Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program

The information is provisional and will be finalized by August 2012. If you have any questions, please call one of the program staff listed below.

Program purpose:

Legacy Amendment logo

This program is made possible by funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

To provide grants to local units of government to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance. Funding for this grant program is from the Parks and Trails Fund created by the Minnesota Legislature from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment passed by the voters in 2008. This program is established in Minnesota Statutes 85.535.

Eligible projects:

Eligible projects include acquisition, development, restoration, and maintenance of park and trail facilities that are considered of regional or statewide significance. All park projects must meet requirements for perpetual outdoor recreational use. Trail acquisition projects require a perpetual easement for recreational purposes. Trail development projects require a 20 year maintenance commitment by the project sponsor.

Eligible applicants:

Cities, counties, townships and legislatively designated regional parks and trails taxing authorities outside of the seven county metropolitan area as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2.

Level of assistance:

Grants are reimbursement based up to 75 percent of the total eligible project costs, and recipients must provide a non-state cash match of at least 25 percent. Project costs must be incurred and paid before reimbursement can be made. Project costs become eligible for reimbursement once a contract agreement is established between the DNR and the grantee.

Park and Trail Projects: The minimum grant request is $20,000, and the maximum grant award is $500,000. Grant funding available:

  • FY 2013 funds appropriated: $7,686,000.

Park legacy priorities:

Priority for park project funding will be given to projects that address the priorities outlined in the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Consideration will also be given to the design of the proposed project and existing park facilities. Project design should be compatible with the physical characteristics of the site, consistent with generally accepted engineering and architectural design standards, in accordance with accessibility standards and minimize risk to the health and safety of users.

Trail legacy priorities:

Priority for trail project funding will be given to projects that provide connectivity, enhanced opportunities for commuters, and enhanced safety. Significant considerations also include trail length, expected use, and resource quality and attractiveness.

Grant awards:

The Department of Natural Resources will review and rank applications during the fall of 2012. Grant awards will be announced in the fall/winter of 2012.

Project period:

All work funded with FY 2013 appropriations must be completed no later than June 30, 2015. Projects that receive federal funds can be extended to equal the availability of the federal funding.

How to apply:

The complete application is due on September 28, 2012. Grant application materials for the Park Legacy Grants and Trail Legacy Grants are linked below.

Park Legacy Grants

  • Contact information:
    Park Grants Contact
    Audrey Mularie, Southern Minnesota, North Metro
    audrey.mularie@state.mn.us or (651) 259-5549
    Joe Hiller, Northern Minnesota, South Metro
    joe.hiller@state.mn.us or (651) 259-5538
    Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
    Division of Parks and Trails
    500 Lafayette Road, Box 52
    Saint Paul, MN 55155

Trail Legacy Grants

Related DNR programs: