City of Saint Peter Recreation & Leisure Services Department Receives Two Statewide Awards for Excellence

The City of Saint Peter Recreation & Leisure Services Department has been recognized by the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) with two 2026 Awards of Excellence, honoring outstanding achievements in parks, recreation, and leisure services across Minnesota.

The City received awards in the Marketing & Communications category for its “An Evening With” Author Series and the Park & Facility category for Phase 1 of the Gorman Park Improvement Project.

“Receiving two statewide awards is a tremendous honor and reflects the creativity, collaboration, and dedication of our staff and community partners,” said Recreation & Leisure Services Director Ryan Yunkers. “These projects demonstrate how recreation extends far beyond parks and programs—it creates opportunities to connect people, strengthen community, and improve quality of life.”

Award-Winning “An Evening With” Author Series
The “An Evening With” Author Series was created to bring nationally recognized authors to Saint Peter while making literature accessible to readers of all ages through a free evening of conversation, audience questions, and book signings.

Since launching in 2025, the annual event has welcomed more than 1,000 attendees over its first two years. The series has featured acclaimed children’s author Kate DiCamillo, and previously welcomed New York Times bestselling author William Kent Krueger, with bestselling author Richard Paul Evans scheduled to appear in February 2027.

The program generated significant regional interest through extensive marketing and community partnerships with local media, schools, Gustavus Adolphus College, churches, civic organizations, and community leaders.

One of the most meaningful outcomes came after the events, when William Kent Krueger donated $1,000 to help ensure the series would continue for future generations of readers, and Kate DiCamillo donated money to give out free books to local schools, which were distributed by our Public Library.

The program was developed, funded, promoted, and delivered in just six months, with nearly 90 percent of project costs supported through grant funding, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can bring high-quality cultural experiences to the community at no cost to attendees.

Gorman Park Improvement Project Recognized for Inclusive Design
MRPA also recognized Phase 1 of the Gorman Park Improvement Project, celebrating the City’s commitment to creating a more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming community park.

Gorman Park holds a special place in Saint Peter’s history. Following the devastating 1998 tornado, more than 2,400 volunteers came together to build the beloved TREEmendous Playground—a symbol of resilience, hope, and community pride for nearly three decades.

As that playground reached the end of its service life, the City embraced the opportunity to create a new destination centered on accessibility, inclusion, and community connection.

Rather than simply meeting ADA requirements, the project was intentionally designed so people of all ages and abilities can experience the park together. New features include:
• Accessible ramped play structures
• Inclusive sensory play elements
• Accessible merry-go-round and swings
• Preschool and youth play areas
• Poured-in-place accessible surfacing
• Expanded ADA pathways connecting the park
• Shade structures, literary garden, and native landscaping
By placing inclusive features at the heart of the playground rather than at the edges, the project encourages children and families of all abilities to play alongside one another.

The project was made possible through a combination of federal American Rescue Plan funding, support from the Verna and Carl Schmidt Foundation, and ongoing contributions from more than ten community organizations, businesses, service clubs, and individual donors. Together, community partners have committed over $240,000 toward the park’s continued improvements in Phase 2.

Celebrating Community Partnerships
The two Awards of Excellence recognize projects that share a common goal: creating meaningful experiences that bring people together.

Whether through nationally recognized authors or thoughtfully designed public spaces, both initiatives reflect Saint Peter’s commitment to building an inclusive, connected, and thriving community.

The City of Saint Peter thanks the many community partners, volunteers, donors, grant providers, and residents whose support helped make these award-winning projects possible.

Pictured left to right: Ryan Yunkers, Recreation and Leisure Services Director; Kayla Campbell, Recreation Program Supervisor; Mary Jo Knudson, MRPA Awards Committee Member; Pete Moulton, Public Works Director; Dustin Sharstrom, City Council Member; Shannon Nowell, Mayor.

The City of Saint Peter thanks the many community partners, volunteers, donors, grant providers, and residents whose support helped make these award-winning projects possible.