Nearly $12 million in federal dollars awarded



Share or view as webpage [ [link removed] ]  |  Update preferences [ [link removed] ]


DNR banner with link to website [ [link removed] ]
"DNR News"



Dec. 9, 2024

Contact: Christie Bayus <[email protected]>

*DNR announces support for park upgrades in 11 counties in Michigan*

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced today 13 community recreation facilities projects recommended for a combined $11.9 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants.

“This year, the Land and Water Conservation Fund is directing just under $12 million in federal funds through the state of Michigan to local park improvements, acquisitions and development,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “Pathways, boardwalks, playgrounds, pools and more will be improved with this year’s Land and Water Conservation Fund grants, providing a valuable injection of funds into local communities for important recreation-related projects.”

The projects recommended for funding are in Barry, Benzie, Berrien, Houghton, Kalamazoo, Kent, Macomb, Oakland, Oceana, Van Buren, and Wayne counties. That funding will support replacing dilapidated play structures, restroom buildings, developing multi-use sport courts, outdoor community pool and much more.

The 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund recommendations are:


* Village of Lawerence (Van Buren County) Lawrence Village Park Playground Improvements $301,200.
* City of Kalamazoo (Kalamazoo County) Milham Park Improvements $500,000.
* St. Joseph Charter Township (Berrien County) Eaton Park Restroom and Park Improvements $359,000.
* City of Farmington Hills (Oakland County) Heritage Park Playground and Parking $500,000.
* City of Ferndale (Oakland County) Martin Road Park Playground Replacement $150,000.
* City of East Grand Rapids (Kent County) Waterfront Park Improvement Project Phase 2 $500,000.
* Shelby Township (Oceana County) Shelby Community Pool $500,000.
* Village of Elberta (Benzie County) Terminus Park Acquisition $5,347,600.
* Macomb Township (Malcomb County) Lucido River Park Pathway and Boardwalk Project $500,000.
* White Lake Township (Oakland County) Stanley Park Improvements $500,000.
* City of Dearborn (Wayne County) Splash Pad at Camp Dearborn $500,000.
* DNR Parks and Recreation Division (Bay County) Bay City State Park Campground Utilities Upgrades $1,250,000.
* DNR Parks and Recreation Division (Houghton) Houghton Douglass Falls Phase 2 Development $1,000,000.

Projects were scored and selected from a field of 11 grant applications from local units of government and 2 applications from the DNR totaling $11,907,800. All eligible proposed projects received a site visit from DNR Grants Management staff, and all applications were evaluated, scored and ranked.

Check out an online list of the 2025 Rankings and Recommendations [ [link removed] ].

*Program background*

Funds are available to states through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program for land acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities.

The DNR uses Land and Water Conservation Fund 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.

Following federal appropriation, LWCF funds are apportioned to the states each fiscal year, and then, the state’s project recommendations are sent to the National Park Service for approval.

*Application information*

Eligible applicants include any unit of government, such as Native American tribes, school districts or any combination of units with the legal authority to provide recreation. Applicants can seek funding for a variety of projects, including development of and improvements to playgrounds, trails and walkways, skate parks, boat launches, picnic areas, sports fields and campgrounds, in addition to improved access for users of all abilities beyond Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

Application materials and information for LWCF grants will be available early in 2026 at Michigan.gov/LWCFGrants [ [link removed] ]. Applications for the 2026 funding cycle are due April 1.




The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR [ [link removed] ].

X icon circle [ [link removed] ]facebook icon circle [ [link removed] ]YouTube icon circle [ [link removed] ]instagram icon [ [link removed] ]pinterest icon circle [ [link removed] ]email icon circle [ [link removed] ]Bluesky icon [ [link removed] ]




If you wish to no longer receive emails from the DNR,
please update your preferences here:
Manage Preferences [ [link removed]? ]  |  Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]

Need further assistance?
Contact Us [ [link removed] ]  |  Provide Feedback <[email protected]>

Visit us on our website: Michigan.gov/DNR [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Natural Resources · Deborah A. Stabenow Building, 525 W. Allegan St., PO Box 30028 Lansing MI 48909 · 1-800-439-1420