GMRPTC April 2025 Newsletter

This month we are excited to announce the addition of two newly regionally designated facilities to the Greater Minnesota system! We'll also recap this month's Accessibility Forum with Bill Botten, provide an update on the MNPAIR project, and remind you of the final opportunity to sign up for the IMBA Trail Labs workshop coming up in early May.

Welcome Kandiyohi County Prairie Wood Environmental Learning Center

The second facility designated this month, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, becomes the 83rd facility in the Greater Minnesota system.

Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, spanning 560 acres in northern Kandiyohi County, is a longstanding premier destination for outdoor activities. With diverse land features including rolling glacial terrain, native prairie, woods, wetlands, and undeveloped shoreline, the center has been a pivotal park and trail hub for over 30 years. It boasts eleven miles of natural surface multi-use trails and various amenities, inviting people to engage in hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, kicksledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

April 15 Forum Recap: Bill Botten on Pedestrian Trails & Shared Use Paths

We were thrilled to welcome nearly 40 attendees to our recent forum featuring Bill Botten, a leading voice in accessible design. Bill shared his extensive knowledge on pedestrian trails and shared use paths, offering valuable insights into design standards, accessibility considerations, and real-world implementation.

The forum sparked great questions and conversation, and participants left with practical tools and inspiration to bring inclusive, well-designed paths to their communities. Thank you to everyone who joined us—and a special thanks to Bill for such an informative and engaging session!

Please don’t forget to complete the survey that was sent to you at the conclusion of the forum. We strive to provide forum information that is useful to an audience with varying needs and resources.

IMBA Trail Labs in Winona Next Week

If you are interested in attending IMBA's Trail Labs Foundation series, there may still be time to register! The first workshop to be held in Minnesota will take place in Winona on May 7-8.

The International Mountain Biking Association's Trail Labs are comprehensive workshops that guide participants through the process of creating a model community trail system. The curriculum covers planning, design, building, activation, promotion, and measuring success. Attendees will gain insights from IMBA staff, trail industry experts, and local stakeholders, ensuring they leave with the knowledge and guidance needed to develop sustainable and engaging trail systems.

Learn more and register at the button link below!

IMBA Trail Labs

MNPAiR Art in the Park: Connecting Nature, Community & Creativity

Through a Legacy partnership with the MNDNR and Metro Regional Parks, the GMRPTC is hosting three regional artists in residence projects, called MnPAIR (Minnesota Parks Artists in Residency). 

Here is a highlight of the upcoming arts activities taking place in the west central region at Douglas County Lake Brophy Park and Granite Falls Memorial Park.

Public Art Installations 
- Wooden Figures (both parks): Grouped sculptures that evoke gathering, reflection, and shared story. Each piece subtly honors earth, wind, fire and sky - a quiet reminder we are never alone.

- Murals (both parks): Four large panels (5' X 12') honoring native plants through Dakota perspectives. Created using a non-direct mosaic method - community-friendly, inclusive, and adaptable for all ages.

- Trail Entrance Sculptures (Lake Brophy): A new artistic landmark! A local artist will create a metal bike sculpture marking the entrance to the trails -  a bold, creative welcome that says "start your journey here."

- Park 100 Year Celebration: Explore panels with codes placed around the park - a living memory trail celebrating a century of community.

Interactive Summer Workshops

Create, connect, and celebrate the beauty of nature and community through art.

Lake Brophy Park - Mondays: June 16, 23, 30, July 7
10:30AM - 12:00PM / 3:30PM - 6:00PM / 6:30PM - 8:30PM
 - Mosaic Fish Workshop: Design glass mosaic fish for community display.
- Join the Park Mosaic Project: Help build the large panels!

Memorial Park - Wednesdays: June 18, 25, July 2, 7
10:30AM - 12:00PM / 3:30PM - 6:00PM / 6:30PM - 8:30PM
- Same schedule of mosaic workshops and painting sessions

Learn More About MNPAiR

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"