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GMRPTC Update: Legacy funding applications open April 1

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

New Opportunities for Designated Regional Parks and Trails Projects
The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) is excited to announce that the application cycle for 2026 Legacy funding will open on April 1, 2026. The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment Parks and Trails funds provide invaluable support for the development, rehabilitation, and enhancement of regional parks and trails throughout Greater Minnesota. In addition to traditional funding, there is also a component designed to Connect People with the Outdoors, which supports projects that may not be eligible under other grant programs.

Eligible applicants include city, county, or Tribal government entities with regional designation in the 80 counties that make up Greater Minnesota.

The GMRPTC’s Legacy granting program has played a transformative role in enhancing outdoor spaces by supporting both new developments and upgrades to existing trails, amenities, and buildings. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the updated 2026 guidelines, which are available on the GMRPTC website: GMRPTC – Applications – Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.

The application window will open on April 1, 2026, and close at midnight on July 31, 2026.

Example of a mobile mountain bike instruction program in Duluth made possible with a Connecting People to the Outdoors grant.
The Nisswa section of the Gull Lake Trail, a beautiful new trail around Gull lake made possible with Legacy funding.
A new pavilion at Lyon County Garvin Park was built as part of a larger project at the park and made possible with a Legacy grant.

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