MIRPA Conference Preview 2015

Michigan Recreation & Park Association Brings New Focus to Parks & Recreation

Landscape Structures Inc., a Delano, Minn.-based commercial playground equipment manufacturer, along with its Michigan playground consultants, Superior Play L.L.C., will exhibit at the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) Conference & Trade Show Feb. 10-13, in Lansing. The Conference will feature Mickey Fearn, a professor of practice in the North Carolina State University’s School of Natural Resources, as the keynote speaker. This learning experience was made possible through the 2014-2015 State Association Speaker Scholarship program from Landscape Structures.

As the former National Park Service Deputy Director for Communications and Community Assistance, Fearn will offer insight to park and recreation agencies to assist in creating great cities, parks, and citizens. While changing demographics and conditions challenge parks and recreation professionals, Fearn will discuss opportunities to embrace these situations. Before joining the National Park Service, Fearn worked in Seattle where he held positions as the director of the City of Seattle’s Innovation Project, executive director of the Neighborhood Leadership Program, Manager of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative, and director of communication and citizen engagement in the department of parks and recreation. Additionally, he led the creation of the architecture to end youth violence in the City of Seattle and developed programs connecting young people with nature.

The 75-minute keynote session will be presented at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12.