GMRTPC April 2026 Newsletter

In this issue, we will:
* Preview next week's Accessibility Forum, featuring accessibility consultant Jennifer Skulski,
* Learn about two new Environmenta/Archeological grant awards, and
* Congratulate Chisago County's Fish Lake Park on becoming the newest facility in the Greater Minnesota Regional System!

GMRPTC Launches 2nd Season of Accessibility Forums with New Presenter
The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission will be hosting the first Accessibility Forum of 2026 on April 21 from 11:30am – 1:00pm. Register HERE to receive a link to the session.

The topic for this forum is:

Accessible Exterior Surfaces Part 1: Accessible Routes, Trails, and Shared Use Paths
Not all “trails” are equal, especially when it comes to the application of the accessibility standards and guidelines. This session will cover the differences between accessible routes, outdoor recreation access routes, trails and shared use paths, along with the design considerations for new construction and alterations. Upon completion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Distinguish between accessible routes, trails, and shared use paths.
• Discuss the major differences in the technical provisions as they apply to each type of path.
• Make planning decisions related to paths and surfaces to improve access for visitors with disabilities.

The quarterly forums previously led by Bill Botten were highly popular among participants, offering valuable opportunities for learning and discussion. This forum is presented by Jennifer Skulski, who is a nationally recognized authority on ADA/504 compliance. Bill informed the Commission that he would be entering retirement and reducing his professional commitments, recommending Jennifer after collaborating with her for over 25 years.

The GMRPTC thanks Bill Botten for his role on our team enhancing accessibility support. Bill not only provided expert consultation on accessibility but also lead quarterly education forums and conducted plan reviews as needed. We wish Bill well in his retirement.

Jennifer has over 30 years of experience spanning parks, recreation, tourism, and municipal government. She has demonstrated her expertise by conducting accessibility assessments for more than 1,500 recreation facilities and 50 national parks. She has also trained thousands of professionals in the inclusion of people with disabilities and published research on best practices for accessibility management. In 2014, Jennifer founded Skulski Consulting to work more closely with public entities on ADA action-planning. The Commission is confident that Jennifer’s extensive background and dedication will ensure excellent training and support in 2026.

Part 2 of this webinar is scheduled for June 16 from 11:30am – 1:00pm. Check out the full description and registration for this and every forum on the Commission’s Accessibility webpage HERE.

Register Here

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Two New Environmental/Archeological Grants Awarded

At its March meeting, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission awarded two regionally designated parks Legacy funds under the Environmental/Archeological grant program. Projects under this program will conduct environmental/archeological review prior to the application and funding for Legacy Development and Acquisition grants. Examples include EAW (Environmental Assessment Worksheet) or Phase I EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) projects, archeological studies, or other work related to pre-project development (not including design work).

Wannigan Park in the City of Frazee will receive $30,595, along with their $3,400 local match, to conduct a Phase I archeological survey of the undeveloped east bank of the Otter Tail River to identify cultural and historical resources before park and trail development.

The Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in Kandiyohi County is providing a $4,500 local match toward a $50,000 Legacy grant award. This project will conduct Phase I archeological fieldwork, prepare an Environmental Assessment Statement checklist, submit a Natural Heritage Information System Request, and compile evidence of compliance with water and wetland regulations across two targeted future project areas within the ELC.

The GMRPTC is excited about the use of these targeted grant awards to help communities in Greater Minnesota prepare for Legacy projects in their regionally significant parks and trails.  More information about this program, and other Legacy funded grants through the GMRPTC, can be found in the Funding Guidelines document HERE.

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Chisago County's Fish Lake Park is Designated as the 85th Facility in the Greater Minnesota Regional System!

At their March Meeting, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission designated Fish Lake Park in Chisago County as the newest facility in the Greater Minnesota Legacy system of regional parks and trails. The designation follows a thorough evaluation of the 130 acre park’s Designation Application and Master Plan.

From the application: “Fish Lake Park is Chisago County’s gateway to Fish Lake, one of the highest quality lakes in the state. The park brings the quintessential Minnesota lake experience to the masses by providing the perfect setting to spend a day swimming, boating, fishing, or paddling, offering shoreline picnicking and play opportunities in a scenic outdoor setting; and inviting visitors to explore trails through woodlands and wetlands, showcasing the critical landscapes that produce such a pristine body of water.”

Our congratulations to the entire Chisago County team who helped with the public engagement and master planning process that resulted in the designation. Check out the photos below for a preview of this regionally significant park!

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"