Below is a message from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. You can reach her at renee.mattson@gmrptcommission.org.…
GMRPTC Update: A look ahead
Below is a message from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. You can reach her at renee.mattson@gmrptcommission.org.
As we close the book on 2024 and look ahead to 2025, I want to share with you upcoming meetings and forums that we believe will be both helpful and highly educational, as well as a great way to network with fellow park and recreation professionals.
FY26 Grant Recipients Meeting
On January 21, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) will be hosting a mandatory meeting for all FY26 grant awardees at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in St. Cloud. The meeting will take place from 11am – 3:30pm and offers information about the next steps in the granting process and award. There will be presentations from DNR Grant Managers Sarah Wennerberg and Jenni Bubke, as well as Kelly Gragg-Johnson and Lucy Harrington from the State Historic Preservation Office. They will also be available for one-on-one Q&A at the conclusion of the meeting as an opportunity to ask questions directly related to the grant project. In-person attendance is mandatory for FY26 awardees, and a virtual option will also be available to anyone considering applying for a grant in the near future and is interested in attending. If you are interested in attending, please contact me to reserve a spot.
We will also introduce Bill Botten, an accessibility specialist GMRPTC has recently contracted with to provide help and informational forums on accessibility topics. Bill has recently retired from the US Access Board, where he led the development of accessibility standards for ADA.
Accessibility Forums
Bill will be hosting quarterly forums about specific accessibility topics throughout 2025. The first forum is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, from 11:30am – 1pm. The primary topic will cover play areas and maintenance, with the first hour consisting of Bill’s presentation and the last 30 minutes open for Q&A. The second forum on April 15 will follow the same format and time, focusing on the topic of pedestrian trails and shared use paths. Attend the Zoom forum using the button below.
2025 Policy & Planning Report
The GMRPTC publishes an annual Policy and Planning Report that describes the activities and work for the year. This report is shared with the Legislative Legacy Committees and provides highlights of the Greater Minnesota system, the work plan, and—most important—the projects recommended for Legacy funding in Fiscal Year 2026. A list of the FY26 projects and descriptions can be found on page 5 of the report.
The report is available in hard copy and a Flipbook format on the GMRPTC website: 2024 Policy and Planning Report
On behalf of the GMRPTC, wishing you the best in the New Year!
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