Seven U.P. communities receive DNR Recreation Passport grants

Courtesy: Michigan DNR

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced that 21 communities across the state will share $877,500 in Recreation Passport grants.  This funding is derived from the sale of the Recreation Passport, which is needed for vehicle entry at Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

This year, Recreation Passport grants have been awarded to:

  • Calumet Charter Township (Houghton County) — hockey boards and glass replacement ($45,000)
  • City of Charlevoix (Charlevoix County)
  • City of Grand Rapids (Kent County)
  • City of Harrison (Clare County)
  • City of Kingsford (Dickinson County)  — Lodal Park tennis court reconstruction ($45,000)
  • City of Marquette (Marquette County)  — Tourist Park universal design shower house additions ($45,000)
  • City of Norway (Dickinson County)  — Marion Park tennis court improvements ($45,000)
  • City of Port Huron (St. Clair County)
  • City of Southfield (Oakland County)
  • City of Wayland (Allegan County)
  • Frederic Township (Crawford County)
  • Helena Township (Antrim County)
  • Ingham County (Ingham County)
  • Lyon Township (Roscommon County)
  • Nadeau Township (Menominee County)  — Gerald Benson Recreation Trail ($45,000)
  • Oscoda Charter Township (Iosco County)
  • Village of Almont (Lapeer County)
  • Village of Garden (Delta County)  — Garden Village Park restrooms ($13,500)
  • Village of Roscommon (Roscommon County)
  • Village of Rothbury (Oceana County)
  • Waucedah Township (Dickinson County)  — Waucedah Township Recreation Complex improvements ($45,000)

The full list of grant recipients, grant amounts and project descriptions is available on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants (click on Recreation Passport Grants).

Successful applicants clearly demonstrated projects designed to increase public access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities. The selected projects were chosen from a field of 60 grant applications seeking some $2.3 million in funding.

“This funding to local units of government represents real-world community and economic benefits emerging out of the Recreation Passport program,” said Steve DeBrabander, grants manager for the DNR.

“Recreation Passport purchases were up 2.1 percent statewide this year, an increase that in turn made more dollars available to local communities,” DeBrabander added. “Better, broader access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities has a direct, positive impact on quality of life for residents and visitors, and that’s good news for local economies.”

Applicants sought funding for a broad range of public outdoor recreation projects, including playground development and renovations; trail and walkway development; park and picnic area improvements; and improved access for those with disabilities.

Application materials for future Recreation Passport grants will soon be available at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants. Interested individuals also may call DNR Grants Management at 517-284-7268 or write to:

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Grants Management
P.O. Box 30425
Lansing, MI 48909-7925