Bemidji receives MRPA Award of Excellence for Casting with Cops event

Attendees join Emma Realing, outreach coordinator of Bemidji Parks and Recreation, and Gregory Zimbelman, Bemidji police officer, for a group picture.

By Sarah Suchoski

June 04, 2025 at 4:30 PM

BEMIDJI 鈥� The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation department was presented with an Award of Excellence in the programming and events category this week for its successful 2024 Casting with Cops event.

Presented by the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association, the award recognizes outstanding programs and projects throughout the entire state of Minnesota, according to Michelle Snider, executive director of MRPA.

It鈥檚 a competitive award process and only those with the highest scores receive it, with the Awards Committee reviewing 37 award applications this year. The major goal of the Awards of Excellence program is to increase public awareness and appreciation of the excellent parks, trails and recreation services available in Minnesota.

The Casting with Cops event took place in September 2024, and was a partnership with the Bemidji Police Department and involved approximately 100 rods/reels being given out to youth in the community.

Emma Realing, outreach coordinator of Bemidji Parks and Rec, and Bemidji police officer Gregory Zimbelman accepted the award on behalf of the city during a ceremony on Monday, June 2, at Diamond Point Park.

Outreach Coordinator for Bemidji Parks and Recreation Emma Realing and Bemidji Police Officer Gregory Zimbelman accept an MRPA Award of Excellence in programming and events on June 2, 2025, at Diamond Point Park.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 a testament that we work together as agencies, what can happen when we come together as a community and how powerful that can be. The programs being put on really make a difference in those kids鈥� lives,鈥� said Realing. 鈥淎lso, the ability to introduce the youth of Bemidji to a lifelong activity right here in Bemidji with our beautiful lakes and getting them near and on the lake to fish.鈥�

This year's Casting with Cops event will be held Aug. 8, with more details to come.

By Sarah Suchoski

Sarah Suchoski is an intern at the Bemidji Pioneer. She is a recent graduate of Bemidji State University with a degree in Mass Communication and a minor in Environmental Communication. When not working, you can find her reading, engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or camping, traveling, and watching movies or TV.