The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced that 14 communities across the state will share $1,896,700 in grants for local park and trail improvement projects.
The funding comes from the DNR’s Recreation Passport grant program, which started in 2010, to bolster funding and the number of visitors to Michigan state parks.
The Recreation Passport is a $14 annual pass that gives people access to 103 state parks, 140 state forest campgrounds, historic sites, boating sites and trails, according to the DNR.
Ten percent of the sales of the passes go to these Recreation Passport grants to distribute to communities.
The other revenue from the passport sales goes to infrastructure and operations costs for state parks.
The following projects were recommended for funding from this year’s Recreation Passport grant:
- Village of Decatur, Van Buren County, Fireman’s Park Improvement Project ($150,000)
- Oscoda County, Oscoda County Park Playground ($99,500)
- City of Niles, Berrien County, IN MI River Valley Trail Improvements ($112,500)
- City of Springfield, Calhoun County, Springfield Schools Memorial Park Playground Improvements ($150,000)
- Salem Township, Allegan County, Salem Township Pickleball Courts ($150,000)
- New Buffalo Area Recreation Authority, Berrien County, Oselka Park Softball Field Dugout and Bleacher Improvements ($150,000)
- City of Algonac, St. Clair County, Lions Field Park Pathway ($150,000)
- City of Wakefield, Gogebic County, Pupper Peninsula Dog Park at Eddy Park ($102,700)
- Columbia Charter Township, Jackson County, Hyde Road Park Parking Lot Improvements ($119,500)
- Schoolcraft Township, Houghton County, Big Traverse Bay Boat Launch Improvement Project ($112,500)
- Homestead Township, Benzie County, Platte River Park Pavilion and Picnicking Amenities ($150,000)
- Village of Clinton, Lenawee County, Tate Park River Raisin Pathway Loop ($150,000)
- Village of Rothbury, Oceana County, Czarny Park Renovation ($150,000)
- City of Lapeer, Lapeer County, Kiwanis Club of Lapeer Inclusive Playground ($150,000)
Visit the DNR’s website for more information about next year’s grant application period.
