From the Chair: Summer Meeting a resounding success!

Below is a message from GMPT Chair Gina Hugo. You can reach her at gina.hugo@co.sherburne.mn.us.

July’s summer meeting—co-hosted by GMPT and the GMRPTC—was a smashing success, and we are so thrilled about the excellent attendance!

The day’s agenda kicked off with GMPT Lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel giving a great overview of the most recent legislative session and the major policies and funding that she stayed plugged into on behalf of all our members. By doing so, we were able to provide timely testimony and letters to key legislators and committees.

Next, MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Sarah Strommen provided agency highlights specific to parks and trails. She also gave an overview of the Get Out More: Investments for MN—a $150 million investment to Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences (MORE). This initiative is strategically focusing on five key objectives:

1. Enhance access and welcome new users to public lands and outdoor recreation
2. Modernize camping and related infrastructure
3. Enhance fisheries and fishing infrastructure
4. Modernize boat access areas
5. Restore streams and modernize water-related infrastructure to support outdoor recreation

The DNR website has a page devoted to this program, providing detailed information on location and project schedules. Click here to check it out! 

DNR Park & Recreation Area Program Consultant Jamie McBride presented information about the agency’s track wheelchair program. Hearing about their experience with loaning chairs helped to frame a conversation about best practices for track chair use in Greater Minnesota parks. Working with the Minnesota Council on Disability helped the DNR build an understanding of operational inclusiveness and the independent exploration of trails. It’s important to recognize that mobility limitations are not confined to a permanent disability but include a wide range of factors. Click here to view the presentation slides.

After lunch, the Duluth Parks & Recreation Staff talked about their amazing bike fleet program and how they are able to engage at-risk youth through community partner organizations, helping them to learn to ride bikes—developing a lifelong skill that builds self-confidence and improves physical health. They even brought some adult-size Stryder bikes, which, yes, we did get to try!

The day wrapped up with a mock archery program provided by Wright County Parks programming staff. The weather was perfect and much better than my aim with the arrow! We also enjoyed a tour of the nature play area of Woodland Trails Regional Park.

Thanks to everyone who helped coordinate the day and made the trip to join us! We are now gearing up for the Fall Meeting, so please mark your calendars for October 19, 2024, at Harley Nature Center in Duluth. The Fall Meeting is when our membership comes together to set legislative policy and priorities for 2025 and hold elections—don’t miss out!