The Access to Recreation initiative has expanded to four states and includes more than 36 accessible recreation projects. This W.K. Kellogg Foundation video, produced in 2006, provides an introduction of the initiative as it began in Michigan.

Intro to the Access to Recreation initiative:

Universal Recreation Headline Here.
Welcome; News

Recreation Opportunities for People of All Ages and All Abilities


Mission: To be a catalyst for change, enabling communities to create greater access and inclusiveness in recreation facilities, programs, and services for people of all ages and all abilities.

Launched in 2006, Access to Recreation is a three-year initiative that will support community foundations, parks and recreation providers, advocacy groups, and individuals as they work to provide greater access to a wide variety of recreation opportunities.

Access to Recreation is made possible through a W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant of $15 million to Midwest Community Foundations' Ventures. The majority of funding has been re-granted to community foundations in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois to use for recreation projects that incorporate universal design principles resulting in greater accessibility. The grant also includes funds to be re-granted to the Michigan Recreation and Park Association Foundation and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to be used for recreation projects and to provide ongoing training and learning opportunities for recreation practitioners.

In total, there are now more than 40 major recreation projects being built in a four-state region. These projects extend from the Ohio River near the Kentucky border to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and from Pickaway, Ohio, to Springfield, Illinois. Projects include playgrounds and spray parks, scenic trails for walking and biking, kayak and canoe launches, and much more.