Orr and Klipfel Inducted Into NDRPA Hall of Fame
The North Dakota Recreation and Park Association has honored two long-serving professionals for their contributions.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Awards
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Mike Orr and Kevin Klipfel were recently inducted into the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association (NDRPA) Hall of Fame. The pair became the 32nd and 33rd individuals to receive the prestigious recognition for their efforts in the field.
Why it matters
This induction recognizes decades of service that have shaped the state's recreational infrastructure and programming. The honor highlights the critical role these leaders played in managing local facilities and expanding community athletic opportunities.
Mike Orr has dedicated nearly 40 years of service to the Grand Forks Park District and has organized over 100 USTA-sanctioned tennis tournaments. In 2013, the facility known as Choice Health and Fitness earned the NDRPA Golden Egg Award.
The players
Mike Orr
He is the director of facilities and programs for the Grand Forks Park District and a longtime leader within the NDRPA.
Kevin Klipfel
He was inducted into the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association Hall of Fame alongside Mike Orr.
North Dakota Recreation and Park Association
This professional organization supports park and recreation departments across North Dakota.
North Dakota Tennis Association
This entity was formed in 2007 and Mike Orr served as a founding board member.
Choice Health and Fitness
This facility received the NDRPA Golden Egg Award in 2013.
The details
Mike Orr, currently the director of facilities and programs in Grand Forks, served in multiple leadership roles for the NDRPA including president and treasurer. He also co-founded the North Dakota Tennis Association in 2007 and led a statewide committee to develop facility reopening guidelines during the 2020 pandemic.
Timeline
2005: Orr received the USA Racquetball Membership Growth Challenge Award.
2007: The North Dakota Tennis Association was formally established.
2013: Choice Health and Fitness earned the Golden Egg Award.
2020: Orr headed a committee for fitness facility reopening guidelines.
- 2026-10-03
Orr and Klipfel were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Roadmap
The induction of two new members into the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association Hall of Fame follows the established tradition of honoring longevity in the public parks sector. This recognition serves as the benchmark for career achievement within the state's municipal recreational systems.
Residents across North Dakota may see continued stability in park management due to the long-standing leadership of these honorees. These career milestones underscore the importance of local park district staffing and professional longevity for community fitness access.
The takeaway
The career longevity of these inductees highlights the value of sustained professional engagement in regional public infrastructure. Their work demonstrates how long-term service projects, such as the founding of the state tennis association, provide lasting benefits to community programs.
Further reading
For more information on state-level honors and achievements, visit Awards.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grand Forks Herald.
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