Keeping Seniors Active and Engaged
Speaker(s): Ashley Magner, Kelsey Schaunaman
Room: Harvest Hall 3
Seniors thrive when they remain active, connected, and supported, but achieving this requires creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. In this presentation, you’ll learn how to design meaningful activities that keep seniors engaged, leverage local resources to provide tools for staying active, and build partnerships with community organizations to promote healthier lifestyles. You’ll leave with practical strategies, inspiring examples, and actionable ideas to strengthen the connections between recreation, seniors, and the communities they live in.
Refreshing Recreation: Splash Pads
Speaker(s): Alison Shafir
Room: Harvest Hall 4
Splash pads offer a fun, safe, and accessible way for communities to enjoy water recreation, but designing and maintaining these spaces takes careful planning and strategy. In this presentation, you’ll explore best practices for creating splash pads that are engaging, inclusive, and sustainable. Topics include design considerations, safety and maintenance, community programming, and ways to maximize impact for all ages. You’ll leave with practical insights, creative ideas, and strategies to enhance water play experiences that bring joy and connection to your community.
Creating Inclusive Parks: Small Changes, Big Impact
Speaker(s): Kayla Farahmand
Room: Harvest Hall 2
Parks are meant to be places where everyone feels a sense of belonging, yet individuals with developmental disabilities often encounter barriers that limit their experiences. In this presentation, we will explore why inclusive design and programming in parks is essential, the challenges families frequently face, and how small changes can create big impact. You’ll leave with practical strategies to make parks more welcoming, from enhancing accessibility to fostering spaces that encourage comfort, connection, and fun for all.
Building Strong Foundations: Fundraising Strategies that Fuel Parks and Recreation
Speaker(s): Craig Bjur, Erv Inniger, John Pierce, Scott Holdman, Brandy Chaffee
Room: Harvest Hall 1
Description: Parks foundations play a powerful role in building sustainable communities, and this panel will highlight the strategies and stories that bring that impact to life. Led by Craig Bjur, Executive Director of the Fargo Park District Foundation, the discussion features Erv Inniger, John Pierce, Scott Holdman, and Brandy Chaffee, leaders with deep expertise in fundraising, philanthropy, and community partnerships. In this presentation, you’ll hear candid conversations and real-world examples about cultivating donor relationships, securing major gifts, and aligning fundraising efforts with community values. The panel will also share insights into creative campaigns, effective governance practices, and opportunities for public-private collaboration. Whether you are starting a foundation or refining your fundraising approach, this session will provide inspiration, practical tools, and fresh ideas to strengthen your impact.
