Members turn out for our GMPT annual meeting

Greater Minnesota Parks & Trails members gathered for our annual meeting on Oct. 17  in Sauk Rapids. Members convened to discuss the past year, future goals, issues we are facing, and to hear about some projects that are going on in Greater Minnesota.

2018 has been a good year for the GMPT. Membership is up and we welcomed in eight new business members this year. You can find out more about each of our business members by visiting our “Business Resources” page. Our organization also launched a new digital newsletter for better communication to members and most importantly, we had great legislative success. Our top three legislative goals for 2018 were to achieve funding for the Local Parks & Trails and Outdoor Recreation Grant programs, preserve the 40/40/20 split of the Legacy funds, and oppose any restrictions on park and trail construction. We were successful on all three fronts, thanks in large part to the hard work and dedication of our members.

Probably the most important topic at the annual meeting was going forward with the split of the Legacy funds. Members had a great discussion and helped form our 2019 legislative agenda and a stance for the Legacy split. Read the article below for more information on our 2019 legislative policies and agenda.

Elections for the GMPT board were held in districts 1, 3, and 5. The District 1 representative is Bob Manzoline of St. Louis & Lake Counties Railroad Authority, District 3 representative is Dan Coughlin of the City of Olivia, and new on the board is District 5 representative Scott Wold from Redwood County. The board officer positions of chair, vice chair, treasurer and communications/secretary were held and no changes were made. Congratulations to our board representatives and officers! Full list of board members and officers.

We would also like to thank Karlin Ziegler, parks superintendent for Olmsted County and the GMPT’s District 6 representative, for providing a great presentation on Natural Playscapes (LINK) and Adam Buck with Pathfinder Trail Building for talking to us about sustainable trail design and single-track mountain bike trails. You can see a copy of Karlin’s presentation here and Adam’s presentation here.

Thank you to everyone attended the meeting. We look forward to another great year in 2019!