GMRPTC Update: FY2027 Funding Recommendations

Below is a message from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. You can reach her at renee.mattson@gmrptcommission.org.

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At the November 26, 2025, Commission meeting, Commissioners finalized the Fiscal Year 2027 funding recommendations. The application cycle resulted in 15 eligible submissions, and the Commission is pleased to report that Legacy funding has been recommended for 12 grant applications.

The selected projects encompass a wide scope of facility and trail enhancements, including trail reconstruction, improvements to accessibility, and new construction initiatives. These awards are expected to have a considerable positive impact on outdoor recreational opportunities for both Minnesotans and visitors

Fiscal Year 2027 Greater Minnesota Legacy Funding Recommendations

Project	Award	District
Duluth Traverse	$1,318,978	1
Grand Marais Recreation Area	$1,066,750	1
Mille Lacs County Soo Line Trail	$600,000	1
Roseau River Water Trail	$1,112,254	2
Detroit Mountain Recreation Area	$821,700	3
Lac qui Parle County Park	$368,202	3
Otter Tail County Phelps Mill County Park	$713,747	3
Willmar Robbins Island Regional Park	$1,327,945	3
Chisago County Swedish Immigrant Trail	$477,441	4
Lincoln County Hole in the Mountain Park	$901,890	5
Olmsted County Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo	$2,040,000	6
Rochester Gamehaven Park	$577,938	6
Total	$11,326,845

Project Descriptions

Check out the highlights below for more information on each exciting project approved for legacy grant funding:

• Duluth Traverse — Trailhead infrastructure improvements and construction of a beginner and intermediate bike skills development area and tot pump track at Duluth Traverse in Lester Park. The trailhead improvements include a safer, reconfigured parking lot, wayfinding and signage, and a dedicated trailhead plaza with appropriate site amenities.
• Grand Marais Recreation Area — Construction of a new, family-friendly bathhouse, replacing a 50-year-old structure with an accessible, energy-efficient building in a more strategic location. New gateway entrance signage and wayfinding signage.
• Mille Lacs County Soo Line Trail — Improvements to the 2.2-mile Segment 3 to include reconstruction of a trail crossing, install trail and roadway crossing signage, and improve the 20-foot-wide gravel trail surface.
• Roseau River Water Trail — First phase of projects for the water trail includes an accessible trail and viewing/fishing platform at the Roseau Rapids Park as well as paving roads at the Roseau City Park campground and boat launch access road. The project will also upgrade six campsites and add kayak/canoe racks, picnic tables/shelters, and interpretive signage in the campground.
• Detroit Mountain Recreation Area — Acquisition of 32.6 acres of adjacent land for site of future campground development.
• Lac qui Parle County Park — The grant is for supplemental funds to construct a pedestrian bridge across the Lac qui Parle River which separates the park.
• Otter Tail County Phelps Mill County Park — Rebuild the historic parking lot for better flow and more parking spaces. Construction of 4,000 feet of accessible paved trails connecting two boardwalks and the parking lot, construction of an amphitheater and seating area as well as building a new nature scape playground area. The project will also repurpose the existing playground equipment to the campsite area to provide amenities for campers.
• Willmar Robbins Island Regional Park — Phase II of the unique two-sided amphitheater project at Robbins Island Regional Park. This phase completes the project with the construction of the walls and roof, rest rooms, storage, and ADA accessible spectator areas. Improves existing trails and create rain gardens to reduce mud and increase pollinator activity.
• Chisago County Swedish Immigrant Trail — The grant will provide for the complete reconstruction of Segment E of the trail. The reconstruction will allow for a smoother transition to the newer existing trail corridor segments and provide a safer route access.
• Lincoln County Hole in the Mountain Park — Funding to expand the East Campground at the park. The project will include the installation of electric, water, and sewer services to accommodate 16 campsites. Each campsite will include a pad, picnic table, fire pit, and power pedestal. The project also includes the installation of a new restroom and shower facility to expand access and outdoor recreational opportunities on the east side of the park.
• Olmsted County Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo — The project involves the critical replacement of two bridges, each over fifty years old, which have experienced substantial deterioration as a result of decades of seasonal flooding. The new bridges will feature accessible design improvements, unlike the existing structures, and will facilitate enhanced access to the park’s interior for emergency response teams. The new design is flood resilient and expected to minimize debris accumulation during high water events, helping to prevent erosion, reduce flow diversion, and eliminate potential hazards for river-based recreation.
• Rochester Gamehaven Park — Construction of a mountain bike skills area and jump park, extension of power service for snowmaking equipment, and an automated towing system for the snow tubing area.

The GMRPTC forwards its recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature for approval through the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, which will take place during the upcoming legislative session.

For more information on these projects and the Greater MN Regional Parks & Trails Commission, visit gmrptcommission.org.