When it comes to winning Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) awards, a city having one honoree is big. But two? Terry Just and Chuck Stifter make up the rare duo worthy of pulling off such a feat.
Just, the Maple Grove Parks and Recreation board director, won the Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award. His shining plaque, which honors long and outstanding service, is the MRPA’s highest professional award. Excelling since 1986 in his position, Just oversees everything from community center programs to the park trails.
Stifter, the city’s parks and recreation board park planner, won the Jack Niles Award. This award is for a standout MRPA member whose experience stands at 15 years tops. You probably best know Stifter’s name from his work in making the Town Green bandshell a reality. “It was the biggest project I’ve been a part of,” says Stifter, “and it was fun to be more artistic. Typical park design is more about function. This was more of a landmark.”
Stifter’s bachelor of arts in landscape architecture degree sure helped to ensure the Town Green looked great in the end, but he emphasizes that he had a great team to work with: “We really hit a home run.”
