Saint Peter Recreation & Leisure Services honored with two statewide awards

The City of Saint Peter Recreation and Leisure Services Department has been honored with two 2024 Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) Awards of Excellence, recognizing outstanding achievements in parks and recreation that demonstrate innovation, community impact, and quality service.

The department received recognition for the following initiatives:

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and VolunTeen Programs – Honored for their effective use of youth volunteers to support department goals, encourage civic engagement, and expand recreation opportunities throughout the community. These programs have strengthened collaboration between the City and its residents, especially local youth, by giving them a voice in shaping programs they want to see. In addition, the volunteer support allows staff to broaden offerings and reach more community members.

“The TAB and VolunTeen Programs have been invaluable in helping us build stronger connections with young people in Saint Peter,” said John Stutzman, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services. “Through these programs, youth have the opportunity to step into leadership roles, share their ideas, and bring forward programming that resonates with their peers. It’s a wonderful example of how staff and volunteers can work together to expand opportunities for the entire community.”

2024–2038 Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Recognized for its forward-looking approach to planning and long-term vision for community development. This comprehensive plan was developed through a collaborative effort between Public Works, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the Recreation and Leisure Services Department.

“Developing this plan was about more than just identifying future projects—it was about creating a roadmap that reflects how we want our community to experience parks and recreation in the years ahead,” said Pete Moulton, Director of Public Works. “Our team worked closely with the Recreation and Leisure Services staff and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to make sure the plan is not only practical for the City to implement, but also visionary in thinking about how we serve residents. It’s about efficiency, collaboration, and building truly great spaces for our community.”

The MRPA Awards of Excellence highlight outstanding parks, trails, and recreation projects across the state. Award recipients are selected for their innovation, impact, and contributions to recreation, conservation, and community well-being.

“These awards reflect the dedication and creativity of our staff, volunteers, and community partners,” said Todd Prafke, City Administrator. “We are proud to be recognized among Minnesota communities for programs and planning efforts that strengthen Saint Peter’s quality of life today and for generations to come.”

To learn more about the City of Saint Peter’s award-winning initiatives, visit:

Teen Advisory Board & VolunTeen Programs: https://www.saintpetermn.gov/572/Teen-Advisory-Board 

2024 Parks & Recreation Master Plan: https://www.saintpetermn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4255/2024-Final-Parks-Master-Plan