59th Annual MRPA Conference
Recreation and Parks for ALL
March 15, 16 & 17, 2026
Samoset Resort, Rockport, Maine
Keynote Address from Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, Founder & Chief Commnity Officer, Portland Hearts of Pine
View the EXHIBITOR/SPONSOR Information HERE
View the DELEGATE Registration Information HERE
Conference Registration and Samoset Room Block will open on January 19th at 9am.
Exhibitor/Sponsor Registration
Members can take advantage of early bird pricing through February 23rd.
Special! Conference Add-On Session – NRPA Playground Maintenance Course – Tuesday, March 17, 2026- Course Brochure & Registration Information available HERE – requires separate registration
Conference Schedule and Session Descriptions
Sunday, March 15, 2026
1:00pm – 5:00pm
Check-In & Registration – Samoset Lobby
2:00 – 4:00pm Pre-Conference Sessions
Supporting Positive Athlete Behavior Through Responsive Coaching
Tracy Jones, Positive Coaching Alliance
A WORKSHOP THAT TEACHES COACHES HOW TO HANDLE TOUGH MOMENTS, BUILD STRONGER TEAMS, AND KEEP ATHLETES ENGAGE
Every coach has been there: athletes who are not able to follow directions, disruptions during practice, or a player who just can’t seem to focus. It’s frustrating and it’s easy to assume it’s all about attitude or effort. But what if it’s not? What if misbehavior is a signal, not a choice? This workshop gives coaches the tools to respond with purpose, building connection and accountability while keeping practices productive and athletes growing
MyRec.com User Group Session: Software that Simplifies your Recreation Management
Marcy Parmenter- Director of Client Success, MyRec.com
Renee Prescott – Territory Account Manager/Design Specialist
This session is for current MyRec.com users and gives our team a chance to give back to our clients when we can! It will cover all features of the software including important updates since we last met and some new accessibility assistance for 2026. We will highlight our newest features and demonstrate how you could and should use the system while giving you tips and tricks to make your life easier. There will be a question/answer period for all involved. Let’s share how you simplify your recreation management!
No More Suspensions – Dealing with Behavioral Challenges Through a New Lense ( 2:00pm – 3:00pm)
Lisa Drennan, MERGE Consulting
2025 NRPA National Conference Speaker
No More Suspensions! This training session emphasizes the importance of disability inclusion and acknowledges the need for intentional efforts to ensure the success of all individuals.
Building Bridges: Partnering with Families for Successful Disability Inclusion ( 3:15pm – 4:15pm)
Lisa Drennan, MERGE Consulting
2025 NRPA National Conference Speaker
Building trust with families of children with disabilities is key to inclusion. This session shares strategies for welcoming messaging, better intake, and navigating tough conversations. Hear family testimonies on why inclusion matters and gain tools to reduce non-disclosure, and foster collaboration —ensuring every child feels valued.
AI at Play: Streamline, Innovate, and Elevate Recreation Programs
Dr. Lori Towle, Founder of Full Circle Classrooms and Full Circle Paddles; Executive Director of Code & Circuit
As recreation directors and program leaders face increasing demands ~ from policy development and staff training to program planning and community communications ~ AI has emerged as a powerful tool to support efficiency, creativity, and consistency. This hands-on session will explore practical ways AI can assist with drafting and revising policies, standardizing procedures across sites, creating templates for safety protocols and onboarding, summarizing participation trends, and generating public communications. Participants will learn how to responsibly integrate AI into their workflows, maintaining human oversight, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring compliance with state and ethical standards. Attendees will practice using AI for program planning, SOP development, and idea generation, leaving with actionable prompts, templates, and strategies to boost staff efficiency while enhancing program quality and community impact. Emphasis will be placed on using AI as an assistant ~ not an authority ~ helping leaders work smarter, not replace human judgment, while fostering innovation, collaboration, and equitable outcomes.
4:30pm – 5:30pm
NEW! Decision Maker Vendor Social
Samoset Lounge – Drinks & Appetizers
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Sunday Evening Social Event
Samoset Vinalhaven Room with DJ Brian-C Trivia & Karaoke, snacks & Drinks
Monday, March 16, 2026
7:30am – 12:00noon
Check- In & Registration – Samoset Lobby
7:30am – 8:45am
Breakfast
9:00am – 10:15am
Welcome and World Cafe Round Table Discussions
10:15am – 10:45am
Break with Exhibitors
10:45am – 11:45am
Keynote Address
Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, Founder and Chief Community Officer, Portland Hearts of Pine
11:45am – 12:15pm
Break with Exhibitors
12:15am – 1:15pm
Lunch and MRPA Annual Business Meeting
Education Sessions
1:30pm – 2:30pm
What Do Pigs & A Park Bench Have In Common?
Jessica Brodie, Executive Director, Vermont Recreation & Park Association
2025 NRPA National Conference Speaker
Collaboration between Parks & Recreation and Agritourism businesses can foster strong, vibrant communities. Parks and agritourism can both serve as engines for local economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social cohesion. This session will explore and discuss the idea of “Farm Parks” and the importance of connecting Agriculture and Parks & Recreation. Together, we will explore numerous ways parks and agritourism organizations can partner to create farm-based programs, cultural events, to educational workshops. We will discuss the importance of cross-sector collaboration in today’s society, share examples of successful partnerships, and how the sectors overlap. This session will also explore the connection between indigenous farming practices and community living with the historical contributions of Native Americans to agriculture and parks in the United States. Attendees of this session should leave feeling inspired with a collaborative mindset to enhance community connections through agriculture, recreation, and shared spaces.
Riding The Wave
Rachel Arbige,Recreation Manager, East Greenwich, RI
Riding the Wave: How to Identify, Plan, and Implement Successful New Programming
Recreation is far more than youth camps and seasonal offerings—it is a powerful tool for building community, promoting wellness, and engaging residents of all ages. Riding the Wave explores how recreation professionals can stay ahead of trends, respond to shifting community needs, and successfully launch innovative programming that resonates across generations.
This session will guide participants through practical strategies for identifying gaps and opportunities within their communities, using data, feedback, and observation to shape relevant and inclusive programs. Attendees will learn how to transform ideas into action through thoughtful planning, effective partnerships, creative marketing, and flexible implementation.
Through real-world examples of workshops, classes, and special events, this session will highlight programs that encourage participation from young adults, families, active older adults, and everyone in between. Participants will leave with actionable tools, inspiration, and confidence to expand their programming portfolio, adapt to change, and “ride the wave” of emerging recreation trends while strengthening community connection and engagement.
So, You Want To Be A Director?
Sabrina Best, Deputy Director, Brunswick Parks & Recreation and MRPA President
You don’t know what you don’t know – things I wish I knew before my first director position.
We will cover: Budgets and Budget presentation, what is CIP, how to speak at a Council meeting, different structures for governing bodies (Council, selectboard), HR laws and policies to know, how to create a policy, building and leading a team, advocate for yourself, RFP and Bids processes, Commissions or Advisory boards, Council and Town Manager management.
Pickleball for All: Expanding Opportunities for Underserved Youth in Maine
Dr. Lori Towle, Founder of Full Circle Classrooms and Full Circle Paddles; Executive Director of Code & Circuit
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, offering a fun, accessible, and social way for youth to engage in physical activity. Yet, many underserved and underprivileged communities in Maine lack access to equipment, structured programs, and trained staff to introduce this dynamic sport.
This interactive workshop explores practical strategies to expand pickleball opportunities for youth in underserved communities. Participants will learn how to implement inclusive programs and create learn-to-play opportunities. Attendees will gain hands-on experience with program planning, game play, safety protocols, and youth engagement techniques to teach the game.
Full Circle Paddles will donate used high quality used paddles to staff who implement these programs, ensuring that youth have access to the equipment needed to participate safely and confidently. This workshop will also provide guidance on integrating donated equipment into sustainable programs and teaching the game to reach players of various levels.
Participants will leave with actionable strategies, program templates, and inspiration to bring pickleball to youth across Maine ~ helping communities stay active, connected, and empowered.
Education Sessions
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Advocacy In Action: Telling Your Story For Real Impact
Megan Jean-Gendron, Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs, Frame Strategies
Advocacy isn’t just about facts and figures—it’s about telling the story of why your work matters. In this session, we’ll explore how Maine’s parks and recreation professionals can use personal stories, community impact, and on-the-ground experience to influence decision-makers at every level. Participants will learn practical tools for shaping compelling narratives, framing issues for policymakers, and building long-term advocacy relationships. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your approach, you’ll leave with strategies that make your voice more effective, memorable, and actionable.
Grant Funding Opportunities for Trails, Parks, Sports Fields, Courts, & Other Outdoor Recreation Projects
Mathew Henion, Outdoor Recreation Grants Specialist, LWCF
Are you trying to increase the accessibility of your town’s trail network? Is the local playground in need of renovation? Are you looking to meet the demand for outdoor racket sport courts? The staff from Maine’s Grants & Community Recreation Program will discuss how the Maine Trails Program, Land & Water Conservation Fund, and the Recreational Trails Program can help fund your public outdoor recreation projects.
Character Education through Creative Recreation
John LaRue, President and founder of Back2BasicPlay, Inc.
Many children are lacking core values such as kindness, respect, and accountability. Character education and creative, interactive play can be utilized to help instill core values, realizing that many of our children are living passive lifestyles as they are watching TV, using computers, playing video games. These lifestyles are resulting in not only health concerns such as obesity, but also social concerns. Children are missing out on opportunities to interact with their peers in a meaningful way.
30 Ways To Engage Your Community
Nicole Welch, Director, Lewiston Recreation
Karyn MacNeill, Director, Yarmouth Community Services
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Exhibitor Social Drinks & Appetizers
BINGO Raffle
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Annual Awards Reception Dinner
8:00pm – 10:00pm
Monday Evening Social
Glow Party with the Project Firebird Band
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
7:30am – 9:00am
Breakfast
8:00am – 9:00am
Check-In for NRPA Playground Maintenance Course
Education Sessions
9:00am – 10:00am
8 Dimensions of Wellness
Danielle Yale, Health Promotion Coordinator, MEMUN
The 8 dimensions of Wellness include the following: physical, emotional, financial, intellectual, occupational, social, spiritual, and environmental. Each dimension is interconnected and enhancing one positively influences the others as well as negatively can affect a snowball effect in the other areas as well. Focusing on all 8 dimensions fosters a greater sense of purpose, satisfaction, and well-being in both personal and professional lives.
Next Level Programming Using Registered Maine Guides
Matt Tobin, Pioneer MFG Sales
Hiring a Maine Guide can greatly increase the programming for your Department. Lists will be provided of possible opportunities with vast examples given. From the youngest to the oldest in your program, will have successful opportunities to be enriched in more than just the typical team sports. Maine is full of opportunities for all to recreate. Let’s find out what these are.
Beyond the Game: Coaching Character and Community
Brian Moreau, Director of Parks & Recreation, Baileyville
Youth sports can be one of the most powerful tools for building confident, resilient, and kind young people — but only if the focus goes beyond wins and losses. This session explores how small-town recreation programs can shape a healthy coaching culture centered on sportsmanship, teamwork, and community pride.
Attendees will learn how to set clear expectations with volunteer coaches and parents, handle difficult sideline behavior, and design programs that prioritize player development and enjoyment. The conversation will also highlight strategies for strengthening the connection between recreation departments, schools, and families through positive coaching practices.
Education Block
10:10am – 11:10am
Age-Friendly Communities and Recreation: A Moving Partnership
Dr. Patricia Oh, Asst. Director, Community Engaged Research, University of Maine
Gail Platts, Active Adults Program Coordinator, Scarborough Community Services
Anthony Dahms, Director, Gray Recreation
When Age-Friendly Community Initiatives and Recreation Departments join forces, the entire community thrives. Opportunities to recreate and socialize are essential for older adults to lead active, healthy, and engaged lives—and that’s where Recreation excels.
This workshop explores how age-friendly initiatives and recreation departments collaborate to create a lasting impact. We’ll examine real-world examples of collaboration that make spaces more accessible, expand social opportunities beyond traditional activities like bingo and trips, and meaningfully engage older community members in program development.
Participants will discover innovative partnerships across multiple areas, including:
Creating accessible recreational spaces and facilities
Developing diverse social programming that reflects the interests of today’s older adults
Building programs where older adults serve as co-creators, not just participants
Collaborating with older community members to design activities that address transportation and communication needs
The session begins with an overview of Maine’s age-friendly movement and then showcases successful partnerships that demonstrate what’s possible when recreation and age-friendly initiatives work hand in hand. Attendees will leave inspired with practical examples they can adapt in their own communities.
Next Generation of Parks & Recreation
Grace Mulherin, Director, Buxton Recreation
Zach Lambert, Community Recreation & Events Manager, Gorham Recreation
Whether you are a student or a seasoned professional, in this session you will hear from up-and-coming young professionals who are the “next generation”. This session will be a “town hall” style session. Panelists consisting of Young Professionals will give a brief synopsis of their journey of how and why Parks and Recreation came about, before moving into a Q&A.
Building Welcoming and Inclusive Youth Recreation Programs
Soren Erwich, School Engagement Coordinator, OUT Maine
This training is designed for organizations that provide direct youth programming. It will provide a foundational understanding for those who are new to working with LGBTQ+ youth, as well as updated and in-depth information for those who are looking for a refresher. During this training participants will review: terminology and pronoun usage; risk and protective factors, supporting transgender and gender-expansive youth, student rights, intervening in harmful behavior, creating inclusive forms, and navigating facility needs. This training is based on our published Best Practices for LGBTQ+ Inclusive Programming.
9:00am – 4:00pm
Special Conference Add On Sesssion
NRPA Playground Maintenance Course – requires separate registration
For More Information & Regsitration Click HERE