Gov. Whitmer announces funding for park upgrades in nine Michigan counties

Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced $6,461,500 in recommended Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to support upgrades in eight community parks, trails and sports facilities, as well as one land acquisition – funding that will help create more opportunities for area residents and visitors to connect with the outdoors.

"Today, we’re investing in parks, trails and outdoor recreation facilities in nine counties across Michigan,” said Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have made the largest-ever investments in Michigan’s state and local parks, powered by funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. By investing in Pure Michigan, we support local economies, our fast-growing outdoor recreation industry, and improve quality of life for Michiganders.

"Today’s upgrades will increase access to rivers and nature parks, create outdoor courts and fields, and renovate parks that people of all abilities can use and enjoy every day. Let’s keep working together to make Michigan a better state to live, work and play.”

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The projects recommended for funding are in Berrien, Clinton, Keweenaw, Macomb, Muskegon, Oakland, Ottawa, Roscommon and St. Clair counties. That funding will support pickleball courts, sport playfield improvements, campground development, trail and park renovations and improvements, and acquisition of approximately 8,000 acres in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

The DNR uses LWCF dollars to help develop public outdoor recreation facilities to give people better, broader access to quality public outdoor recreation opportunities. The program supports Native American tribes, villages, cities, townships and counties and divisions within the DNR in their efforts to give people better, broader access to quality public outdoor recreation opportunities.