEUg-qVd4YgDEnvp8okjtOB5rs_aem_BQo7uBnPD9PXdTzLrQbu1g

11/05/2026

🛍️🎁 YOUR 20% OFF SHOPPING WEEKEND STARTS TOMORROW!

Still need to gear up for winter sports or get a head start on holiday shopping? ❄️ We've got you covered!

Thanks to our partnership with DICK'S Sporting Goods, you can save 20% on your purchase November 6–9! 🏀⛷️

📅 November 6–9, 2026
🏷️ 20% OFF!

Don't forget to save your MRPA coupon and bring it along when you shop!
https://cmm.dickssportinggoods.com/api/v1/coupons?offer_entity_code=O241G48Q&token=zvoceQKt4UlFc-vwG8WhDYkVbagbjq4pw0BcgqMpLnchYwvEolN1ast00enGOF1IKs94u9YsDOCf1CpkVE83A2&p=true&vt=46316.3530985995&vth=1EHDKr4d7L87fQQ4YQHWBf81eUCxH3rDlNrlCh5K70wxG1UJW0OlTJw7P1X0ksMyxjAMXKdFQsPxsnqSNUp-Iw2&fbclid=IwY2xjawVRg_BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMUxCVWdYSkZJdmJBOHBvanlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEf9KXhdBV2y9lDYnSPWKN1_556_F39FfZBd3ZJBjEuGpgV52SMsrOyVtcM0oQ_aem_2AWVXvAgo1syhXUfYO7uRg

10/30/2026

Join us in congratulating Bri Maloney, Youth Program Coordinator at South Portland Parks and Recreation, for receiving the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Recreation Professional of the Year Award!

🏆 Congratulations to our MAHPERD Award Recipients! 🏆

We are excited to celebrate this year’s outstanding Recreation and Dance Professionals of the Year ! These individuals and organizations make a meaningful impact on promoting healthy, active lifestyles.

🧡 Recreation Award: Brianne Maloney

💜 Dance Award: Belfast Flying Shoes

Please join us in congratulating these deserving recipients and thanking them for the positive difference they make in their communities!

We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at the Awards Banquet, November 1, 2026, 6:30pm.

10/30/2026

❄️🎁 Gearing up for winter sports or getting a head start on holiday shopping? We've got you covered!

The Maine Recreation & Parks Association is teaming up with DICK'S Sporting Goods to bring you a 20% OFF SHOPPING WEEKEND! 🛍️

📅 November 6–9, 2026
🏷️ Save 20% on your purchase!

Whether you're preparing for the winter sports season or checking gifts off your holiday shopping list, it's the perfect time to save!

📲 Be sure to bring your MRPA coupon to take advantage of this special offer!

https://cmm.dickssportinggoods.com/api/v1/coupons?offer_entity_code=O241G48Q&token=zvoceQKt4UlFc-vwG8WhDYkVbagbjq4pw0BcgqMpLnchYwvEolN1ast00enGOF1IKs94u9YsDOCf1CpkVE83A2&p=true&vt=46316.3530985995&vth=1EHDKr4d7L87fQQ4YQHWBf81eUCxH3rDlNrlCh5K70wxG1UJW0OlTJw7P1X0ksMyxjAMXKdFQsPxsnqSNUp-Iw2

10/29/2026

CONGRATULATIONS Alisha Keezer, Cub Care and Waterfront Coordinator at Biddeford Recreation for being named Employee of the Year for City of Biddeford Government!

We are thrilled to share that Alisha Keezer, our Cub Care & Waterfront Coordinator, has been named the City of Biddeford's 2026 Employee of the Year!

Alisha has dedicated 17 years to the Biddeford Recreation Department, bringing exceptional commitment, professionalism, and care to her work. Her passion for the recreation profession and for serving our community is evident in everything she does.

Alisha has worked in the Cub Care program since its inception in 2016, eventually becoming the Coordinator, and has helped make it a valuable resource for Biddeford families. She has built strong relationships with children, parents, and staff while creating a safe, welcoming, and positive environment. Over the years, hundreds of families have entrusted Alisha with the care of their children, a responsibility she takes seriously and approaches with compassion, dedication, and professionalism.

In 2023, Alisha took on responsibility for overseeing Biddeford’s beach operations at Biddeford Pool, Fortunes Rocks, and Rotary Park, bringing safety, training, and efficiency to an entirely new level. Her commitment to the beaches is deeply personal, having grown up in Biddeford Pool and started her city career as a lifeguard herself, Alisha understands firsthand the responsibility of protecting the public.

Over the years, Alisha has grown into a true community leader and champion for the Recreation Department. We are incredibly proud to have her represent the City of Biddeford and serve our families and residents. Please join us in congratulating Alisha on this honor!

10/27/2026

Several parks and recreation professionals attended "Park Activation in Action: Deering Oaks Park Tour" this morning!

Portland Parks Division Director, Alex Marshall, and Portland Parks Division Deputy Director, Jen DeRice, shared strategies for park activation and facility maintenance, including a peak into capital plans for this high-use space.

Thank you Portland Maine Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department for hosting - it was a beautiful morning for a walk in Deering Oaks Park!

10/21/2026

Thank you to Biddeford Recreation for hosting a great Southern Maine Recreation meeting on Tuesday morning!

Deputy Director Erica Dube, Program Coordinator Alisha Keezer, and City of Biddeford Government Communications Director Danica Lamontage shared their social media marketing plan and strategy. All attendees took something away to give their department an edge on advertising!

Thank you also to Nikki Drake, Recreation Director in South Berwick Recreation for organizing!

10/08/2026

⛳The 22 Annual MRPA Bill Bonnyman Memorial Golf Tournament is Friday, 10/9 at the beautiful Val Halla Golf and Recreation Center in Cumberland!

Bill Bonnyman was an accomplished coach in the Hingham, Massachusetts Youth Baseball system, a retired sales representative with Pioneer, a proud father of four and a longtime supporter of the Maine Recreation and Park Association who passed away after a long battle with a rare form of lung disease. His positive attitude and dedication made him a role model throughout his community and beyond and continues to evoke a sense of pride in all those who knew him.

The MRPA/Bill Bonnyman Memorial Golf Tournament was created to help raise monies for the Maine Recreation and Park Association Fellowship/Scholarship fund in Bill Bonnyman’s memory. These funds are used to help park and recreation professionals from around the state learn how to better serve their community and to further their professional development. The continued success of each year’s tournament has insured that it will continue as an annual event that not only helps to raise funds but also continues to help to raise spirits!

💓This tournament would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors!

Xtreme Screen and Sportwear
Game Time Park and Playground Equipment
Maine Tennis and Track
Lost Valley
Drouin Dance Center
Musco Sport Lighting
Ben Schaffer Recreation
Challenger Sports
Winter Kids
Read Custom Soils LLC
Bark Bros.
Adventure Bound
MyRec.com
Me O'Brien and Sons
Kompan Playgrounds
New England Recreation Group

🙌Thank you also to Cumberland Parks and Recreation for welcoming us back to Val Halla each year!

⛳We hope to see you on the links!

10/07/2026

Registration is now open for Whistles & Wisdom: Women Shaping Youth Sports! In this free workshop you'll learn from hands-on activities how to create a fun and encouraging team environment. Whether your curious about starting to coach or have gone through many seasons, join us to connect with the leading ladies in youth sports!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVWpJsn5Bskeql05M0la_e-n22ldiSZ5lpYRVfCTJLwz6qmA/viewform

07/22/2026

Are you ready for the season?

🏃⚽🏈 Gear up for the season and save!

Whether you're getting ready for soccer, cheer, cross country, football, or simply treating yourself to some new athletic gear, now is the perfect time to shop.

Here is a coupon to enjoy 20% OFF your purchase during the exclusive Dick's Sporting Goods Shop Event from August 7th - August 10th.

Don't miss this chance to stock up on shoes, apparel, equipment, and more while saving big. Be sure to grab your coupon and happy shopping! 🛍️🎉

View coupon here: https://cmm.dickssportinggoods.com/crmcdn/getoffer.aspx?offer_entity_code=O241FZP6&token=oxlix8AAsgIYOOn6GQCIGP-7WF3MWBXLX48c5xl8mQavWDieCahHor5-yyRk9tv5sl5MWuJ0f6-EmZFNYKZQ2&p=true&vt=46216.6330655787&vth=trqpk3uJi9YfXSqZyYuT3mbFvCfRwa5zuTbGD2M6LxTG8i3b6ikwNq72nV01A--b3W64YFVn9NR0tzHNE0jw2