The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has taken a significant step in promoting public health and recreation opportunities in the state by awarding 21 communities with a total of $14.2 million in grants.
These funds come from the Michigan Spark Grants, a program established to support communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of economic and health challenges.
The grants aim to provide safe and accessible public recreation facilities, introduce new recreational experiences, upgrade existing park infrastructure, and encourage people to enjoy the great outdoors.
The DNR received 462 applications requesting over $280 million, but only 21 communities were selected in the first round of awards. These communities, including several in mid-Michigan, will use the funds to renovate or create new public recreation spaces that will benefit residents and visitors alike.
One of the mid-Michigan communities, Auburn, will receive $312,400 to fund the Auburn Park Fit & Fun Project.
Flint will receive a grant of $1,000,000 to create the St. John Street Neighborhood Memorial Park and Flint River Trail, while Grand Blanc will receive $379,400 to build the Physicians Park Playground with the “Run for the Playground!” initiative.
The Linear Park Pathway Rehab in Rowden Park in Lapeer will be renovated with a grant of $767,600, and the Sebewaing Main Park Playground Renovation in Sebewaing will receive $1,000,000.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated that every Michigander deserves access to the great outdoors and the opportunity to connect with nature, exercise, and spend time with loved ones.
These Spark Grants will help make that vision a reality, supporting a range of public recreation projects across the state. The DNR expects to award approximately $50 million in additional Michigan Spark Grants later this year, furthering its commitment to improving the state’s public health and recreation opportunities.
Michigan DNR’s award of $14.2 million in Spark Grants to 21 communities is a step in the right direction toward promoting public health and recreation opportunities in the state. The grants will fund the renovation, redevelopment, and creation of public recreation spaces, providing safe, accessible, and enjoyable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
