GMRPTC May 2025 Newsletter

This month we'll explore the impact of a Legacy funded track-chair grant on a central Minnesota family, recap the IMBA Trails Foundation workshop held in Winona, and preview this summer's joint GMRPTC/GMPT meeting!

Second Annual GMRPTC and GMPT Joint Summer Meeting Set for July 29 at Lake Washington Regional Park

We’re excited to announce that the second annual joint summer meeting of the Greater Minnesota Parks Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) and Greater Minnesota Parks & Trails (GMPT) will be held on Tuesday, July 29 at Lake Washington Regional Park & Campground in Le Sueur County.

The summer meeting is a unique opportunity for members, business partners, and stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the progress being made across Greater Minnesota’s parks and trails system. Last year’s inaugural event was a great success, and we look forward to building on that momentum with a day of networking, updates, and outdoor exploration.

The event runs from 10am – 2pm and includes a tour of the park at the conclusion of the meeting (always a highlight!).

Registration begins at 9:30 with light refreshments and coffee available.  There will be legislative updates from Renee Mattson, GMRPTC Executive Director and Elizabeth Wefel, GMP&T lobbyist, a presentation from the DNR and programs on Bison Conservation and Recreational Trends.  As well, you will enjoy lunch with colleagues and have an opportunity to network and share ideas.

Lake Washington is a beautiful setting and offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and informative gathering.

More details and registration information will be shared soon. Mark your calendars now—we look forward to seeing you on July 29!

Action Track Chair Grants Make an Impact

Wright County Parks participated in a Greater Minnesota Legacy grant opportunity to purchase a powered mobility chair through Action Track Chairs. The chair, available through the parks department at any of their regional parks, is available for anyone with a disability who could use it to access the outdoors.

Mom Alicia and son Braydon recently visited Robert Ney Park near Maple Lake as a part of Braydon's school field trip. Alicia shared the following on her Facebook page and gave the County permission to share it here.

"Braydon went on his 5th grade field trip to Ney Park in Maple Lake today! We were so nervous that he would have to leave earlier than expected due to not being able to access the trails as they aren’t paved BUT the most amazing thing happened.

One of the 5th grader’s Dad happened to work for the park system. He took it upon himself to walkie a colleague to pick up an All Terrain Wheelchair from the Bertram Park in Monticello and bring it to Ney park for Braydon to use! One of the paras said that there was a hill that there is no way she would have been able to get him up in his chair, but with the ATWC it was easy peasy! Braydon was able access the same things as his peers and he had a great time (as you can see from the all the smiles!).
 
I’m thankful for the worker/Dad who made this possible and the Wright County Parks & Recreation Department for even having these all terrain chairs available at all! Having these chairs makes it possible for those who struggle with mobility to be able to enjoy nature like the rest of us! Knowing these are available has made changes to our summer and I’m so excited for it!"

Successful IMBA Trail Labs Held in Winona

On May 5–7, Winona hosted a successful IMBA Trail Labs event, marking the first time the International Mountain Bicycling Association has brought this hands-on training series to Minnesota. Nearly 20 attendees from across the region participated in two days of engaging classroom sessions and field-based instruction focused on sustainable trail design, construction, and management. 

Winona’s growing trail system, Winona Bluffs Traverse, and past success securing GMRPTC Legacy funding made it an ideal location for this inaugural Minnesota lab. IMBA staff praised the event's organization, and participants left with practical knowledge, new connections, and a deeper appreciation for trail stewardship.

We’re excited to share that Duluth will host the next Trail Labs on October 1–2, continuing to highlight Minnesota’s leadership in outdoor recreation and trail development.  If you weren’t able to attend the Winona session, make plans to visit Duluth and take advantage of this close to home learning opportunity.  Visit the IMBA website to learn more about the fall session:  imba.com

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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"