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two men and a woman wearing shorts, T-shirts and bike helmets ride their bicycles on a paved trail, which is surrounded by lush, green trees
Dec. 9, 2022
Contact: Christie Bayus (DNR Grants), [email protected]

Parks and trails in 13 counties to share $1.9 million in Recreation Passport grant funding

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced nearly $2 million in Recreation Passport grants will be awarded to 14 communities for public recreation enhancement projects in 13 counties: Allegan, Alpena, Baraga, Benzie, Berrien, Delta, Eaton, Gladwin, Kent, Newaygo, Sanilac, St. Clair and Wayne.

“Recreation Passports help more Michiganders explore Pure Michigan and secure critical resources to improve state, local, and community parks,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Michigan has always been a four-season recreation destination, and the enhancements made possible through Recreation Passport grants help ensure residents and visitors of all abilities can enjoy a rich variety of activities and experiences every day of the year.”

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The funding will support the addition of beach volleyball courts at a park in Alpena County, a splashpad in Kent County, a new park welcome center in Newaygo County and park development in Berrien and Delta counties, and much more.

Since the introduction of the Recreation Passport in 2010, support for it has steadily grown. The Recreation Passport grant program – which has awarded just over $16.5 million statewide since its inception – is funded from 10% of Recreation Passport revenues, with the remaining funding supporting state parks operation and maintenance, capital improvements, cultural and historic resources in state parks, forest recreation, and marketing and promotion.