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Business Member Highlight: St. Croix Recreation

St. Croix Recreation is a family-owned business that has been selling playground and park supplies in the state of Minnesota for over 40 years. We are consultants who provide friendly, honest customer service and advice on constructing parks and playgrounds in Minnesota. The majority of our manufacturers are located in America’s heartland—the Midwest—with our commercial playground equipment coming from our neighbor, Wisconsin.

RECAP: February forum offers updates and advice for DNR grants

GMPT’s February forum had a great turnout, with over 40 people joining us to learn more about the DNR grants program. Grant Coordinators Sarah Wennerberg and Jennifer Bubke introduced themselves and provided a comprehensive overview of the Parks and Trails grants offered within their grants divisions. The presentation touched on the details of each grant, explaining eligibility criteria, funding ranges, matching fund requirements, and funding sources. 

Legislative Update

Almost a month into session, the activity is gaining speed. This session, GMPT has several priorities...

From the Chair: GMPT’s goals for 2024

This past month was marked with many things: President’s Day, Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and the start of the 2024 Legislative Session. As things get underway, we have seen and heard some indications that this session will be less packed with new legislation. As House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) commented, “Like a snake eating a hedgehog, for a while that snake doesn’t eat.” It will take a while for all the 2023 investments to get into and impact the system.

It’s not too late! Register now for GMPT Legislative Action Day

If you haven't done so already, don't forget to register for GMPT's annual Legislative Action Day! All members are invited to attend virtually or in-person on Thursday, March 14, at the State Capitol in St. Paul to promote parks and trails initiatives. This free, partial-day event provides networking opportunities, speakers from key partners, advice on lobbying, connections with a few elected officials, and time for lobbying.

GMRPTC Update: DNR & SHPO staff answer questions about FY25 grants

On January 23rd, the GMRPTC hosted a grant meeting that was mandatory for FY25 grantees but was also open to all who were interested in learning more about the grant process. The meeting was an opportunity to hear from the DNR Grant Managers—Jenni Bubke and Sarah Wennerberg—as well as SHPO staff members Environmental Review Specialist Kelly Gragg-Johnson and Environmental Review Archaeologist Lucy Harrington.

Legislative session is almost upon us

In less than two weeks, the Minnesota Legislature will reconvene, and although the second half of the biennium is shorter, it will likely be another busy session. Because it is not a budget year, the Legislature will be focused primarily on the bonding bill and policy issues. For GMPT, we have several priorities for 2024. We would like to see more funding for the DNR’s local park and trails grant programs and will be pushing for the inclusion of such funds in the bonding bill.

A Message from the Chair: Hello, 2024!

I hope the New Year has greeted you kindly! As your new Chair, I am honored to serve in this role and look forward to achieving more milestones with my fellow Board members. In addition to working with GMPT, I also serve as the Parks Director for Sherburne County.

Business Member Highlight: HKGi

Below is a contribution from GMPT business member HKGi. For more information, please visit www.hkgi.com. HKGi is a Minneapolis-based landscape architecture,…