Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Department of Natural Resources


Proposed State Park and Recreation Area Projects
J.W. Wells State Park, Menominee County
Otsego Lake State Park, Otsego County
Rifle River Recreation Area, Ogemaw County
Port Crescent State Park, Huron County
Muskegon State Park, Muskegon County
Brighton Recreation Area, Livingston County
Dodge #4 State Park, Oakland County

The Michigan DNR's plans include funding for state park and recreation area projects that offer unique and creative ways for addressing accessibility barriers and integrating the main concepts of the Access to Recreation Initiative into the Department's largest public grant opportunity, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF).

In order to identify the most qualified development projects in state park and recreation areas, a specific planning process was created and enacted that included outreach and education for DNR parks employees; site visits; and an evaluation of the proposed projects. Proposed recipients include five state parks and two recreation areas. Projects vary in scope and size, and include trail access, campground access, historical and natural resource interpretation, and themed playgrounds. One of the most innovative projects will be in Muskegon State Park, where upper luge access and year-round roller luge opportunities will be made available.

DNR will leverage the Access to Recreation funds available for these projects by using additional grant sources that are utilized for outdoor recreation and education, including the Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) Coastal Zone Management Grants, DNR Land & Water Conservation Fund Grants, DNR Recreation Improvement Fund, and Recreational Trails Program Grants.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Website