Rochester, Olmsted County Parks Awarded $2.5M in Legacy Grants

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Two local parks have been awarded a total of more than $2.5 million for improvements through the state Parks and Trails Legacy Fund.

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission has announced that Olmsted County and Rochester are among the 12 entities throughout the state that have been recommended to receive grants in fiscal year 2027. The recommendations are contingent on approval by the State Legislature.

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo Improvements Planned

The Commission is recommending that Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo receive just over $2 million in funding. According to a county spokesperson, if the grant funding is finalized, it will be used for the replacement of two ADA-compliant pedestrian bridges over the Zumbro River at Oxbow Park.

Rochester’s Gamehaven Regional Park to Get Upgrades

The City of Rochester is recommended to receive just over $575,000 to fund improvements at Gamehaven Regional Park.

“We are elated to have been selected for this grant from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, which will allow us to add a mountain biking skills area and jump park, as well as power for snowmaking activities and a tow rope for the tubing hill,” said Park Planner Jeff Feece.

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission was created 12 years ago to provide the State Legislature with recommendations for grants to counties, cities, and tribal governments outside of the Twin Cities area for regional parks and trails. The 13-member commission is also tasked with system planning for regional recreational facilities.

How Legacy Funds Support Minnesota’s Outdoor Spaces

Funding through the State Legacy Parks and Trails Fund comes from revenue generated by the Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy sales tax approved by voters in 2008. A news release announcing the latest grant recommendations indicates the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission has awarded more than $115 million in grants, matched by nearly $42 million in local contributions since its inception.