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.