GMRPTC September 2025 Newsletter

The GMRPTC is both hosting and helping promote some great upcoming events! Check out the information and links below.
* GMRPTC Accessible Picnic and Camping Facilities Forum with Bill Botten September 30 (Virtual)
* IMBA Trail Labs Foundations Workshop October 1-2 (Duluth)
* Annual GMRPTC Grantee Meeting January 29, 2026 (St. Cloud)

Third Quarter Access Forum on Accessible Picnic and Camping Facilities

As 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), organizations and communities nationwide are evaluating both the achievements realized and the ongoing efforts required to ensure equitable access for all individuals. The GMRPTC has prioritized education regarding accessibility improvements in parks and on trails as a key objective for 2025.

To support this initiative, the GMRPTC will host a forum on September 30 from 11:30 - 1:00pm focused on Accessible Picnic and Camping Facilities. Achieving accessibility in outdoor environments presents unique challenges due to various factors such as terrain, development levels, construction practices, and materials used. In 2013, the U.S. Access Board introduced new accessibility standards for outdoor developed areas, specifying requirements for picnic and camping facilities located on federal sites governed by the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). While these standards are not included in the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) 2010 ADA Standards and do not legally apply to state and local governments or private entities subject to DOJ regulations, their adoption by state and local agencies can serve as a best-practice benchmark and provide increased usability for individuals with disabilities.

This forum will deliver an overview of the minimum standards applicable to picnic and camping facilities. The session, led by access specialist Bill Botten, will address participant inquiries and clarify common areas of confusion related to the design and use of these specialized recreational amenities. 

Don’t miss an opportunity to learn more about how to make your picnic and camping areas more accessible for all to enjoy!

Register Here for the Accessible Forum

IMBA Trail Labs: Foundations in Duluth, October 1 - 2

This is your opportunity to attend a Foundations two-day workshop right in Minnesota! 

Foundations are two days of intensive learning, with both classroom instruction and tours of the trails in Duluth.  

Participating in an IMBA Foundations Trail Lab offers attendees an invaluable, hands-on experience tailored to both new and seasoned trail advocates. These workshops are led by some of the most knowledgeable trail professionals in the country, providing a rare opportunity to learn best practices directly from experts deeply engaged in the field.

Duluth, with its renowned, extensive trail systems and diverse terrain, serves as an ideal outdoor classroom. By engaging with real-world trail projects, participants can witness effective techniques in action and gain practical skills that are immediately applicable in their own communities. The collaborative atmosphere encourages networking with other passionate individuals, fostering a spirit of stewardship and innovation.

IMBA’s Foundations lab emphasizes sustainable design, maintenance strategies, and the long-term impact of quality trails on local recreation and economies. Attendees leave empowered not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to champion trail development in their regions, ensuring that trails remain accessible, enjoyable, and environmentally conscious for generations to come.

Register Here for Foundations IMBA Trail Workshop

Mandatory Grantee Meeting Set for January 29th, 2026

SAVE THE DATE!

All parks and trails partners in the Greater Minnesota Regional System are invited to the annual Grantee Meeting, to be held January 29th in St. Cloud.

Successful 2025 grant applicants are requited to attend. It is optional but encouraged for all other members of the system.

Meeting registration and details for the time and location will be published in future newsletter and email communications!

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"