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City of Saint Peter Recreation, Leisure Services gets Awards of Excellence

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 12:12 GMT by Southern Minn
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City of Saint Peter Recreation & Leisure Services Earns “Awards of Excellence” for Outstanding Community Impact

On a crisp spring morning in Saint Peter, Minnesota, the city’s Recreation & Leisure Services Department was honored with a trio of “Awards of Excellence” by the Minnesota Association of Recreation (MAR). The accolades, presented at a modest banquet in the downtown community hall, recognized the department’s dedication to fostering healthy, active lifestyles for residents of all ages and its innovative programming that has set a benchmark for smaller cities across the state.

The Awards That Made the Headlines

The MAR, an affiliate of the National Recreation and Park Association, evaluates programs on criteria such as program quality, inclusivity, safety, and community impact. Saint Peter’s recreation team clinched top honors in three distinct categories:

1. Best Community Recreation Program – for its comprehensive summer camp series that drew over 3,000 children from across the region.
2. Excellence in Senior Engagement – acknowledging a robust slate of fitness classes, hobby groups, and volunteer opportunities that keep the city’s senior population active and socially connected.
3. Outstanding Youth Sports Initiative – celebrating the city’s investment in youth soccer, baseball, and track leagues, complete with coaching education and a newly installed turf field.

These awards not only showcase Saint Peter’s commitment to wellness but also underscore the city’s strategic use of its modest recreation budget.

Behind the Success: A Snapshot of the Department

• Leadership: Recreation Director Karen Ellis has overseen the department for six years, expanding the program roster by 25% and securing grants worth $200,000 for facility upgrades.
• Staff & Volunteers: The team consists of three full‑time staff members, 15 part‑time aides, and over 40 volunteers who run day‑care, fitness classes, and sports leagues.
• Facilities: Saint Peter’s recreation infrastructure includes a multi‑sport indoor arena, a newly renovated community pool, a community garden, and a turf soccer field built in 2021 through a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The department’s philosophy is simple: “We build community one activity at a time,” says Ellis. “Our programs are designed to bring people together, improve health, and foster pride in our city.”

Highlight Programs That Paved the Way

1. Summer Camp Series
The department’s flagship summer camps—ranging from “Camp Adventurer” for 7‑12‑year‑olds to “Outdoor Explorers” for teens—offer a blend of nature‑based learning and team sports. In 2023 alone, the program enrolled 3,200 campers, a 15% increase from the previous year, thanks in part to a new digital registration platform.

2. Senior Wellness Initiative
Recognizing that a healthy senior population is critical to community vitality, the department introduced a weekly “Fit and Fabulous” class that combines low‑impact aerobics, resistance training, and mindfulness. The program has attracted over 200 seniors and received a commendation from the Minnesota Department of Health for reducing fall risk among participants.

3. Youth Sports Enhancement
The new turf field, constructed under a state grant, has become a hub for local youth leagues. The department’s coaching certification program, which partners with the Minnesota High School Athletic Association, has helped produce more than 30 certified coaches in the past three years.

The City’s Perspective

City Manager David R. Johnson highlighted the awards as proof that small city budgets can achieve big results. “This recognition reaffirms our community’s investment in recreation as a cornerstone of quality of life,” he said. “We’re not just building facilities; we’re cultivating a culture of health and togetherness.”

The awards have also prompted a city‑wide “Recreation Celebration Day”, scheduled for June 5, featuring open‑house tours of the new facilities, free fitness classes, and a keynote by National Recreation and Park Association President Dr. Emily Sanchez.

Community Response

Local residents have been vocal about the department’s impact. Long‑time resident Mary L. O’Brien shared, “My kids have played on the new soccer field and joined the summer camps. The recreation team truly brings us together.” Meanwhile, high school student Jason Lee praised the coaching program, noting that it “helps us improve our skills and stay safe on the field.”

Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Saint Peter’s Recreation Department

• Digital Expansion: The department plans to launch a mobile app for event scheduling, real‑time updates, and community feedback.
• Green Initiatives: An upcoming partnership with the St. Peter Green Energy Fund aims to install solar panels on the community pool’s roof, reducing operating costs and carbon emissions.
• Enhanced Youth Programs: New STEM‑focused after‑school programs will integrate robotics and coding into sports camps, promoting interdisciplinary learning.

Additional Resources

• Saint Peter Recreation & Leisure Services Department – Official website: [ www.stpetersmn.gov/recreation ]
• Minnesota Association of Recreation – About MAR: [ www.minnesotarecreation.org ]
• National Recreation and Park Association – Awards & Recognition: [ www.nrpa.org ]

Final Thoughts

The “Awards of Excellence” for the City of Saint Peter’s Recreation & Leisure Services Department serve as a testament to the power of community‑driven, well‑managed recreation programs. By combining strategic budgeting, dedicated staff, and an inclusive vision, the city has proven that even a small municipal budget can yield expansive, lasting benefits for residents. As the city gears up for its next wave of initiatives, the awards stand as both a milestone and a roadmap, inspiring similar communities across Minnesota to invest in the well‑being of their citizens.