City parks and communications teams win state awards for programs and publications

The City Council recognized awards earned by the city's parks and communications teams. Jamie Neltner, program advancement administrator with the Minneapolis Park Board and awards committee member for the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA), presented an MRPA Award of Excellence in the marketing and communications category for the city's "Share Your Story" marketing campaign (aka #MyParkMemory).

Neltner described MRPA's awards process and congratulated staff for the campaign, which was nominated by Parks and Recreation Director Jason West. "On behalf of MRPA and the awards committee, we extend our gratitude to Cindy Walsh, the deputy city manager, Jason West, parks and recreation director, and Nikki Frederick, recreation superintendent, for all they do for the residents of Saint Louis Park," Neltner said.

In a subsequent presentation, John Licksett from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators announced two Northern Lights bronze awards for the city: one in 'best use of humor' for the "on a role" internship recruitment campaign and another in publications for the parks and recreation activity catalog. Licksett noted that, according to the award application, 20% of internship applicants said they learned of the opportunity through Instagram — a substantial increase from past outreach.

Council members congratulated staff and said the awards reflected teamwork between departments and successful outreach strategies. The recognitions were ceremonial; no council action was required beyond acknowledging staff accomplishments.