I saw a very exciting story in the paper about two new playgrounds being built in my Minneapolis neighborhood. The new playgrounds come with equipment for kids of various ages and are set to be near the Lake Harriet, which will attract visiting families. Better yet, the new playgrounds are a direct result of grants from the state's new Parks & Trails Fund. It is the first specific mention I have seen of grants from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment reaching our little portion of Minnesota. But my experience mirrors that of residents from every corner of our state.

If you look closely at the use of legacy dollars from back when voters passed this historic measure in 2008, you will find that the benefits of the amendment have reached every county in Minnesota. Projects big and small for water cleanup, wildlife habitat, parks & trails, and arts and culture are being completed almost everywhere you look.

It's refreshing to know that this historic vote of the people is now producing results we can all see.