On Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation to provide more quality outdoor recreation opportunities by authorizing $45.6 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants, as per a release.
“Outdoor recreation in Pure Michigan is essential to the high quality of life Michiganders and visitors enjoy in our beautiful state,” said Gov. Whitmer.
“These Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants support so many of the world-class outdoor opportunities we have in Michigan, including fishing, hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying an accessible playground. In communities across the state, the grant program makes much of this possible with critical investments so people of all abilities can get outdoors. Let’s keep working together to invest in our parks, recreation, and public lands so future generations can enjoy everything that Pure Michigan has to offer.”
Over $500,000 will help provide public access to local parks.
Alpena planners will be given $300,000 to develop restroom facilities at Bay View Park to support events at the band shell, playground, tennis and basketball courts, and downtown and marina traffic.
A total of $185,000 earmarked for the Lakeside Park pavilion and playground in Roger City will go toward modern restrooms and play equipment.
A Harrisville State Park footbridge will be replaced using a $50,000 allocation and will give pedestrians safe access from the park’s campground to the day-use beach area.
This story originally appeared on The Alpena News.
Guess what? The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is funneling funds into improving parks for people with disabilities. Governor Whitmer’s focus on preserving habitats is awesome! It’s great to see efforts to make outdoor spaces more inclusive and eco-friendly. What are your thoughts on this exciting initiative?