GMRPTC Update: Greater Minnesota Legacy Grant close out month

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

Each year in June, we experience a flurry of visits to parks and trails that have successfully applied for—and received—Greater Minnesota Legacy grants for projects ranging from new buildings, trail extensions, access improvements, and equipment purchases. Visits to review these projects are always exciting and rewarding. Often, they are done in conjunction with open houses that celebrate the new improvements. One of the very best parts of the job is to see community members “ooh” and “aah” at what the grant dollars have accomplished and their excitement about the project.

While it is not a comprehensive list of the projects that wrapped up on June 30, 2025, the photos below are a sampling of what can be experienced in Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails as a result of the gift of Legacy. This is also a good time to remind everyone of the July 31, 2025, deadline to apply for FY27 Legacy grants. We have nearly $11.5 million available, of which $250,000 is set aside for Archaeological/Environmental grants and $250,000 for Access grants. The Archeological/Environmental and Access grants are rolling grants, meaning you can apply for them anytime during the 12-month period starting on July 1, 2025, and grants will be made until the funds are expended.

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