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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. Welcome to the December, 2025 Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission Newsletter! In this newsletter we will cover: * Newly funded Legacy Development and Acquisition projects for FY2027, * Registration for the mandatory January Grant Award meeting, and * A recap of the 2025 Accessibility Forums  GMRPTC Announces FY2027 Legacy Grant Awards At the November 26, 2025 Commission meeting, Commissioners finalized the Fiscal Year 2027 funding recommendations. The application cycle resulted in 15 eligible submissions, and the Commission is pleased to report that Legacy funding has been recommended for 12 grant applications. The selected projects encompass a wide scope of facility and trail enhancements, including trail reconstruction, improvements to accessibility, and new construction initiatives. These awards are expected to have a considerable positive impact on outdoor recreational opportunities for both Minnesotans and visitors. Project Award District Duluth Traverse $1,318,978 District 1 Trailhead infrastructure improvements and construction of a beginner and intermediate bike skills development area and tot pump track at Duluth Traverse in Lester Park. The trailhead improvements include a safer, reconfigured parking lot, wayfinding and signage and a dedicated trailhead plaza with appropriate site amenities. Grand Marais Recreation Area $1,066,750 District 1 Construction of a new, family-friendly bathhouse, replacing a 50-year-old structure with an accessible, energy-efficient building in a more strategic location. New gateway entrance signage and wayfinding signage. Mille Lacs County Soo Line Trail $600,000 District 1 Improvements to the 2.2 mile Segment 3 to include reconstruction of a trail crossing, install trail and roadway crossing signage and improve the 20-foot-wide gravel trail surface. Roseau River Water Trail $1,112,254 District 2 First phase of projects for the water trail includes an accessible trail and viewing/fishing platform at the Roseau Rapids Park as well as paving roads at the Roseau City Park campground and boat launch access road. The project will also upgrade six campsites and add kayak/canoe racks, picnic tables/shelters and interpretive signage in the campground. Detroit Mountain Recreation Area $821,700 District 3 Acquisition of 32.6 acres of adjacent land for site of future campground development. Lac qui Parle County Park $368,202 District 3 The grant is for supplemental funds to construct a pedestrian bridge across the Lac qui Parle River which separates the park. Otter Tail County Phelps Mill County Park $713,747 District 3 Rebuild the historic parking lot for better flow and more parking spaces. Construction of 4,000 feet of accessible paved trails connecting two boardwalks and the parking lot, construction of an amphitheater and seating area as well as building a new naturescape playground area. The project will also repurpose the existing playground equipment to the campsite area to provide amenities for campers. Willmar Robbins Island Regional Park $1,327,945 District 3 Phase II of the unique two-sided amphitheater project at Robbins Island Regional Park. This phase completes the project with the construction of the walls and roof, rest rooms, storage and ADA accessible spectator areas. Improves existing trails and create rain gardens to reduce mud and increase pollinator activity. Chisago County Swedish Immigrant Trail $477,441 District 4 The grant will provide for the complete reconstruction of Segment E of the trail. The reconstruction will allow for a smoother transition to the newer existing trail corridor segments and provide a safer route access. Lincoln County Hole in the Mountain Park $901,890 District 5 Funding to expand the East Campground at the park. The project will include the installation of electric, water and sewer service to accommodate 16 campsites. Each campsite will include a pad, picnic table, fire pit and power pedestal. The project also includes the installation of a new restroom and shower facility to expand access and outdoor recreational opportunities on the east side of the park. Olmsted County Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo $2,040,000 District 6 The project involves the critical replacement of two bridges, each over fifty years old, which have experienced substantial deterioration as a result of decades of seasonal flooding. The new bridges will feature accessible design improvements, unlike the existing structures, and will facilitate enhanced access to the park's interior for emergency response teams. The new design is flood resilient and expected to minimize debris accumulation during high water events, helping to prevent erosion, reduce flow diversion and eliminate potential hazards for river-based recreation. Rochester Gamehaven Park $577,938 District 6 Construction of a mountain bike skills area and jump park, extension of power service for snowmaking equipment and an automated towing system for the snow tubing area. TOTAL $11,326,845 Registration Now Open for January Grant Award Meeting Registration is now open for the third annual GMRPTC Grant Award Meeting, to be held from 11AM - 3PM on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at the St. Cloud Holiday Inn & Suites. REGISTRATION LINK: https://dms.gmrptcommission.org/index.php?capp=survey&id=30 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 pre-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. All GMRPTC Legacy grant recipients for 2025 (FY2027) are required to attend in person. All other regionally designated and eligible-for-designation partners are encouraged to attend. Pre-registration at the above link is needed. If you have any questions, please contact System Plan Coordinator Joe Czapiewski at [email protected].  2025 Accessibility Forum Series a Success! The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission held a four-part series on accessibility in 2025, teaming up with national accessibility expert Bill Botten to provide education and advice for Greater Minnesota regional facility leaders. Last year the Commission published a Statement on Inclusion, including principles on Universal Design, Inclusive Experiences, Community Engagement, Education and Training, Connection to Nature and the Outdoors, and Continuous Improvement. The forum series was designed to help fulfill the Education and Training principle. The full statement can be found at https://www.gmrptcommission.org/accessibility.html. Full forum descriptions, handouts, and videos can be found on that same webpage. The first forum, on Playground Development and Maintenance, reviewed the minimum requirements for play areas in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design that apply to all newly designed or constructed play areas for children ages 2 and older. Forum #2 focused on Pedestrian Trails and Shared Use Paths. Participants learned about the differences between accessible pedestrian trails and shared use paths, including technical and scoping requirements in the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards. Picnic and Camping Facilities was the topic of the third forum, providing examples and technical minimum standards for picnic and camping amenities commonly found in Greater Minnesota. The fourth and final forum recapped highlights from the first forums and addressed many in-depth questions posed by forum participants. The Q&A helped to clarify common sources of confusion in the standards, including application of the standards in new construction and alterations. The GMRPTC is committed to helping our regional partners not only achieve minimum accessibility standards in their facilities, but in pursuing universal design concepts that exceed guidelines. It is important that all Minnesotans have access to the outdoor facilities, programming, and experiences that make Greater Minnesota a special place. For more information on the forum series, please visit https://www.gmrptcommission.org/accessibility.html. If you have ideas or questions for future forums, please contact Joe at [email protected] or Renee at [email protected]. We hope to have additional forums with new topics 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"
 Minnesota Parks Artists in Residency program features and successes were highlighted in a video about the program and their experiences by Tamara Isfeld and John Sterner. Isfeld and Sterner were the Artists in Residence for both Granite Falls Memorial Park and Douglas County Lake Brophy Park.
The pair started their programming in the late fall of 2024 and ran through fall of 2025. They hosted several art sessions for people to create their own artwork as well as to participate and view the creation of pieces of art for each of the parks. The programs brought art to people who were at the locations to recreation in the outdoors; brought the outdoors and highlighted features of the park to those at the park for the artists' workshops; and created lasting artwork that compliments the environment to the park for people to enjoy going forward. Isfeld and Sterner created a successful pairing of art and parks and left a great legacy to the park and the program. It sounds like they and their students and helpers had fun along the journey. Watch their video.  November Accessibility Forum - Featuring Your Questions!Registration is now open for an online forum giving you the chance to explore your ADA-related accessibility challenges and opportunities. On November 12, 11:30am - 1:00pm, GMRPTC accessibility expert Bill Botten will be available to answer your parks and trails accessibility questions! Participants can ask Bill clarifying questions about any of the ADA standards relating to their facilities, programs, or plans. Your questions may also help others learn new ways to deal with their own challenges. You can submit your questions and design challenges online when you register at https://www.gmrptcommission.org/accessibility.html. Or, you can submit your questions directly at [email protected]. PLEASE SUBMIT your questions as soon as possible so Bill has time to prepare. Certain provisions in the ADA Accessibility Standards are prone to misinterpretation and generate confusion on how to apply the standards. This forum will respond to your pre-submitted and live questions to help clarify common sources of confusion in the standards, including application of the standards in new construction and alterations. Potential questions can include access to recreation facilities, dining surfaces, toilet and bathing rooms, signs, accessible routes and ground surfaces, and other areas and elements. Session participants are encouraged to share their own areas of confusion and submit questions in advance of the session. 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"
 Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails was highlighted during an interview early in the day on WCCO. The interview was of Lindsey Buck, one of the GMRPTC's artists who is participating in the MN Parks Artists in Residence program. Lindsey created the heart + land product and phone app for Two Inlets at Bdé Heháka - Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park and Wright County Robert Ney Park. Lindsey in joined by Gina Hugo the Parks Director for the Two Inlets at Bdé Heháka - Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park.
See the interview at: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/video/program-brings-interactive-art-to-minnesota-parks/ |
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Questions? Contact [email protected]
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