City Council Meeting Date: June 16, 2026
To: Mayor and Members of Council
\From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Resolution Authorizing Application to the Regional Parks and Trail Commission for Designation of Cannon River Regional Park as a Greater MN Regional Park.
Body
Action Requested:
The City Council is asked to consider a resolution authorizing an application to the Regional Parks and Trail Commission for Designation of Cannon River Regional Park to a Greater MN Regional Park.
Summary Report:
At the June 2, 2026 meeting, the City Council discussed the concept of the Cannon River Regional Park and the opportunity to pursue designation through the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC). A resolution authorizing the formal naming of the Cannon River Regional Park is a separate item on this meeting’s consent agenda.
Staff is requesting authorization to submit a Preliminary Designation Application to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission for the Cannon River Regional Park. The preliminary designation process provides an opportunity for the Commission to evaluate whether the proposed park demonstrates regional significance and should advance to a full designation application.
The proposed Cannon River Regional Park includes a network of existing and planned parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational amenities located along the Cannon River corridor in Northfield and Dundas. The corridor contains significant natural, cultural, recreational, and scenic resources and serves as a destination for residents and visitors throughout the region.
Designation by the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission may provide future eligibility for state funding opportunities available to designated regional parks and trails. The Commission annually distributes approximately $11-14 million for acquisition, development, restoration, and improvement projects within designated regional parks and trails systems.
Representatives of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission have visited the proposed corridor and indicated that the Cannon River Regional Park appears to be a strong candidate for preliminary review. Staff believes submission of the application represents a low-risk opportunity to evaluate the corridor's eligibility for regional designation and to better position the community for future funding opportunities.
Submission of the Preliminary Designation Application does not commit the City to pursuing full designation, undertaking any specific projects, or accepting future grant funding. The application is intended to obtain feedback from the Commission regarding the regional significance of the proposed park and the feasibility of pursuing designation.
Approval of the resolution will authorize staff to submit the Preliminary Designation Application to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission and continue coordination with the City of Dundas and other regional partners as the review process moves forward.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
• Parks Master Plan
• Pedestrian, Bike, and Trail System Plan
• Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan
• Strategic Plan 2025-2028
Alternative Options:
None.
Financial Impacts:
Seeking initial review designation under the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails would have some staff and consulting time needed. However, there are funds available in the park fund.
Tentative Timelines:
ü June 2, 2026 - Council discussed naming Cannon River Regional Park and related funding opportunities
• June 16, 2026 - Council consider resolution naming “Cannon River Regional Park”
• June 16, 2026 - Council consider resolution seeking designation as a regional park with Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails
• July - Dundas Council consider resolution naming “Cannon River Regional Park”
• July - Dundas Council consider resolution seeking designation as a regional park with Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails