Register Today for the First GMRPTC Accessibility Forum of 2026

Forum Tomorrow - April 21, 2026

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.

Presenter Jennifer Skulski 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 as a part of the Commission's consulting team

Register Here

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"