(The Center Square) – Nearly $2 million in Recreation Passport grants will be awarded to 15 Michigan communities, providing funding for various state-managed outdoor park improvements.
The $1.98 million comes from the Recreation Passport program, which gives Michigan residents unlimited access to more than 100 state parks and recreation locations, more than 1,000 state-managed boat launches, more than 140 state forest campgrounds and parking for thousands of miles of trails.
“The Recreation Passport secures critical funding for both state and local community parks,” Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen said. “Because 10% of Recreation Passport sales go to communities through these grants, even more of Michigan’s residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors.”
The community grants take 10% of the Recreation Passports’ revenue, with the remaining going toward state-managed park operations and infrastructure. Since established by Public Act 35 in 2010, the Recreation Passport Program has funded a little more than $18.5 million statewide in grants.
Approximately 97% of state parks operations and maintenance is funded by visitor fees, including 50% from camping reservations and 27% from Recreation Passports.
Examples of this year’s projects include a new skate park in Mecosta County, new playground equipment in Roscommon County, a new campground and boat launch in Ontonagon County and park improvements in Barry and Tuscola counties. Allegan, Berrien, Crawford, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Montmorency and St. Clair counties will also have projects to be announced.
“When we invest in our state parks and public lands, we all benefit,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “The Recreation Passport helps us improve parks, trails, playgrounds, campgrounds, and so much more across Michigan, improving quality of life and growing our economy.”
