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/

Welcome to the GMTPRC's October Newsletter!
In this issue, we will:
* Recap the September 30th Accessbility Forum on Picnic and Camping Facilities,
* Launch registration for the November Accessibility Forum, featuring your questions and answers,
* Learn more about the International Mountain Biking Association's Foundations Lab held in Duluth,
* Invite you to Greater Minnesota Parks and Trail's fall meeting!

Accessibility in Picnic and Camping Facilities - the September GMRPTC Accessibility Forum

On September 30th, parks and trails managers, consultants and advocates joined the GMRPTC for the third in a series of Accessibility Forums featuring nationally-recognized expert Bill Botten.

One of the strengths of the Greater Minnesota Regional System is the size and impact of the system. Residents and visitors are able to access high quality city and county campgrounds and picnic facilities throughout the state. However, access needs to be about more than how close users are to a regional park or trail. Users of all abilities must be able to use our facilities and programs once they get there.

The GMRPTC held this forum in order to improve the accessibility of picnic and camping sites, ensuring equal access for people of all abilities. Hosting these educational opportunities is one way we help our regional partners learn how they can improve accessibility, step by step.

Accessibility consultant Bill Botten introduced the US Access Board's guidelines for picnic and camping areas. Topics included accessible design guidelines for facilities and amenities, conditional exceptions, use of mobility devices, service animals, and so much more!

You can view the webinar video and handout on the Commission's website at https://www.gmrptcommission.org/accessibility.html. 

Next Forum - Accessibility Q & A on November 12 - Register Now!

The next Accessibility Forum is set for Wednesday, November 12th from 11:30 - 1:00pm Central. 

Participants will be able to ask accessibility expert Bill Botten 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.

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.

Register and submit your questions and design challenges online at https://www.gmrptcommission.org/accessibility.html. We look forward to exploring your challenges!

IMBA Foundation Lab in Duluth: Advancing Trails and Community Collaboration

The city of Duluth and Spirit Mountain hosted an exciting gathering on October 1-2, as trail professionals, park managers, and community advocates convened for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Foundation Lab. This event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, all united by a passion for creating sustainable, accessible, and enjoyable outdoor experiences.

The IMBA Foundation Lab is an immersive program designed to foster innovation, knowledge-sharing, and best practices in trail development and maintenance. By leveraging IMBA’s global expertise, the Lab offers hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and access to the latest research and trends in mountain biking and multi-use trail systems.

Over the course of the two days:

• Participants attended panel discussions and presentations led by IMBA staff and regional trail experts. Topics included sustainable trail construction, community engagement strategies, and funding opportunities for parks and trails projects.
• Attendees took part in field workshops at Duluth’s renowned trail systems, learning about erosion control, trail layout principles, and adaptive design for diverse user groups.
• The Lab facilitated meaningful connections among representatives from city governments, non-profits, and local volunteers. 

The next Minnesota IMBA Foundation Lab will be again hosted in Duluth in the fall of 2026.  Watch this newsletter and IMBA announcements for the future dates.

See you at the GMPT Fall Meeting October 14th at Robbins Island Regional Park in Willmar

Every fall our partner membership organization, Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails (GMPT), holds a fun and informative meeting in one of Greater Minnesota's fantastic parks.

Join us and the GMPT for their annual Fall Meeting on Tuesday, October 14!  The location of the event is Robbins Island Regional Park (333 6th St SW, Willmar, MN 56201) with events beginning at 10:00 a.m.

They have a great agenda lined up, and invited a few key legislators to join us! The day will also conclude with a tour of the park and an optional short hike. 

The full agenda can be viewed at https://www.greatermnparksandtrails.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Agenda-2025-GMPT-Fall-Meeting-3.pdf. 

Food and refreshments will be provided for those attending in person. The $30 fee includes coffee, a light breakfast, and lunch.