Robinson accepts the 2025 Living the Dream award at the 2025 MLK Day Celebration at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board mourns the passing of Derreck Robinson, a talented, generous and dedicated lifelong contributor to the Minneapolis park system.
In January, Robinson was honored with the MPRB’s 2025 Living the Dream Award. The award recognized Robinson for his work that embodied Dr. Martin Luther King’s message of justice for all while contributing to the Minneapolis park system.
In July, Robinson hosted his immensely popular annual football and cheerleading camp at McRae Park. The Green Machine Football and Cheerleading Camp is a free three-day camp that welcomes hundreds of eager participants ages 6-14.
For nearly 20 years, Robinson, alongside his team of friends and family members, built an extraordinary camp and community where people from diverse backgrounds create lasting friendships and celebrate our talented young people.
Year after year, Derreck, a champion of resilience and achievement, imparted his wisdom to campers, emphasizing the three A’s that pave the path to greatness: Awareness, Adversity, and Attitude.
Listening to his passionate words, you couldn’t help but be moved by his energy. His genuine love for the youth of Minneapolis shone while he connected with youth, emphasizing dedication and determination. “The harder you work, the more achievements you earn!”
Robinson grew up in the Minneapolis park system and flourished playing youth sports at McRae Park for another Minneapolis park legend, Coach Ed Solomon. He was part of championship basketball and football teams at DeLaSalle High School, went on to play college football for four years at the University of Iowa, and spent eight seasons in the NFL.
His playing career was impressive, but his spirit of generosity and service is what made him special. He was passionate, a leader who brought together countless volunteers to pave the way for greatness in our young people.
McRae Park and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board offer our heartfelt condolences and gratitude to Robinson’s family, friends and colleagues. Thank you, Derreck Robinson, for your immeasurable impact on the lives of Minneapolis youth. You are missed and your legacy lives on.