Thank you to our new & renewing members!
Thank you to all our members who renewed their membership for 2024! We very much appreciate your participation and support…
From the Chair: New workshop in partnership with MRPA
Below is a message from GMPT Chair Gina Hugo. You can reach her at gina.hugo@co.sherburne.mn.us. Hello GMPT Members! We can never…
GMRPTC Update: Fiscal Year 2026 funding application is now open!
Below is a message from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. You can reach her at renee.mattson@gmrptcommission.org. The application portal for FY26…
RECAP: March forum highlights important changes to Legacy grant process
Our March forum featured GMRPTC’s Executive Director Renee Mattson and System Plan Coordinator Joe Czapiewski, who joined GMPT staff to…
Legislative Action Day 2024 Recap
On March 14, GMPT hosted our Annual Legislative Action Day at the State Capitol, which featured an agenda packed with interesting and informative programming. Thank you to all who attended in person and virtually! The morning kicked off with a great discussion with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Trails Director Ann Pierce and Assistant Commissioner Bob Meier, who provided a glimpse into the legislative priorities we share and how our collective advocacy efforts support funding and good policy for parks facilities and trail connectivity in Greater Minnesota.
GMRPTC Update: Coming soon – a new sign!
Anyone who has received a Legacy grant would have to agree that the Legacy logo (posting the sign is a requirement of receiving a Legacy grant) is extremely well done and makes a great impression. The colorful logo represents the four funds in a playful but thoughtful way and is likely well remembered by all who see it. For some time, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) has been discussing the need to make the GRMPTC logo a part of the landscape for parks and trails receiving Greater Minnesota Legacy funds. Happily, that day is nearly here.
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.