The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that 19 communities across the state will share $735,100 in Recreation Passport grants. Money for this fund is derived from the sale of the Recreation Passport, which replaced the resident motor vehicle permit (MVP) – or window sticker – for state park entrance in 2010.

Grants have been awarded to Rollin Township (Lenawee County), Bay de Noc Township (Delta County), city of Cadillac (Wexford County), Maple Ridge Township (Delta County), Charlevoix Township (Charlevoix County), city of Munising (Alger County), city of Portage (Kalamazoo County), Garden Township (Delta County), Marquette County, Tilden Township (Marquette County), Wheatland Township (Hillsdale County), Jackson County, Oakland County, Sherman Township (Iosco County), village of Lake Linden (Houghton County), city of Westland (Wayne County), Genesee County, city of Rochester Hills (Oakland County) and Emmet County.

The full list of award recipients, grant amounts and description of their projects are available at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants by clicking on Recreation Passport Grants.

The cities, counties and townships selected to receive a Recreation Passport grant clearly demonstrated projects that are designed to provide better public outdoor recreation opportunities or facilities, infrastructure and economic development plans that support public outdoor recreation activity. The successful entries were chosen from a field of 82 grant applications seeking some $2.9 million in funding.

While slightly fewer projects were funded this year, each project received more money, ranging from $20,200 to $45,000. The grant applicants sought funding for a broad range of public recreation projects, including playground development and renovations, picnic areas and pavilions, replacement of bathroom facilities, and improved access for those with disabilities. The DNR expects that, in future years, the maximum grant amount will increase as revenue from sales of the Recreation Passport also increases.

“The projects that were funded this year further strengthen partnerships at the state and local level,” said DNR Director Keith Creagh. “These partnerships are critical to providing recreational opportunities where we live, work and play.”

Application materials for future Recreation Passport grants are available at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants. Interested individuals also may call DNR Grants Management at 517-373-9125 or write to Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Grants Management, P.O. Box 30425, Lansing, MI 48909-7925.

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $10* Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. *Starting Jan. 2, 2013, the purchase price of the Recreation Passport is $11 for Michigan residents.

Image courtesy Michigan DNR