Lansing, MI — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the allocation of $1.9 million in Recreation Passport grants to 14 communities across the state. The grants, which are funded by the $14 annual Recreation Passport required for access to state parks, recreation areas, and historical sites, will help support various local park and trail development projects.
DNR Director Scott Bowen highlighted the importance of the grants in supporting local communities and improving outdoor spaces. “The Recreation Passport helps fund maintenance and improvements at our state parks, and it also provides money we allocate as Recreation Passport grants for local projects across Michigan,” Bowen said in a recent press release.
The funds will support a range of projects aimed at enhancing public access to outdoor recreation, including:
- Big Traverse Bay Boating Access Site: Improvements to the access site in Schoolcraft Township, Houghton County.
- Tate Park River Raisin Pathway Loop: Development of the pathway loop in the village of Clinton, Lenawee County.
- Springfield Schools Memorial Park Playground: Renovation of the playground in Springfield, Calhoun County.
These projects are part of a broader initiative to enhance the state’s recreational infrastructure, improving access for Michigan residents and visitors alike.
In addition to the Recreation Passport grants, the DNR has recommended 15 communities for funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which provides resources for developing public outdoor recreation facilities. A total of $8 million has been proposed for distribution across the state. Notable LWCF grant recommendations include:
- Saginaw Township Playscape Park Renovations: $500,000 for the renovation of the playscape in Saginaw County.
- Kennedy Park Splash Pad: $500,000 for the installation of a splash pad in Eastpointe, Macomb County.
- Idema Explorers Trail Phase I: $750,000 for the first phase of the trail development in Ottawa County.
- North Marina Bathhouse at Lake St. Clair Metropark: $500,000 for upgrades to the bathhouse in Macomb County.
- Creasey Bicentennial Park Renovation: $500,000 for renovations to the park in Grand Blanc Township, Genesee County.
Other notable projects include the redevelopment of the Bartnik Boating Access Site in Monroe County, which will receive $2 million in funding, and improvements to Buhr Park’s outdoor ice arena in Ann Arbor, which will receive $500,000.
These grants are part of the DNR’s ongoing efforts to improve Michigan’s outdoor recreational offerings, from hiking and boating to playgrounds and sports facilities. The Recreation Passport and LWCF grants represent significant investments in the state’s parks and recreational infrastructure, benefiting local communities and fostering a greater appreciation for Michigan’s natural resources.
