2025 MRPA Annual Conference

58th Annual MRPA Conference

Maine! The Way Parks and Recreation Should Be!

March 16-18, 2025

At the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

 USE THIS LINK TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT THE SAMOSET Maine Recreation and Park Association 2025

 

PLEASE CLICK ON THE CONFERENCE INFORMTION FLYERS BEFORE YOU REGISTER TO VIEW THE VARIOUS REGISTRATION OPTIONS AND WHAT THEY INCLUDE!

For Exhibitors and Sponsors

CLICK HERE to view Exhibitor/Vendor Letter

CLICK HERE to view Sponsorship Flyer for Exhibitors/Vendors

CLICK HERE to REGISTER as a SPONSOR or EXHIBITOR

Use the Link above to book your room at the Samoset. The MRPA Block opens on January 17th at 8:00am.

 

 

For Delegates

CLICK HERE to view the conferene information and flyers

 CLICK HERE to REGISTER to attend the conference – Early Bird rates through February 24th!

Use the Link above to book your room at the Samoset. The MRPA Block opens on January 17th at 8:00am.

  

Sunday, March 16, 2025

8:00am – 9:00am AND 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm     Registration          Samoset Lobby

9:00am – 3:00pm 

Increasing Outdoor Access Workshop ( register separately)  .5 CEU

What does it look like to create trails and outdoor spaces that are more
inviting, inclusive, and supportive of people living with different
disabilities? How can we rethink outdoor spaces and how we
communicate about them to welcome people who have historically
been marginalized in conservation and the outdoors? This workshop
combines a series of presentations, hands-on adaptive equipment use,
and in-field trail assessments. The workshop aims to share the
experiences, needs, and challenges of individuals living with
disabilities, and provide concrete suggestions for how to identify,
eliminate, and minimize infrastructure and informational barriers that
prevent wider access to, and use of, trails and lands.
Please note that this workshop is not designed to advise
participants on how to build or modify trails to make them
fully compliant with federal legislation; rather, instruction
focuses on making immediate, attainable shifts to trails,
infrastructure, and communications that begin to welcome
and accommodate a greater number of people looking to be
active outdoors.

3:15 pm – 5:15 pm

MyRec – course description coming soon    .2 CEU     

Positive Coaching Alliance – course description coming soon  .2 CEU

3:15pm – 4:15 pm

Safety & Maintenance: The Pillars of Great Playground Design   .1 CEU

Presenter: Emily Easterling, Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)

Step into the exciting world of playground design, safety, and maintenance in this interactive session. This session will take a deep dive into the essential elements of designing a playground that is not only fun and engaging but also safe, durable, and in line with the latest trends.

We’ll cover playground design concepts, inclusive play and creating safe play spaces, while discussing any current projects your community may be interested in pursuing.  In addition, we’ll share best practices for playground maintenance and how to ensure the longevity and safety of your equipment, handle wear and tear, and perform effective inspections. This session is run by Emily Easterling from Premier Park & Play.

5:45 – 9:00 pm      

Social Event at Bear’s Den Billiards

Free Event for registered participants ( there is a $20.00 add on fee for the TRAPT ESCAPE ROOM)

 

Monday, March 17, 2025

7:30 am – 12:00 pm      Registration      Samoset Lobby

7:30 am – 8:45 am        Breakfast

9:00 am – 10:15 am      Education Session

MRPA World Cafe    .1 CEU

Attendees will self-select and participate in three table conversation topics through the session, one in each round. Rounds will be 20 minutes each. There will be multiple tables covering multiple topics each round so there will be many opportunities to engage if there is not enough room at a table. Each table will have a facilitator to guide the discussion and a scribe to capture notes. 10 -12 people per table. Key take aways from each topic will be presented to all attendees.

      
10:15 am – 10:45 AM      Visit With The Exhibitors

10:45 am – 11:45 am      Conference Keynote Presentation – “Nature’s Place in Music”

Maine Native and American Idol Finalist Julia Gagnon

 11:45 am – 12:15 pm              Visit With The Exhibitors

12:15 pm – 1:15 pm                Lunch & MRPA Business Meeting

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm                  Education Sessions

Beyond the Label: Lessons from Cola Wars on Harnessing the Power of Inclusive Language and Marketing to Engage Diverse Audiences    .1 CEU

Presenter: MRPA DEI Committee; Lisa Thompson, Gail Platts, Sabrina Best, Angela O’Connor, Brandi Bradley

Join us for the “Coke or Pepsi Challenge” and a conversation about the power of marketing and its impact on shaping preferences and perceptions. We will also explore using the NRPA Quick Guide on Event Naming to help us to use more inclusive terminology and create a more welcoming environment for a wider range of participants.

 

 

Increase Visitor Enjoyment and Your Park’s Relevance Through Engaging Interpretive Programs   .1CEU

Presenter: Jocelyn Hubbell, Interpretive Specialist, BPL

You’ll learn why interpretation is crucial to every aspect of park operations, what it is, and how to get started or improve the programs you already offer. You’ll experience several simple yet powerful interpretive vignettes that you can replicate at your parks, and you’ll get an interpretive resource list. Bring your sense of wonder and come prepared for a fun and engaging session! Interested in an Interpretive Program networking group? We will explore this too.

 

 

Day Camp Staff Training   .1 CEU

course description coming soon

 

 

Special Olympics ME – Unified Champion Clubs   .1 CEU

Presenter: Laurie Pearson, Unified Schools and Wellness Coordinator

With over 5,000 athletes across Maine, Special Olympics Maine is dedicated to providing meaningful local engagement opportunities for all of our athletes. The Unified Champion Clubs initiative is a core strategy aimed at creating inclusive experiences for athletes through unified sports, health education, fitness classes, or by integrating individuals with and without intellectual disabilities into existing programs. This initiative fosters inclusion, unity, and active participation in recreation, allowing everyone to thrive. Parks and recreation departments have a unique opportunity to strengthen and unify their communities by embracing this program, which helps you expand your reach, serve an underserved population, and create an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome.

By incorporating Unified Champion Clubs, you can enhance your existing programs without the need to start from scratch. Special Olympics Maine provides the support to ensure seamless integration. We offer trained volunteers, funding to launch programs, and access to a large pool of athletes eager to participate, ensuring your programs are fully supported and impactful.

We are committed to helping you every step of the way with training, program models,

 

 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm         Education Sessions

 

Trail Planning, Design, and Management in a Changing Environment   .1 CEU

Presenter: Nicole Lazure, Outdoor Recreation Planner, BPL

So, you want to plan, build or expand a new trail system but you’re not sure where to begin? As Maine navigates an ever-changing environment, trail planners should familiarize themselves with considerations related to climate change, changing user demographics, funding sources, and recreational trends that inform trail planning, design, and management. This session will provide foundational information and resources to help you design and build for the future of recreation in the state of Maine.

 

New Needs in Parks and Recreation: Marketing and Communications  .1 CEU

Presenter: Weezie MacKay, Marketing and Communications Manager ,Brunswick P & R  

As the Parks and Recreation industry continues to grow, it competes with just about everything out there to stay relevant to the people it serves. How do you win amidst all the noise? In this presentation, learn what marketing and communications means to your agency (hint: it’s more than social media); why it’s important to tell your story; and how to build a strategy, an editorial calendar, and a job description.

 

Positive Coaching Alliance   .1 CEU

Presenter: PCA staff  

course description coming soon

 

Dip Down to Rise Up – The Science and Magic of Cold-Water Dipping   .1CEU

Presentner: Amy Hopkins, Entrepeur, Speaker, Cold Water Dipping Guide

Back by popular demand! Join Amy Hopkins, owner and founder of Saltwater Mountain Co. as she talks with passion, experience and enthusiasm all-things cold water – the dos, the don’ts, the whys and the hows! Then consider joining our (optional) real on-site cold-water dip at sunrise the next day – This is not to be missed, never regretted and always the best part! RECOMMENDED: come dip- prepared (with bathing suit, bathrobe, warm layers, wool socks and water shoes) even if you’re on the fence! (Some Neoprene booties will be available for borrowing) Hope to see you (and your curiosity) there!

SUNRISE COLD-WATER DIP: (optional but encouraged – even if just to watch!)

Exhibitor Social                           5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

MRPA Awards Banquet              6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Social Event                                 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Pre-Party (lounge, fire pits, networking, etc.) followed by Julia Gagnon Concert

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

7:30 am – 8:50 am                         Breakfast

7:30 am – 9:00 am                          Registration

9:00 am – 10:00 am                        Education Sessions

 Cemeteries and Community   .1CEU

Presenter: Wesley Brumbaugh, Director of Cemeteries and Historic Projects, City of Portland

I intend to explore how cemeteries evolved, where they may go from here in the future, and what are the challenges facing them in terms of maintenance/upkeep, preparing for the future, and balancing those realities with the deep emotional interests of the community.

 

99 seconds – Your Program Ideas   .1CEU

Presenter: Lisa Thompson, Recreation Director, City of Biddeford  

This session is fully interactive where YOU are the presenter!   Our best ideas come from networking and sharing our program ideas with others in our profession, and this session allows you to do both! Bring your biggest and best program ideas to share- in 99 seconds- with your cohorts in the recreation field. Topics such as Special Events, Multi-generational, Outdoor Recreation, Teen Programming and more will be covered. This session will guarantee MANY takeaways to try out in your department.  Remember, it’s not stealing, it’s sharing!

 

ALL Building Communities Online; Creativity and Connection in Parks and Recreation   .1 CEU

Presenter: Ryan Avery, Owner, THE LAB MAINE  

Videos, digital examples, recommendations, slides and discussions surrounding the importance of keeping up with social media. Covering free and paid options for better design work, posts, flyers. Who in your organization can help with this? Tips and tricks for photos and videos of leagues, classes and events.

 

Maine Trails Program   .1 CEU

Presenter: Doug Beck, Outdoor Recreation Program Manager, BPL

With voter approved $30 million dollars available for trail project across the state, now is the best time ever to improve your local trail network. Attend this session and learn how you can take advantage of this opportunity to increase local economic vitality, improve public health, increase property values, attract and retain residents and business all with some awesome trails.

 10:15 am – 11:15 am                         Education Sessions

 

Not Just Surviving, But Thriving!   .1 CEU

Presenter: Abigail DiPasquale, MPH, MCHES; Senior Health Promotion Coordinator 

Recognizing your addiction to stress. Understanding why we stay so BUSY and how to break the cycle. Identify five key areas to REVAMP your life to restore balance and happiness. The problem is not that you can’t manage stress. Most likely you are doing a fine job getting the things done that need to be done, meeting deadlines, and even attending a social event every once in a while, (especially if it is a part of your responsibilities). But what is your experience of life? Are you taking time to appreciate what you’re working so hard to accomplish or are you just speeding through in order to tackle the next items on your to-do list? This session will help you find a way back to the balance of working for a living and having a life.

 

Community Water Safety:  The Importance of Organizational Partnerships   .1 CEU

Presenter: Brooke Teller, Executive Director, Maine Community Swimming

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1-4 years old and the second leading cause of injury death for children age 5-14 years old. We need to work together to tackle this national issue.  Equitable access to water safety and swimming lessons has become increasingly difficult in Maine due to decreased workforce, aging infrastructure and high demand for lessons.  Come hear about how organizations in your area can work together towards a goal of water safety for ALL.

 

Ultimate Frisbee- Your Next Great Sports Program   .1 CEU

Presenter: Nicole Welch, Youth Program Director, Maine Ultimate need to schedule opposite day from the Day Camp Panel session

Easy skills and games to play with kids, learn about the rules of ultimate and how the game is played.

 

Grant Funding for Trails, Playgrounds, Courts, Parks, & other Public Outdoor Recreation Facilities   .1 CEU

Presenter: Mat Henion and Catherine Dufault, Outdoor Recreation Grants Specialists

Staff from the Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands’ Grants & Community Recreation
Program will discuss the annual grant funding opportunity for parks projects in your community through the Land &
Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a state-side federal reimbursement grant program. This session will cover all the
basic information about LWCF, including: a brief history of the fund, what to consider before applying, a review of
the grant application process and helpful tips to make an application competitive, as well as an important
discussion on LWCF lifetime stewardship obligations that every applicant should know before becoming a project
sponsor.