Below is a contribution from GMPT Member Lyon County. For more information, please visit lyoncountymn.gov.
Garvin Park has long been one of Lyon County’s premier outdoor recreation destinations, offering beautiful oak woodlands, the Cottonwood River, trails, camping, and year-round opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. While Garvin Park has always been a cherished community asset, County leaders recognized the need to modernize its facilities to better serve today’s visitors while preserving the natural beauty of Garvin Park for future generations.
Our vision was simple: create a park that is welcoming, accessible, and equipped to meet the growing needs of campers, families, equestrians, and community groups. Through thoughtful planning and strategic investment, we focused on projects that would have the greatest long-term impact on both visitor experience and park sustainability.
With support from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission and local funding partners, Garvin Park has undergone a remarkable transformation. Improvements have included the construction of a new main pavilion that has quickly become the centerpiece of the park. Since its completion, the pavilion has been rented nearly every weekend, serving as a popular venue for family reunions, graduation parties, weddings, community gatherings, and other special events.
Additional projects have included the construction of modern restroom facilities, upgraded electrical hookups throughout the campground to better accommodate today’s campers, the addition of a much-needed shower facility in the horse campground, and new concrete walkways and accessible routes that make the park easier for visitors of all abilities to enjoy.
The response from the community has exceeded our expectations. The excitement surrounding these improvements was evident when more than 300 people attended our park open house to celebrate the completed projects. Our annual Halloween event, centered around the new pavilion, welcomed more than 3,000 visitors, demonstrating how these improvements have expanded opportunities for community programming and family-friendly events.
The investment has also had a measurable impact on park use. Camping reservations have increased significantly, daily attendance continues to grow, and visitors consistently share positive feedback about the upgraded amenities. The improvements have enhanced the overall park experience while encouraging both first-time and returning guests to spend more time exploring everything Garvin Park has to offer.
These projects represent much more than new buildings and infrastructure. They reflect a commitment to providing high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities that strengthen our communities, support local tourism, and improve the quality of life for residents throughout the region. By investing today, we are ensuring that Garvin Park will continue serving families and outdoor enthusiasts for generations to come.
Lyon County extends its sincere gratitude to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission for its investment, partnership, and unwavering commitment to strengthening regional parks across Minnesota. Your support has allowed us to complete projects that have transformed Garvin Park into an even more vibrant destination for recreation, community events, and tourism. The benefits of these investments are evident every day through increased visitation, growing campground use, and the countless memories being made by visitors of all ages. Thank you for helping us preserve and enhance this special place for generations to come.
Below is a message from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. You can reach her at renee.mattson@gmrptcommission.org.
In 2008, Minnesota voters made a bold choice to increase the sales and use tax by three-eighths of one percent. The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the state constitution passed with 56% of the vote, at a time when the economy was struggling and adding another tax seemed an impossible goal. However, Minnesotans have a proud history of doing what is good for nature, for water, for arts and culture, and for outdoor recreation.
Greater Minnesota parks and trails have benefited from Legacy funding in ways big and small, in cities and counties where significant investments have been made that otherwise might not have happened but for the grant dollars available through Legacy.
The GMRPTC has a new interactive mapping tool that lets you explore the impact of Legacy in Greater Minnesota. This dynamic mapping system, which we call our Impact Map, geographically lays out all of the projects that have been funded by Legacy since the Commission started directing the funds in 2015. One map, one website. Over 154 projects and $110,000,000 in projects that have been completed or are underway and will soon be making their impact.
There is a tutorial on the IMPACT MAP home page that will show you just how deeply you can explore the system with this new tool.
Here are some ways you can make use of the Impact Map:
It’s safe to say that there is no other interactive tool like the Impact Map, not a one. The GMRPTC is always seeking new and innovative ways to share the full story of how public dollars are changing lives—the Impact Map does that.
It’s only August and the last legislative session is barely over, but it’s never too early to start thinking ahead to next session. Of course, there’s an election between now and then, but we can still start working on our fundamentals to build on our successes in 2026.
At our annual meeting in October, we will adopt our Legislative Policies and Agenda, but we will do most of the work in advance. In mid-August, you will receive an electronic survey soliciting your thoughts and ideas that will help us prioritize. We will use your feedback from the survey to create our initial draft. In early September, we will host a virtual legislative policy discussion that will be open to all members to discuss our proposal and solicit additional feedback. The GMPT Board will vet the proposal, and we will bring it to a vote at our Fall Meeting.
Please watch for the survey later this month, but if you have thoughts or suggestions before then, please forward them to our lobbyist, Elizabeth Wefel, at eawefel@flaherty-hood.com. If you would like to review our 2026 Policies and Agenda, click the link below.
2026 Legislative Policies & Agenda
Below is a message from GMPT Chair Joe Tart. You can reach him at joseph.tart@chisagocounty.us.
Hello, GMPT members!
First, I want to thank everyone who joined us for our 2026 Annual Joint Summer Meeting with GMRPTC this month! It was wonderful to see our members in person and watch them enjoying the opportunity to connect with one another. With somewhat agreeable weather, the day was full of engaging presentations and interesting discussions—thank you to our speakers who generously shared their time with us! If you would like to check out all the highlights, click the link below to view the event photo album.
2026 GMPT Summer Meeting Photo Album
On the business side of things, we will be introducing some changes to our member dues that are aimed at better reflecting the structure of our membership. The most significant change is that our local governments tier will now be divided into counties and cities, with levels based on population. Every city and county is unique, and the circumstances of a city with a population of 25,000 and a county with a population of 25,000 can be very different. Our goal with these changes is to better serve our municipal members.
Also, like most businesses, increased costs are having an impact and GMPT is no different, therefore a modest dues increase is necessary and will be reflected in our 2027 dues. The 2027 dues structure is as follows:
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we implement these changes, and we are so excited to embark on this new, more impactful journey with all your support! Please feel free to reach out to us at greatermnparkstrails@gmail.com with any questions.
The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) travels across Greater Minnesota for our monthly Commission Meetings, which are a highlight for the Commissioners as well as for Joe and me. We have the opportunity to host our meetings at designated facilities if there are adequate meeting spaces or, more often, at a nearby public facility, with a tour of a designated facility following the meeting.
One feature of our meetings that too often falls short is the accessibility in these public meeting spaces. One would assume that all these places we meet, being public, would provide handicap access to all areas of the building, especially the restrooms. What we’ve sadly discovered is that all too often buildings are not compliant with some aspect of ADA requirements.
I’ve learned embarrassing lessons that nothing can be taken for granted and one cannot simply assume that in this day and age, fully 36 years since the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, a building will provide access.
We’ve met in older city hall buildings that lacked accessible restrooms, and we’ve also recently met in a brand-new city hall with poor entry-door accessibility. This building was designed by a large, well-known architectural and engineering firm and built within the last two years. Yet to get entry, someone in a wheelchair would almost fall backward down the nearby steps trying to open the door. The automatic door openers were also in the wrong spot.
At a recent meeting of another organization, one of the committee members who uses a manual chair had difficulty in the restroom, which was barely compliant. She made the wise statement that we need to have Commitment to making spaces accessible, not just Compliant by checking the boxes.
Beginning in 2025, the GMRPTC has made universal access a priority, and our quarterly forums offer the chance to learn from experts in the field. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to learn not only what is required, but also how you can go above the bare minimum and create better access for all.
If you’ve missed a forum, or want to rewatch one that particularly interests you, they are all recorded and available on the GMRPTC website:
GMRPTC Accessibility - Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission
Commitment Not Compliance, we can all do more!
Below is a contribution from GMPT Business Member HKGi. For more information, please visit hkgi.com.
HKGi has worked with several clients in greater Minnesota to develop park and park system master plans, and we have provided design and implementation services to bring some of those planned improvements to life. We wanted to share some of these projects to highlight a few of the creative ideas we’ve been working on with communities across the state.
Stearns County – Quarry Park & Nature Preserve Master Plan
HKGi and County staff updated the Master Plan for this popular regional park, which draws thousands of visitors annually. The updated Plan includes concepts for main entry improvements and a potential new visitor center (see image), wayfinding signage, and improvements to swimming, fishing, rock climbing, and mountain biking facilities. Staff will use this Plan to seek funding for implementation.
Brown County – Lake Hanska County Park Master Plan
The first round of stakeholder engagement is currently underway for this master planning process. Engagement will help HKGi and County staff understand stakeholder perspectives and priorities and explore preliminary design directions for anticipated improvements to camping facilities, interpretive and wayfinding signage, hiking trails, playground upgrades and improvements, and water access.
City of Detroit Lakes – City Park and Pavilion Improvements
HKGi has been working with a consultant team to design improvements to the popular City Park and Pavilion. HKGi engaged City staff and stakeholders to develop a Park Master Plan that will guide future investments to enhance park amenities and improve accessibility and functionality. Pavilion and Bathhouse improvements have begun, with site improvements anticipated to begin in 2027.
Chisago County – Fish Lake Park Master Plan
HKGi worked with Chisago County staff to develop this Park Master Plan, which formed the basis for Regional designation in 2025. The park provides access to Fish Lake, one of the region’s cleanest lakes, and is in close proximity to a Regional Trail and a future State Trail. Recommended improvements include an accessible kayak launch, new camper cabins, an archery range, and a new pavilion. HKGi staff are currently supporting assembly of the County’s Legacy Grant application.
City of Annandale – Park, Trail, and Open Space Plan
This community of 3,500 people features a robust parks and open space system, with seven city-operated parks and a regional athletics park operated by the school district. HKGi is just beginning this project, working with City staff to develop a plan to help the community maintain its system, plan for future equipment replacement and repairs, and plan for future improvements as interest in outdoor recreation continues to grow.
Sherburne County – Island View Regional Park interpretive signage
HKGi has continued to provide design and implementation services to Sherburne County parks staff. One of the more unique recent projects is this new interpretive sign at Island View Park. This sign provides viewers with a fun education in fluvial geomorphology, the study of how rivers shape the land over time. Visitors can see how the landscape has changed over time by comparing a sketch of the riverbank to the view of its current condition, as demonstrated by our installation contractor!
HKGi is currently designing new improvements at Oak Savanna Park, with stakeholder engagement underway and construction anticipated for 2027.
City of Otsego – Carrick’s Landing and Prairie Park Improvements
HKGi has worked with City staff on several park planning and improvement projects since completing Otsego’s Parks and Recreation System Plan in 2019. One of the more exciting recent projects is the new Mississippi River canoe/kayak launch at Carrick’s Landing. HKGi developed a site concept and helped the city secure grant funding for implementation. The ADA accessible site includes a picnic shelter, new wayfinding and entry signage, and a Paddle Port station (see images).
HKGi is currently working with City staff to design a host of improvements to Prairie Park with construction anticipated to begin in 2027.
Olmsted County – Chester Woods
Construction on a new amphitheater at Olmsted County’s Chester Woods Park was completed in late 2024, but these photos from fall of 2026 perfectly capture the amphitheater’s glorious setting along Bear Creek and the bluffs in southeastern Minnesota. HKGi’s landscape architect carefully routed the path from the parking area to ensure accessibility for all to the nearby playground, restroom, picnic facilities, and amphitheater, and to preserve the site’s unique prairie landscape.
Below is a contribution from GMPT Member Wright County. For more information, please visit wrightcountymn.gov.
On May 16, Wright County Parks & Recreation celebrated 30 years of Outdoor and Environmental Education at Robert Ney Regional Park’s Nature Center in Maple Lake. The park’s founding began humbly, starting with a generous donation from Albert and Elsie Ney in 1970 as a memorial to their son Robert, who was killed in action during the Invasion of Attu in World War II. Wright County worked diligently over the years to develop the park and its trails, which led to the construction of the Nature Center, which opened on May 16, 1996.
The department reached out to programming partners, both past and present, to be a part of this exciting celebration. The event was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and was free of charge. Scheduled shows included the Raptor Center, Tricia and Toonsies puppet show, and fireside chats with one of the departments own Natural Resource Techs, Kurt Eich, who helped construct the Nature Center and was in charge of developing and hosting some of the first programs at the facility. Kurt is still with the department today and continues to assist with programs at the Nature Center throughout the year. With scavenger hunts, food trucks, crafts, and shows, the day was bound to be full of fun. In the months, weeks, and days prior to the event, the Parks & Recreation Department flooded its website, social media, and local media with information—even grabbing the attention of KARE 11! That morning, KARE 11 had a crew on-site doing live interviews with staff (Click here to watch the full interview). All in all, it was a great day with 200 people coming out for the event and sharing their memories and experiences with us. We would like to thank everyone again who has been part of Robert Ney Regional Park and the Nature Center over the years and who will be part of our future as well.
Although the Outdoor Heritage Bill typically falls outside our organization's scope because we are laser-focused on parks and trails, enough members have reached out to us about a recent change regarding eligibility for the Conservation Partners Legacy Program that we decided to address it here. As explained below, the Legislature made a last-minute change and allocated all FY 2027 CPL funds for projects in the metropolitan area or within the city limits of Duluth, Rochester, and St. Cloud.
What is the Outdoor Heritage Fund?
The Minnesota Legacy sales tax, which is a .375% tax on a variety of goods and services, is constitutionally divided among four specific funds. You’re probably most familiar with the 14.25% dedicated to the Parks and Trails Fund. Our organization was created to ensure that Greater Minnesota receives a portion of that fund.
33% of the sales tax goes to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, which is used to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife. The funds are administered by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, which makes recommendations annually through an extensive review process. More information on the proposal and funding process is available here. A portion of the Outdoor Heritage dollars is also made available through a small grants program known as the Conservation Partners Legacy Grants program. This program provides competitive matching grants from $5,000 to $500,000 to local, regional, state, and national nonprofit organizations and government entities, including some of our members.
What happened to CPL funding this year?
Typically, when the Outdoor Heritage Bill is introduced at the Legislature, it is not controversial and passes through with few objections. This year, however, concerns were raised about a flood control project in Northern Minnesota that was creating conflict between local officials and some residents. The Senate removed the project from the bill before it advanced.
In the House, the GOP attempted to remove that project from the bill in committee and advanced two policy changes regarding the administration of the Outdoor Heritage Bill. The GOP wanted to add term limits for service on the Outdoor Heritage Council and to change the hiring process for the Executive Director. When they introduced the amendments, the GOP told the DFL that they would not advance the bill out of committee if those amendments were not adopted. The DFL refused to adopt the amendments, so the bill did not advance.
This stalemate continued for the last few weeks of session. We were one of many groups expressing concern and pushing both parties to pass the bill because the Parks and Trails bill, which included several policy changes and grant extensions we needed, had been incorporated into it as well. As we’ve seen with increasing frequency, negotiations have taken place behind closed doors and out of public view. With about three days left before the legislative session was adjourned, the chairs of the House and Senate announced that an agreement on the Legacy bill had been reached, including both the Outdoor Heritage Fund and the Parks and Trails Fund provisions. The final language announced contained a new restriction on Conservation Partner Legacy funds, limiting grants to the metro area and the cities of Duluth, Rochester, and St. Cloud. At this point, there was no way to make changes to the bill. Either it passed with this restriction, or the entire bill —including all Outdoor Heritage grants as well as the parks and trails language we needed—would fail.
So the bill passed, and these restrictions are in place for FY2027 CPL grants.
Is this change permanent? What is next?
This language applies only to the FY 2027 funds, but some organizations are concerned about the precedent it sets. Some are also questioning whether this conflicts with state statute or the Minnesota Constitution. In the short term, however, this restriction will remain in place. There will likely be a push next year to ensure that this restriction is not permanent.
As a small organization with a mission focused on parks and trails, we don’t have the resources to lead the fight. There are other, larger organizations that focus more directly on this issue and will lead the charge, but if enough of our members are concerned, we can provide support for those efforts.
We would like to hear from you about this topic! Have you received a CPL grant before? Have you planned to apply? Should we take a position? Please reach out to GMPT lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel at eawefel@flaherty-hood.com and let her know.
As we look ahead to summer, GMPT staff are seeking to feature member campgrounds and events in our future newsletters, and we need your help! If you have a campground and would like to be included in our upcoming Campground Directory, please share the following information with us:
We are also looking to highlight any GMPT member events celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary, so if you will be hosting an event at your facility, please share that as well!
All campground and event information for our upcoming GMPT newsletters can be sent to greatermnparkstrails@gmail.com.
This summer, the GMRPTC is embarking on a comprehensive initiative to better understand the economic contributions of visitors to parks across the region. In collaboration with the University of Minnesota Extension Tourism Center, GMPRTC is conducting economic impact surveys that will help determine the daily spend by park visitors—a key metric for local communities and park managers.
Working closely with eight parks located throughout all six districts of Greater Minnesota, GMRPTC aims to gather detailed insights into visitor behavior, spending patterns, and overall economic influence. The University of Minnesota Extension Tourism Center will be responsible for compiling and analyzing the survey data, ensuring that the results are accurate and actionable.
By participating in these surveys, park visitors will play a crucial role in illustrating how crucial investments in Greater Minnesota are to the local and state economies. Understanding the economic impact of parks helps illustrate how visitor spending supports jobs, local businesses, and community services—ranging from restaurants and lodging to retail shops and transportation.
These insights will help all Greater Minnesota facilities advocate for funding, plan for infrastructure upgrades, and prioritize amenities that drive greater visitation by providing fact-based daily spending by visitors. In addition, demonstrating the financial benefits of parks strengthens the case for preserving natural spaces and enhancing recreational opportunities, ultimately contributing to the health and vitality of the region. GMRPTC is committed to fostering vibrant, sustainable recreational spaces, and these efforts represent a significant step toward understanding and enhancing the impact of Greater Minnesota parks for both residents and visitors alike.
2025 News Archives
Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails
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