Scouts prepare to host week-long leadership training

Scouts prepare to host week-long leadership training

by | Mar 30, 2022 | Scouting

Scouts prepare to host week-long leadership training

Written by Meredith Foss

Local scouts are hard at work preparing for National Youth Leadership Training, a training course for young leaders that will be held at D-Bar-A Scout Ranch in Metamora on July 10-15.

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an advanced 6-day leadership course that teaches scouts what it takes to be a leader, how leaders should react to challenges, and other essential knowledge leaders must know. As with many Scouting programs, the course is administered by experienced scouts serving as “youth staff.” 

“NYLT is leadership training for youth taught by youth,” Jennifer Sanker, vice president of operations for Michigan Scouting, said. “The course is structured like a Scout BSA unit. As both girls and boys will participate, the structure resembles the concept of a linked troop between a male and female troop.”  

The program is open to scouts who have completed eighth grade, earned their First-Class rank, and been approved by their scoutmaster to attend. 

NYLT was built on the platform of Junior Leader Training: a continuation of the basic BSA leadership training. In the early 2000s a large group of scouts and leadership experts created a new and more demanding course which would become NYLT. They made sure that this new corse included the most recent leadership ideas with vital and meaningful training for the modern scout. 

When scouts first arrive at NYLT, they are immediately grouped into patrols. Throughout the week, these patrols will take on many challenges and must work as a team to solve them. Each patrol’s goal is to find the true meaning of leadership. 

“I think one of my favorite parts of NYLT was when I was a participant,” Teodoro Gammons, a youth staff member, said. “I was put into a group of other scouts that I had never met before. It put me outside of my comfort zone. But, with the training provided through the week, you bond with the group. It was an amazing experience.” 

Every day of NYLT introduces scouts to a new interconnecting concept or lesson. Scouts are taught through a wide array of hands-on presentations, games, quests and discussions. Each adventure that participants undertake during NYLT is as a patrol, teaching the scouts that as a group they can be much stronger. According to Sanker, each patrol has a troop guide to help them acclimate to the course and stay with them until the patrol begins performing as a team.

Many past staff members have described their experience as “exciting and eye-opening,” as they were able to see scouts’ skill levels increase throughout the week. 

Those interested in learning more about National Youth Leadership Training or Scouting in general should visit michiganscouting.org or call the local district office at (947) 886-5736.

 

DNR News: Largest Infrastructure Investments

DNR News: Largest Infrastructure Investments

by | Mar 30, 2022 | Recreation

Michigan DNR banner

– DNR News –
The following news release was issued earlier this morning by the Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

March 30, 2022
Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Signs Building Michigan Together Plan, Includes Largest Infrastructure Investments in State History

Historic, bipartisan plan invests in roads, water, high-speed internet, and makes single largest investment in state and local parks

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed the Building Michigan Together Plan, a bipartisan plan to invest nearly $5 billion in Michigan’s infrastructure, grow the economy, create jobs, and benefit families in every region of the state. The historic plan will improve transportation, water, and high-speed internet infrastructure in every region of the state, building on progress achieved since Governor Whitmer took office by initiating dozens projects and supporting tens of thousands of jobs across Michigan.

“The bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan includes some of the largest investments in our infrastructure in Michigan history. With this plan, we’re building on our work to improve our roads, water, and high-speed internet. I’m particularly proud of the fact that this plan makes the single largest investment in Michigan history in our state and local parks, empowering hundreds of local economies,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am grateful to our congressional delegation for sending us these resources and proud that the Michigan Legislature and I were able to come together to get this done and ensure our infrastructure is reliable for generations to come.

In Grand Rapids, Governor Whitmer gathered with local and state officials, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and community members in downtown Grand Rapids to celebrate the plan’s record investment in Michigan’s local parks and recreation facilities.

More details about the Building Michigan Together Plan can be found on Michigan.gov.

“The plan’s investment in parks will benefit thousands of local parks and drive progress on ambitious and creative projects in three uniquely Michigan settings, including the Grand River Greenway in Grand Rapids,” Whitmer continued. “Together, we can take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in the outdoor places at the heart of many Michigan cities and towns that encourage play, connect neighbors, and anchor communities.”

“Over the past year, the Michigan Democratic delegation has delivered for our state—passing bills that protect people from COVID-19 and rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure. Now, we are partnering with Governor Whitmer to use this funding and make meaningful investments for Michigan residents,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow. “This means fixing our roads, replacing lead pipes, and finally tackling our spotty internet service. The best part is we can do all of this all while creating good paying jobs. Bottom line: it’s a win for Michigan.”

“The United States currently ranks 13th in the world in terms of our infrastructure – which is simply unacceptable. We can and must do more to strengthen and prepare our infrastructure for the 21st century,” said Senator Gary Peters. “I was proud to help pass the historic bipartisan infrastructure law that will repair our roads and bridges, expand high-speed internet, and replace aging water infrastructure to ensure access to clean drinking water. I applaud Governor Whitmer for her leadership in helping ensure the federal resources from the bipartisan infrastructure law will bolster Michigan’s economy and create good-paying jobs.”

“Fixing the damn roads isn’t just a catch phrase for Governor Whitmer, and she’s proved that today by signing the ‘Building Michigan Together Plan’ into law,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “This bipartisan plan will take once-in-a-generation federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and invest it in rebuilding our infrastructure, growing our economy, and creating good-paying jobs in Michigan’s 12th district and across our great state. Michigan is setting an example to the nation that when we work together we can solve real problems hardworking Americans face, and I look forward to seeing the results of this transformative investment.”

“I am working hard to lower costs for Michiganders. I am proud to have delivered funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring billions of dollars to the state of Michigan to repair our roads and bridges, invest in the Great Lakes and expand broadband internet access,” said Congressman Dan Kildee. “This will improve our supply chains and lower costs for Michiganders. I also applaud Governor Whitmer for creating the first state park in Genesee County in Flint with this funding to help increase access to public spaces for people in urban area,” said Congressman Dan Kildee. “I will continue to work with the Governor to ensure that federal funds are used to improve the lives of Michiganders.”

“For too long, Michigan workers have been left behind and our families have suffered the disastrous consequences of a shrinking middle class, unsafe drinking water and the climate crisis. The Building Michigan Together Plan signed today by Governor Whitmer will improve our Michigan economy drastically, modernize our infrastructure and create good-paying, union jobs that cannot be outsourced,” said Congressman Andy Levin. “I am proud to have voted for President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that are making these investments for Michiganders possible. Let’s go!”

“Michiganders in the 13th Congressional District and across the state will benefit greatly from the Building Michigan Together Plan,” said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. “I am proud that Governor Whitmer and our state leaders came together to pass a plan to deliver billions in federal stimulus dollars, including those from the American Rescue Plan Act to our residents and communities. I look forward to continuing to ensure that both our federal and state governments work together to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

“Governor Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan will be transformational for Michiganders and all our communities. For far too long, we’ve heard a lot of talk about fixing our infrastructure. It’s exactly why I was fighting so hard in Congress to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence. “Now, federal funding and resources are coming to Michigan so that we can replace lead pipes, fix our roads and bridges, and invest in our state’s future. Today, we are delivering the package for Michiganders.”

“This is an exciting day for our community. For years we have envisioned the expansion of our riverfront park system and linking all of our riverfront green spaces together with a recreational trail that also connects regionally. This substantial investment from the state will allow us to do just that,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “It will transform public spaces throughout our community, which will have far reaching social, recreational and economic benefits for generations to come. I am extremely grateful for Gov. Whitmer, Rep. Albert, Sen. Huizenga, Sen. Brinks and all of our state partners for their investment in this transformative project.”

“People’s need for nearby, welcoming outdoor places where they could safely spread out and stretch out during the COVID pandemic shined a very bright light on the tremendous value of parks, trails and green spaces everywhere in Michigan,” said Ron Olson, Chief of the Department Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division. “Unfortunately, the ability to invest in these recreation resources hasn’t always kept up with the demand and essential infrastructure needs and today’s record investment will help close that gap.”

Building Michigan Together Plan

The bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan includes some of the largest infrastructure investments in Michigan history. The plan will protect clean drinking water, begin dozens of new road and bridge projects, build more affordable housing, expand high-speed internet, improve state and local parks, and support tens of thousands of jobs. More details can be found on Michigan.gov.

Grand River Greenway

The Grand River Greenway is a great illustration of the types of projects to be supported by the Building Michigan Together Plan’s record investment. Once complete, it will connect tens of thousands of residents to the Grand River and the area’s regional recreation system, which is built around the principle that a connected city and region – with more access to parks, housing, businesses and each other – is a thriving place.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. will work with local partners to guide investment of the funds and help achieve two critical community goals:

  • Rehabilitating and expanding the public park system along the riverfront in the urban core.
  • Building nonmotorized public trail segments that better connect people to riverfront parks and the regional trail system.

Biggest Local Parks Investment Ever

The Building Michigan Together Plan’s will invest in several notable local parks project across Michigan, including:

  • Grand Rapids: $55 million to expand the Grand River Greenway into Kent County and Grand Rapids, a project that will revitalize the downtown area with 26 acres of new and rehabbed urban park space, increased public access to the Grand River and development of 28 miles of interconnected community trails.
  • Detroit: $60 million to develop the Joe Louis Greenway, a nearly 30-mile, interconnected biking and walking trail system – extending from the Detroit Riverfront to Highland Park, Dearborn and Hamtramck – that will help revitalize and green Michigan’s largest urban center.
  • Upper Peninsula: $20 million to fund development of a variety of rural outdoor recreation projects, including a new ski jump at Copper Peak, in the U.P.

In addition to these banner projects, the plan will invest $65 million, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in grants to local community parks for infrastructure needs. The program will help support the 4,000+ local parks and trails across Michigan. The grant program for local park facilities will be especially meaningful to the more than 3,000 members of mPARKS, the statewide recreation and park advocacy association that strongly supported passage of the funding bill.

Economic Benefits of Parks

Parks and recreation facilities are a big part of Michigan’s economy, generating value for surrounding communities, creating jobs and helping sustain small businesses. Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry supports billions in state Gross Domestic Product and sustains 126,000 jobs and over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries in the state.

On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit, meaning the Building Michigan Together Plan’s $200 million will yield $800 million in economic benefits for families, small businesses, and local communities.
We recently launched a new website, and we’d love to hear what you think via this brief survey. Thanks for helping us improve our site for all users!
Hazardous Waste Collection Dates and Poster Contest Winners

Hazardous Waste Collection Dates and Poster Contest Winners

by | Mar 30, 2022 | Regional News

Oakland County Announces Household Hazardous Waste Collection Dates and Poster Contest Winners

  • NoHaz is hosting four household hazardous waste events, April through September.
  • Residents have dropped off more than eight million pounds – the equivalent of about 286 large dump trucks – of household hazardous waste since 2003.
  • Three elementary students from the Brandon, Clarkston, and Waterford areas are the 2022 poster contest winners.

Pontiac, Michigan – NoHaz, Oakland County’s consortium of 17 communities that provide residents with a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible way to dispose of household hazardous waste, has scheduled four collection events from April through September. The dates will give Oakland County residents convenient opportunities to dispose of everything from outdated computers to pesticides.

All 2022 NoHaz collection events run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays:

  • April 30, Oakland County Service Center Campus, 1200 North Telegraph Rd., Pontiac
  • June 4, Oxford Middle School, 1420 Lakeville Rd., Oxford
  • July 23, Kensington Church, 4640 South Lapeer Rd., Orion Township
  • September 24, Oakland County Service Center Campus, 1200 North Telegraph Rd., Pontiac

NoHaz is comprised of the following communities: Addison, Brandon, Groveland, Independence, Oakland, Orion, Oxford, Springfield, Rose, and Waterford townships; the village of Oxford, and the cities of Lake Angelus, Lake Orion, Leonard, Ortonville, Pontiac, and Rochester.

Residents of the 17 NoHaz communities may dispose of their household hazardous waste free of charge, or for a nominal $10 or $15 fee, depending on the community. Oakland County residents who do not reside in a NoHaz community may dispose of approved materials at any collection event for a $75 fee. They may also contact their city, village or township for information on other waste-disposal programs.

“In the past 19 years, thousands of Oakland County residents have embraced the NoHaz program to responsibly dispose of hazardous household waste,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “I encourage our residents to take advantage of these great opportunities to properly dispose of potentially harmful waste.”

NoHaz also sponsors a poster contest to educate and engage fourth- and fifth-grade students about the importance of recycling and proper disposal of household hazardous waste.

The 2022 poster contest winners are:

  • First place – Adelaide, whose last name her parents asked not to share, fifth grade, Bailey Lake Elementary School, Clarkston Community Schools
  • Second place – Raegan McGowan, fourth grade, Our Lady of the Lakes School, Waterford Township
  • Third place – Layla Hall, fourth grade, Harvey Swanson Elementary School, Brandon School District

The winners each receive a certificate and gift card, and their artwork will be featured on the 2022 NoHaz posters. Their teachers will receive a gift card for classroom supplies.

Last year, more than 4,400 residents loaded up their vehicles, drove to collection events and dropped off more than 650,000 pounds of household hazardous waste.

For more information on NoHaz and disposing of household hazardous waste responsibly, click here.

The NoHaz Consortium is a group of communities that provide residents a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible way to dispose of household hazardous waste. The program is only for residential use. No business, institution, or contractor waste is accepted. Collection events are coordinated and administered by the Planning Division of the Oakland County Department of Economic Development. The Planning Division makes arrangements for the safe and responsible disposal of the materials received.

2022-NoHazPosters-v4.pdf

2022-FirstPlace.jpg

2022-SecondPlace.jpg

2022-ThirdPlace.jpg

MDHHS committee to seek advice on Health Disparities

MDHHS committee to seek advice on Health Disparities

by | Mar 30, 2022 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2022

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

MDHHS forms advisory committees to seek advice on Health
Disparities in Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services

LANSING, Mich, – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking advice on ways to improve health equity in home and community-based services.

The department is forming advisory committees with dollars from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

“MDHHS wants to hear from stakeholders as the department works to continue to improve healthy equity,” said Kate Massey. “Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just chance to be healthy. That happens when every person can attain their full health potential. This means that who you are or where you live will not stop you from being healthy. Health inequities can make it harder to find health care, shorten a life, lower quality of life, and contribute to higher rates of disease, disability and death.”

These committees will examine what causes health inequities for people who need services and will suggest changes so it is easier for everyone to get those needed services.

Advisory committees will provide a way for people to share ideas on health equity in the following MDHHS Medicaid programs – Home Help, MI Choice, Home Health, MI Health Link and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly programs. People receiving services from these programs are invited to apply, along with family members, guardians, advocates and community partners who are familiar with the programs.

There will be a statewide advisory committee as well as separate county-specific committees for people who work or live in the counties of Chippewa, Grand Traverse, Kalamazoo and Wayne. The goal is to increase the use of home and community-based services by removing barriers to equitable access.

The Statewide Health Equity Advisory Committee will:

  • Review county data to learn how the findings affect statewide access.
  • Look for gaps in data.
  • Decide if the project should include more counties.
  • Propose a statewide plan to address health inequities.
  • Make suggestions to the county advisory teams.
  • Review MDHHS messages about home and community-based services.

County Health Equity Advisory Committees will:

  • Review county data to learn how the findings affect access.
  • Look for gaps in data.
  • Review messages and surveys to send to people to get more data.
  • Identify how MDHHS can get information about the public’s knowledge of services.
  • Identify how to get information about the public’s experiences with services.
  • Identify people who can help gather data on health equity.
  • Make suggestions on county-level ideas to improve heath equity.

MDHHS would like the advisory committees to include a diverse group with people who receive services and others who are familiar with the home and community-based services. Those who want to be considered for the Statewide or County Health Equity Advisory Committees can submit an application via email to MDHHS-HASA-HCBSHealthEquity@michigan.gov or by completing an online application.

Applications must be received by April 30. Questions about applications or the Health Equity Advisory Committees can be emailed to MDHHS-HASA-HCBSHealthEquity@michigan.gov.
Whitmer Signs Building Michigan Together Plan

Whitmer Signs Building Michigan Together Plan

by | Mar 30, 2022 | Regional News

Gov. Whitmer Press Release Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 30, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Building Michigan Together Plan, Includes Largest Infrastructure Investments in State History

Historic, bipartisan plan invests in roads, water, high-speed internet, and makes single largest investment in state and local parks

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed the Building Michigan Together Plan, a bipartisan plan to invest nearly $5 billion in Michigan’s infrastructure, grow the economy, create jobs, and benefit families in every region of the state. The historic plan will improve transportation, water, and high-speed internet infrastructure in every region of the state, building on progress achieved since Governor Whitmer took office by initiating dozens projects and supporting tens of thousands of jobs across Michigan.

 

“The bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan includes some of the largest investments in our infrastructure in Michigan history. With this plan, we’re building on our work to improve our roads, water, and high-speed internet. I’m particularly proud of the fact that this plan makes the single largest investment in Michigan history in our state and local parks, empowering hundreds of local economies,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am grateful to our congressional delegation for sending us these resources and proud that the Michigan Legislature and I were able to come together to get this done and ensure our infrastructure is reliable for generations to come.

 

In Grand Rapids, Governor Whitmer gathered with local and state officials, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and community members in downtown Grand Rapids to celebrate the plan’s record investment in Michigan’s local parks and recreation facilities.

 

More details about the Building Michigan Together Plan can be found on Michigan.gov.

 

“The plan’s investment in parks will benefit thousands of local parks and drive progress on ambitious and creative projects in three uniquely Michigan settings, including the Grand River Greenway in Grand Rapids,” Whitmer continued. “Together, we can take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in the outdoor places at the heart of many Michigan cities and towns that encourage play, connect neighbors, and anchor communities.”

 

“Over the past year, the Michigan Democratic delegation has delivered for our state—passing bills that protect people from COVID-19 and rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure. Now, we are partnering with Governor Whitmer to use this funding and make meaningful investments for Michigan residents,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow. “This means fixing our roads, replacing lead pipes, and finally tackling our spotty internet service. The best part is we can do all of this all while creating good paying jobs. Bottom line: it’s a win for Michigan”

 

“The United States currently ranks 13th in the world in terms of our infrastructure – which is simply unacceptable. We can and must do more to strengthen and prepare our infrastructure for the 21st century,” said Senator Gary Peters. “I was proud to help pass the historic bipartisan infrastructure law that will repair our roads and bridges, expand high-speed internet, and replace aging water infrastructure to ensure access to clean drinking water. I applaud Governor Whitmer for her leadership in helping ensure the federal resources from the bipartisan infrastructure law will bolster Michigan’s economy and create good-paying jobs.”

 

“Fixing the damn roads isn’t just a catch phrase for Governor Whitmer, and she’s proved that today by signing the ‘Building Michigan Together Plan’ into law,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “This bipartisan plan will take once-in-a-generation federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and invest it in rebuilding our infrastructure, growing our economy, and creating good-paying jobs in Michigan’s 12th district and across our great state. Michigan is setting an example to the nation that when we work together we can solve real problems hardworking Americans face, and I look forward to seeing the results of this transformative investment.”

 

“I am working hard to lower costs for Michiganders. I am proud to have delivered funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring billions of dollars to the state of Michigan to repair our roads and bridges, invest in the Great Lakes and expand broadband internet access,” said Congressman Dan Kildee. “This will improve our supply chains and lower costs for Michiganders. I also applaud Governor Whitmer for creating the first state park in Genesee County in Flint with this funding to help increase access to public spaces for people in urban area,” said Congressman Dan Kildee. “I will continue to work with the Governor to ensure that federal funds are used to improve the lives of Michiganders.”

 

“For too long, Michigan workers have been left behind and our families have suffered the disastrous consequences of a shrinking middle class, unsafe drinking water and the climate crisis. The Building Michigan Together Plan signed today by Governor Whitmer will improve our Michigan economy drastically, modernize our infrastructure and create good-paying, union jobs that cannot be outsourced,” said Congressman Andy Levin. “I am proud to have voted for President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that are making these investments for Michiganders possible. Let’s go!”

 

“Michiganders in the 13th Congressional District and across the state will benefit greatly from the Building Michigan Together Plan,” said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. “I am proud that Governor Whitmer and our state leaders came together to pass a plan to deliver billions in federal stimulus dollars, including those from the American Rescue Plan Act to our residents and communities. I look forward to continuing to ensure that both our federal and state governments work together to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

 

“Governor Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan will be transformational for Michiganders and all our communities. For far too long, we’ve heard a lot of talk about fixing our infrastructure. It’s exactly why I was fighting so hard in Congress to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence. “Now, federal funding and resources are coming to Michigan so that we can replace lead pipes, fix our roads and bridges, and invest in our state’s future. Today, we are delivering the package for Michiganders.”

 

“This is an exciting day for our community. For years we have envisioned the expansion of our riverfront park system and linking all of our riverfront green spaces together with a recreational trail that also connects regionally. This substantial investment from the state will allow us to do just that,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “It will transform public spaces throughout our community, which will have far reaching social, recreational and economic benefits for generations to come. I am extremely grateful for Gov. Whitmer, Rep. Albert, Sen. Huizenga, Sen. Brinks and all of our state partners for their investment in this transformative project.”

 

“People’s need for nearby, welcoming outdoor places where they could safely spread out and stretch out during the COVID pandemic shined a very bright light on the tremendous value of parks, trails and green spaces everywhere in Michigan,” said Ron Olson, Chief of the Department Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division. “Unfortunately, the ability to invest in these recreation resources hasn’t always kept up with the demand and essential infrastructure needs and today’s record investment will help close that gap.”

 

Building Michigan Together Plan

The bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan includes some of the largest infrastructure investments in Michigan history. The plan will protect clean drinking water, begin dozens of new road and bridge projects, build more affordable housing, expand high-speed internet, improve state and local parks, and support tens of thousands of jobs. More details can be found on Michigan.gov.

 

Grand River Greenway

The Grand River Greenway is a great illustration of the types of projects to be supported by the Building Michigan Together Plan’s record investment. Once complete, it will connect tens of thousands of residents to the Grand River and the area’s regional recreation system, which is built around the principle that a connected city and region – with more access to parks, housing, businesses and each other – is a thriving place.

 

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. will work with local partners to guide investment of the funds and help achieve two critical community goals:

  • Rehabilitating and expanding the public park system along the riverfront in the urban core.
  • Building nonmotorized public trail segments that better connect people to riverfront parks and the regional trail system.

 

Biggest Local Parks Investment Ever

The Building Michigan Together Plan’s will invest in several notable local parks project across Michigan, including:

  • Grand Rapids: $55 million to expand the Grand River Greenway into Kent County and Grand Rapids, a project that will revitalize the downtown area with 26 acres of new and rehabbed urban park space, increased public access to the Grand River and development of 28 miles of interconnected community trails.
  • Detroit: $60 million to develop the Joe Louis Greenway, a nearly 30-mile, interconnected biking and walking trail system – extending from the Detroit Riverfront to Highland Park, Dearborn and Hamtramck – that will help revitalize and green Michigan’s largest urban center.
  • Upper Peninsula: $20 million to fund development of a variety of rural outdoor recreation projects, including a new ski jump at Copper Peak, in the U.P.

 

In addition to these banner projects, the plan will invest $65 million, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in grants to local community parks for infrastructure needs. The program will help support the 4,000+ local parks and trails across Michigan. The grant program for local park facilities will be especially meaningful to the more than 3,000 members of mPARKS, the statewide recreation and park advocacy association that strongly supported passage of the funding bill.

 

Economic Benefits of Parks

Parks and recreation facilities are a big part of Michigan’s economy, generating value for surrounding communities, creating jobs and helping sustain small businesses. Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry supports billions in state Gross Domestic Product and sustains 126,000 jobs and over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries in the state.

 

On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit, meaning the Building Michigan Together Plan’s $200 million will yield $800 million in economic benefits for families, small businesses, and local communities.