 Providing Essential Accessibility Information for Visitors with Disabilities
The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission is pleased to announce the third Accessibility Forum for 2026. Accessibility consultant Jennifer Skulski will present on the information park and trail managers can provide that will help create a better experience for people with disabilities. Title: Planning Your Visit: Providing Essential Accessibility Information for Visitors with Disabilities Date: September 22nd, 2026 Time: 11:30AM - 1:00PM A successful park visit often begins long before a visitor arrives. People with disabilities need accurate, practical information to determine whether they can navigate a site, participate in a program, request an accommodation, and plan for their individual access needs. In this webinar, ADA consultant Jennifer Skulski will explain how park and recreation agencies can provide clear, useful accessibility information through websites, visitor guides, maps, signage, and frontline staff. Participants will explore the types of information visitors may need about physical access, arrival sites, restrooms, trails, auxiliary aids and services, mobility devices, service animals, and accommodation requests. Jennifer will also distinguish a required ADA public notice from a welcoming accessibility statement and offer practical strategies for communicating both compliance information and an authentic commitment to inclusion. Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
In this issue, learn about: * The addition of the Freeborn County/Waseca County/City of Albert Lea's joint Songbird Trail to the Greater Minnesota Regional System. * An open application availability for GMRPTC Executive Director  The Songbird Trail Joins the Greater Minnesota Regional System as its 86th Facility! At the June 2026 meeting, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission concluded its review of the Master Plan submitted by Freeborn County for the Songbird Trail. Due to the excellent vision for this paved multi-use trail and a strong partnership between Freeborn and Waseca Counties and the City of Albert Lea, the Commission is pleased to designate the Songbird Trail to the regional system. From the Master Plan: "The Songbird Trail will connect multiple communities in Freeborn and Waseca Counties with a paved trail for walking and biking that stretches approximately 49.5 miles. The trail will someday connect to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail in Waterville and will have immediate connection to the Blazing Star State Trail in Albert Lea. Thus, the Songbird Trail will one day bridge a gap between existing trail assets and serve as an amenity that will attract users from beyond our region." Congratulations to the communities who are partnering to make this brand-new trail a success! Construction on the first, non-Legacy funded segments of the trail is expected to begin soon. We look forward to the great experiences and connections this trail will provide!      Executive Director Position Open for Applications: Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) is pleased to announce that the position of Executive Director is open for applications. This leadership transition comes as current Executive Director Renee Mattson prepares for retirement in early 2027. The Executive Director will oversee strategic planning, legislative engagement, program administration, and statewide coordination with local government partners and regional stakeholders. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of outdoor recreation in Greater Minnesota and support the stewardship of some of the state’s most treasured public spaces. A full position description is attached. The Executive Director is expected to begin in January 2027 to ensure a smooth transition. The Commission "is created to undertake system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the parks and trails fund to counties, cities and Tribal governments outside of the seven-county metropolitan area for parks and trails of regional significance"
 Map the "Impact" of Legacy Funding in Greater Minnesota In 2008, Minnesota voters made a bold choice to increase the sales and use tax by three-eighths of one percent. The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the state constitution passed with 56% of the vote, at a time when the economy was struggling and adding another tax seemed an impossible goal. However, Minnesotans have a proud history of doing what is good for nature, for water, for arts and culture and for outdoor recreation. Greater Minnesota parks and trails have benefited from Legacy funding in ways big and small, in cities and counties where significant investments have been made that otherwise might not have happened but for the grant dollars available through Legacy. The GMRPTC has a new interactive mapping tool that lets you explore the impact of Legacy in Greater Minnesota. This dynamic mapping system, which we call our Impact Map, geographically lays out all of the projects that have been funded by Legacy since the Commission started directing the funds in 2015. One map, one website. Over 154 projects and $110,000,000 in projects that have been completed or are underway and will soon be making their impact. There is a tutorial on the IMPACT MAP home page that will show you just how deeply you can explore the system with this new tool. Here are some ways you can make use of the Impact Map: * Exploring the location of Greater Minnesota Legacy parks and trails in your region or district * Summarizing Legacy investment by facility, agency, district, and state * Noting how local investments have matched and enhanced Legacy's impact * Analyzing the distribution of different types or classes of facilities across the state * Investigating projects in similar types of facilities for ideas to impact your own * Finding inspiration by exploring links to facility websites and social media * Seeing how Legacy parks and trails fit into their nearby system of regional and state parks, trails, features and other recreation amenities. It’s safe to say that there is no other interactive tool like the Impact Map, not a one. The GMRPTC is always seeking new and innovative ways to share the full story of how public dollars are changing lives, the Impact Map does that. The Commission "is created to undertake system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the parks and trails fund to counties, cities and Tribal governments outside of the seven-county metropolitan area for parks and trails of regional significance"
In this issue, learn more about: *The Grand Opening of the Hummingbird Trail, and * Registration for the June 16 Forum on Accessible Surfaces.  Grand Opening of Hummingbird Trail Brings Excitement to Henderson Residents of Henderson, Minnesota gathered this past weekend to celebrate the grand opening of the Hummingbird Trail, a new addition to the Greater Minnesota Regional System. The event marked the culmination of years of planning and collaboration, delivering a scenic 10-mile route for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts to enjoy. The Hummingbird Trail was made possible in part, with a nearly $1.4 million Parks and Trails Legacy grant. Local officials and community members expressed gratitude for the investment, noting how the trail will enhance quality of life and attract yet more visitors to Henderson. The potential for further trail development through the Minnesota River Valley is greatly enhanced by this important future link to the Minnesota State Trail in Belle Plaine and future trail development south to Mankato. The Hummingbird Trail gives users the opportunity to roam through the Minnesota River Valley observing wildlife and taking in the beautiful bluffs and wetlands. In addition to the beautiful views, the trail provides a safe route and meaningful benefits to public health. Congratulations on a successful and beautiful trail connection!    Register for June 16 Forum on Accessible Surfaces! Firm? Stable? Slip resistant? Excessive running slope? Who said cross-slope? What level? Grass is accessible, right? How do you really know if the surface material you are using on accessible routes, a pedestrian trail, shared use path, within a pedestrian access route, picnic area, or playground really is accessible and compliant? In this session, we will cover the accessibility standards and special considerations to make sure your outdoor surfaces are designed, installed, and maintained to be usable by people with disabilities. Upon completion of this session, learners will be able to: • Identify advantages and disadvantages of various exterior surfaces for people with disabilities. • Discuss common issues affecting the accessibility of exterior surfaces, including installation and maintenance issues. • Utilize performance-based criteria for exterior surfaces to ensure the product will continually comply with the accessibility standards and perform as stated by the manufacturer. This forum will be held from 11:30AM - 1:00PM on Tuesday, June 16th. Register HERE and receive a link to the online forum. Presenter Jennifer Skulski has over 30 years of experience spanning parks, recreation, tourism, and municipal government. She has demonstrated her expertise by conducting accessibility assessments for more than 1,500 recreation facilities and 50 national parks. She has also trained thousands of professionals in the inclusion of people with disabilities and published research on best practices for accessibility management. In 2014, Jennifer founded Skulski Consulting to work more closely with public entities on ADA action-planning. The Commission "is created to undertake system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the parks and trails fund to counties, cities and Tribal governments outside of the seven-county metropolitan area for parks and trails of regional significance"
This month the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission is excited to share: *Information on applying for Legacy funding this summer; * What to expect on a GMRPTC site visit; and * Registration for the next Accessibility Forum, featuring Jennifer Skulski talking about accessible surfaces.  Funding Application Season is Underway! Parks and Trails that are a part of the Greater Minnesota Legacy system are gearing up for the 2026 funding application cycle, which closes on July 31. This year’s Funding Application Guidelines provide information about the two major funding opportunities provided by the Commission: Legacy Development and Acquisition, plus Connect People and the Outdoors (CPO) grants. Eligible agencies can apply for one or both programs in the same application. All applications are completed online through the Commission’s Data Management System. Application instructions, supporting documents and tutorials are available in the Application Toolbox. Critical components of the application include a qualified resolution from the governing body, a budget worksheet, project description, maps and schematics, and photos. If you have any questions or just want to discuss the best way to present your project ideas, please contact Joe Czapiewski, GMRPTC System Plan Coordinator at [email protected]. Several applications are already in process. The Commission expects to have approximately $12,500,000 available for these programs, which will be awarded in November.  What to Expect: GMRPTC Site Visit Last week GMRPTC officials attended two site visits for regional park and trail candidates. Site visits can be either official, meaning conducted as part of a formal application or plan review; or unofficial, meaning an informal visit to provide technical advice to the applicant. In last week’s case, we conducted one of each on the same day. If your facility is due for a site visit, most typically to review a Master Plan or Funding Application, Commission staff will work with you to find a date and time that works for your team as well as our travel schedule. In many cases we will be inviting the Commissioners who represent your district and possibly members of the Evaluation Team. We recommend having anyone involved in developing the plan or application on your end participate, so that they can answer technical questions and help authenticate what is presented in the plan or project. Most site visits start at an accessible location on or near the site. First order of business after introductions is a general overview of the plan, answering broad questions about purpose, design, and collaboration. It can be helpful (but not required) for the applicant to have one or more large copies of any maps, if available, so that they can be viewed together as a group. We will have our own review notes from the online application or plan and will ask questions based on those notes. Once the initial review is complete, then we will have a chance to visit the site. Since regional parks are often large and trails are long, we don’t expect to see every detail of the facility during this initial visit. What we typically concentrate on are key examples or features that can help us understand the facility’s plan or application. For instance, we will likely want to see enough locations along a proposed trail to see the nature of the user’s experience and the condition of the corridor. Park visits often include key day use areas like picnic areas and playgrounds, or nature centers, campgrounds and trails, along with natural amenities that speak to what the user will see once the facility is built. Funding application reviews of course will focus on the amenities and connections proposed for funding. The typical site visit can last up to two hours, although very large or extensive facilities may take longer. In order to move things along, it is helpful if one primary local contact serve as the organizer for the visit, particularly if multiple jurisdictions are involved. If our schedule allows, carpooling from the initial meeting site can be very helpful, giving us a chance to discuss the site as we move. We’ve also had some success using technology to connect a caravan of vehicles to keep the conversation going. For some challenging sites or experiences, we’ve even had a chance to travel by UTV, boat, or snowshoe! Whatever the reason for a site visit, just know that we are as excited about it as you are! Our goal is the same as yours – to help you put your best foot forward. Please do not hesitate to ask questions or make suggestions as we prepare for your site visit. We look forward to seeing you there!  Register Now for the June Accessibility Forum! The GMRPTC is excited to open registration for the second Accessibility Forum of 2026. This forum is a follow up to our first forum on accessible routes, trails, and shared use paths. Forum #2: Accessible Exterior Surfaces Part 2: Considerations for Accessible Exterior Surfaces Tuesday, June 16, 2026 11:30AM – 1:00PM Firm? Stable? Slip resistant? Excessive running slope? Who said cross-slope? What level? Grass is accessible, right? How do you really know if the surface material you are using on accessible routes, a pedestrian trail, shared use path, within a pedestrian access route, picnic area, or playground really is accessible and compliant? In this session, we will cover the accessibility standards and special considerations to make sure your outdoor surfaces are designed, installed, and maintained to be usable by people with disabilities. Upon completion of this session, learners will be able to: • Identify advantages and disadvantages of various exterior surfaces for people with disabilities. • Discuss common issues affecting the accessibility of exterior surfaces, including installation and maintenance issues. • Utilize performance-based criteria for exterior surfaces to ensure the product will continually comply with the accessibility standards and perform as stated by the manufacturer. This forum will again be presented by Jennifer Skulski. Jennifer has over 30 years of experience spanning parks, recreation, tourism, and municipal government. She has demonstrated her expertise by conducting accessibility assessments for more than 1,500 recreation facilities and 50 national parks. She has also trained thousands of professionals in the inclusion of people with disabilities and published research on best practices for accessibility management. In 2014, Jennifer founded Skulski Consulting to work more closely with public entities on ADA action-planning. The Commission is confident that Jennifer’s extensive background and dedication will ensure excellent training and support in 2026. The Commission "is created to undertake system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the parks and trails fund to counties, cities and Tribal governments outside of the seven-county metropolitan area for parks and trails of regional significance" Forum Tomorrow - April 21, 2026 The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission will be hosting the first Accessibility Forum of 2026 on April 21 from 11:30am – 1:00pm. Register HERE to receive a link to the session. The topic for this forum is: Accessible Exterior Surfaces Part 1: Accessible Routes, Trails, and Shared Use Paths Not all “trails” are equal, especially when it comes to the application of the accessibility standards and guidelines. This session will cover the differences between accessible routes, outdoor recreation access routes, trails and shared use paths, along with the design considerations for new construction and alterations. Upon completion of this session, learners will be able to:
The Commission "is created to undertake system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the parks and trails fund to counties, cities and Tribal governments outside of the seven-county metropolitan area for parks and trails of regional significance"
In this issue, we will: * Preview next week's Accessibility Forum, featuring accessibility consultant Jennifer Skulski, * Learn about two new Environmenta/Archeological grant awards, and * Congratulate Chisago County's Fish Lake Park on becoming the newest facility in the Greater Minnesota Regional System!  GMRPTC Launches 2nd Season of Accessibility Forums with New Presenter The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission will be hosting the first Accessibility Forum of 2026 on April 21 from 11:30am – 1:00pm. Register HERE to receive a link to the session. The topic for this forum is: Accessible Exterior Surfaces Part 1: Accessible Routes, Trails, and Shared Use Paths Not all “trails” are equal, especially when it comes to the application of the accessibility standards and guidelines. This session will cover the differences between accessible routes, outdoor recreation access routes, trails and shared use paths, along with the design considerations for new construction and alterations. Upon completion of this session, learners will be able to:
The GMRPTC thanks Bill Botten for his role on our team enhancing accessibility support. Bill not only provided expert consultation on accessibility but also lead quarterly education forums and conducted plan reviews as needed. We wish Bill well in his retirement. Jennifer has over 30 years of experience spanning parks, recreation, tourism, and municipal government. She has demonstrated her expertise by conducting accessibility assessments for more than 1,500 recreation facilities and 50 national parks. She has also trained thousands of professionals in the inclusion of people with disabilities and published research on best practices for accessibility management. In 2014, Jennifer founded Skulski Consulting to work more closely with public entities on ADA action-planning. The Commission is confident that Jennifer’s extensive background and dedication will ensure excellent training and support in 2026. Part 2 of this webinar is scheduled for June 16 from 11:30am – 1:00pm. Check out the full description and registration for this and every forum on the Commission’s Accessibility webpage HERE. Two New Environmental/Archeological Grants Awarded At its March meeting, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission awarded two regionally designated parks Legacy funds under the Environmental/Archeological grant program. Projects under this program will conduct environmental/archeological review prior to the application and funding for Legacy Development and Acquisition grants. Examples include EAW (Environmental Assessment Worksheet) or Phase I EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) projects, archeological studies, or other work related to pre-project development (not including design work). Wannigan Park in the City of Frazee will receive $30,595, along with their $3,400 local match, to conduct a Phase I archeological survey of the undeveloped east bank of the Otter Tail River to identify cultural and historical resources before park and trail development. The Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in Kandiyohi County is providing a $4,500 local match toward a $50,000 Legacy grant award. This project will conduct Phase I archeological fieldwork, prepare an Environmental Assessment Statement checklist, submit a Natural Heritage Information System Request, and compile evidence of compliance with water and wetland regulations across two targeted future project areas within the ELC. The GMRPTC is excited about the use of these targeted grant awards to help communities in Greater Minnesota prepare for Legacy projects in their regionally significant parks and trails. More information about this program, and other Legacy funded grants through the GMRPTC, can be found in the Funding Guidelines document HERE.  Chisago County's Fish Lake Park is Designated as the 85th Facility in the Greater Minnesota Regional System! At their March Meeting, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission designated Fish Lake Park in Chisago County as the newest facility in the Greater Minnesota Legacy system of regional parks and trails. The designation follows a thorough evaluation of the 130 acre park’s Designation Application and Master Plan. From the application: “Fish Lake Park is Chisago County’s gateway to Fish Lake, one of the highest quality lakes in the state. The park brings the quintessential Minnesota lake experience to the masses by providing the perfect setting to spend a day swimming, boating, fishing, or paddling, offering shoreline picnicking and play opportunities in a scenic outdoor setting; and inviting visitors to explore trails through woodlands and wetlands, showcasing the critical landscapes that produce such a pristine body of water.” Our congratulations to the entire Chisago County team who helped with the public engagement and master planning process that resulted in the designation. Check out the photos below for a preview of this regionally significant park!         The Commission "is created to undertake system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the parks and trails fund to counties, cities and Tribal governments outside of the seven-county metropolitan area for parks and trails of regional significance"
In this issue, learn about: * The recent Mandatory Grant Award Meeting held in St. Cloud * 2026 Funding Application timelines and guidance * GMRPTC Legislative activities  GMRPTC Grant Award Meeting a Success Over 50 people attended the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission’s third annual Grant Award Meeting in St. Cloud on January 29th, 2026. Recent grant recipients were required to attend, while other participants elected to attend to learn more about the grant contracting process and required pre-contract work. A panel of experienced professionals, representing both process managers and grant recipients, shared their knowledge of each step in the process. Grant contract and project process managers from the state reviewed the process for State Historic Preservation Office and Tribal Historic Preservation Office approval, archeological and environmental review, and accessibility design. City and county facility managers and consultants shared their experience going through the process, providing case studies from which meeting participants could learn. The Commission wishes to thank all of our panelists, including Department of Natural Resources Grants staff Sarah Wennerberg and Jenni Bubke, Kelly Gragg-Johnson from the State Historic Preservation Office, Scott Roepke from the Cannon Valley Trail, Karlin Ziegler from Olmsted County Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, Steve Kohn from Red Wing He Mni Can Park, and Jimmy Marty from EOR consulting. Videos from the GMRPTC Grant Award Meetings can be found online HERE. Additional information about the grant application and management process can be found in the Application Toolbox. If you have any questions, please contact GMRPTC staff.      2026 Funding Application Information Online! If you are planning to apply for a GMRPTC Legacy grant in 2026, application guidance, tutorials, and templates are now available! All Greater Minnesota Legacy grants are completed and submitted online, using the same portal applicants use to submit their designation applications and master plans. The portal opens for the traditional Development and Acquisition and Connecting People and the Outdoors grant programs on April 1, with a submission deadline of July 31, 2026. Other programs, such as the Environmental/Archeological and Access/Inclusion grants are available for ongoing submission without a deadline, as long as funding remains available. If you plan to apply this year, be sure to check out the funding updates video, linked HERE. A complete video tutorial, along with the all important program guidelines, application instructions and supporting documents can be found in the online Application Toolbox. Note that only facilities designated as part of the Regional System are eligible to apply for funding. Most successful applications start out with a call to Commission staff to explore the project, application requirements, and contract timelines. So if you are interested, please contact System Plan Coordinator Joe Czapiewski at [email protected]. Legislative Update In the 2026 legislative session, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission has been actively pursuing two key initiatives at the Capitol. This year's legislative agenda prioritizes updates to the Commission’s enabling legislation, aiming to remove outdated provisions and reflect the Commission's growth and development over the past 13 years. The Commission is also advocating for extensions of five Legacy grants to guarantee completion of ongoing projects and effective use of funds. Additionally, the Commission supports its partners, including the Parks and Trails Fund, DNR, and Metropolitan Council, by seeking extensions for Coordination Among Partners funds that are set to expire in June. The Commission "is created to undertake system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the parks and trails fund to counties, cities and Tribal governments outside of the seven-county metropolitan area for parks and trails of regional significance"
Welcome to a new year and new edition of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission newsletter! This month we will cover: * The upcoming mandatory 2026 Grant Award meeting, * Currently available Greater Minnesota Legacy grant opportunities, * And the new 2025 Policy and Planning Report!  Registration Deadline Approaches for January 29th Grant Award Meeting! Is your facility a designated or eligible for designation part of the Greater Minnesota regional system? Did you receive a Greater Minnesota Legacy grant award in 2025 for Fiscal year 2027? If so, sign up to attend this year’s January Grant Award meeting from 11AM – 3PM on Thursday, January 29th at the St. Cloud Holiday Inn & Suites. All 2025 grant recipients are required to attend as a part of their award. Other regional facilities are encouraged to attend, as the information will be helpful as you prepare for future grant applications. Pre-registration is required at this link: REGISTER HERE BY JANUARY 26th This year’s meeting will feature a panel discussion with three of our past grantees. Using their experiences as case studies, attendees will have real-world examples to learn how the environmental, archeological, and accessible contract requirements are implemented. In addition to previous awardees, our partners with the DNR and SHPO will be on hand to explain their process and answer questions. Any questions, please contact System Plan Coordinator Joe Czapiewski at [email protected] or 218-556-3651.  Greater Minnesota Grant Opportunities - RIGHT NOW! Did you know that the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission has multiple grant opportunities, including ones you can tap into right now? Most parks and trails managers are familiar with the GMRPTC’s Legacy Development and Acquisition grants and Connect People and the Outdoors grants, which fund the majority of the program’s projects. However, there are two additional grant opportunities available year-round that might make a difference for your facility.
Both programs have no set deadline for applications, which will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. See the Funding Application Guidelines in the Application Toolbox for more information on each program, including funding amounts, match requirements, and more.  2025 Policy and Planning Report Now Available in Flipbook and Print Formats! The GMRPTC has released the 2025 Policy and Planning Report just prior to the start of the 2026 legislative session. The report includes a review of the Legacy grant recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2027 funding cycle, the criteria and selection process used, an overview of Greater Minnesota’s regional system development, and milestone achievements for the calendar year. The report can be found on the Commission’s website under Reports, or AT THIS LINK. If you have any questions, please contact Commission staff. Printed copies are also available from the Commission by request. The Commission "is created to undertake system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the parks and trails fund to counties, cities and Tribal governments outside of the seven-county metropolitan area for parks and trails of regional significance"
 The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) has released its 2025 Policy and Planning Report. The report, due to the Legislative Legacy Committees by January 15 each year, includes a review of the Legacy grant recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2027 funding cycle, the criteria and selection process used, an overview of Greater Minnesota's regional system development, and milestone achievements for the calendar year.
The Chair of the Commission, Rick Anderson, introduces the report by reflecting on the abundance of the opportunities we have in Minnesota for outdoor activities and recreation. he then discusses how much more there is to be done to allow others, especially those with disabilities, to be able to get out and enjoy nature. Working with our partners, GMRPTC continued the work for the Minnesota Parks Artist in Residence (MNPAiR) program which will enhances the public's experience in the park facilities. GMRPTC has also in conjunction with our partners at the International Mountain Bike Associations (IMBA) hosted its mountain bike Trail Labs in Minnesota in 2025 and will continue to host the workshops for the next 2 years. This year, Greater Minnesota system continues to grow adding 4 facilities for a total of 84 regionally designated parks, trails, and special feature facilities across 80 Greater Minnesota counties. The Commission recommends $11,326,845 in awards to 12 applicants across the State. At least one project in each of the six districts was funded. Environmental/Archeological Grants up to $238,471 as well as Access and Inclusion grants up to $238,471 will also be available beginning on July 1, 2026. The full report is available for download here. |
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Questions? Contact [email protected]
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