By The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission
The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission was established in 2013 to carry out system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the Legacy Parks and Trails fund to counties and cities outside the seven-county metropolitan area, for parks and trails of regional significance.
Of the 47 regionally designated parks and trails in the Greater Minnesota system (at the time of application), the Commission received 19 applications and selected 13 projects totaling $8,809,875, to recommend for legislative approval.
Successful applicants submitted projects that met the 25-Year Legacy Plan Strategic Directions:
• Connect People to the Outdoors
• Acquire Land, Create Opportunities
• Take Care of What We Have
• Coordinate Among Partners
“These grants will truly shape communities and provide enhanced opportunities for outdoor recreation in Greater Minnesota for both residents and visitors” said Tom Ryan, Commission Vice Chair.
In addition to helping create and maintain recreation resources, parks and trails Legacy grants contribute to the state’s economy and its vital $13 billion travel and tourism industry, with 250,000 full and part-time workers.
The complete list of grant recommendations for Fiscal Year 19