The end of 2024 brought exciting news for outdoor enthusiasts in Southeast Michigan! At their December meeting, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board (MNRTF) recommended $8.9 million to support 12 park acquisition and development projects across the region. This represents 21% of the total funds that were awarded statewide, and a notable increase from our region’s share of these funds in recent years, which have typically fallen between 10 and 15%.
MNRTF recognition plaque in Dearborn
SEMCOG’s Executive Director, Amy O’Leary, testified at the MNRTF Board meeting where those awards were decided, advocating on behalf of the proposals from our region’s communities. “Your support for these projects will help us advance several regional priorities for conservation, accessibility, and quality of life,” O’Leary said. “Through ongoing engagement with SEMCOG’s local government members, including our Justice40 Communities Task Force and GREEN Implementation Team, we know there is a tremendous need to improve our park amenities and accessibility, to revive and conserve underutilized spaces, and invest in our underserved communities.”
In addition, DNR recommended $4.25 million to seven projects through both the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Recreation Passport Grant Program. This represents 43% of the total funds awarded through these statewide programs, which is also a significantly greater share than Southeast Michigan has typically seen.
Together, these grants will invest $13.2 million in 19 parks across the region, with awards made in each of our seven counties. We can’t wait to see the transformative impacts of these projects!
MNRTF Acquisition Projects
- Oakland County Parks & Recreation, Turtle Woods Nature Preserve Acquisition – $2,175,000
- Chesterfield Township, Jefferson Wetland Preserve – $560,000
- DNR Wildlife Division, Southeastern Michigan Regional Sprint Land Consolidation (Oakland County) – $2,000,000
- DNR Parks & Recreation Division, Pinckney Recreation Area Acquisition – $ 1,300,000
MNRTF Development Projects
Mill Creek Park non-motorized trail
- City of Eastpointe, Spindler Park Path, Shelter, Light, and GSI Improvements – $350,400
- City of Warren, Shaw Park Playground & Cricket Field – $400,000
- City of Birmingham, Booth Park Entry & Trail Improvement Project – $400,000
- Ann Arbor Charter Township, Dixboro Road Pathway Connection – $300,000
- City of Detroit, Intervale-Roselawn Playground on the Joe Louis Greenway – $400,000
- City of Detroit, Clark Park – Joe Louis Greenway Development – $250,000
- City of Dexter, Mill Creek Park Enhancements – $400,000
- DNR Parks & Recreation Division, Detroit River Boating Access Site Development – $ 400,000
LWCF Projects
Lake St. Clair Metropark beach
- City of Eastpointe, Kennedy Park Splash Pad – $500,000
- Huron-Clinton Metroparks, North Marina Boathouse at Lake St. Clair Metropark – $500,000
- City of Ferndale, Harding Park Inline Skating Rink Replacement – $100,000
- City of Ann Arbor, Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena Improvements – $500,000
- City of Northville, Restrooms and Accessible Walkways at Ford Field Park West – $500,000
- DNR Parks and Recreation Division, Bartnik Boating Access Site Redevelopment at Sterling State Park – $2,000,000
Recreation Passport Projects
- City of Algonac, Lions Field Park Pathway – $150,000
The MNRTF recommendations will go to the Michigan Legislature for review as part of the appropriations process. Upon approval, the Legislature will forward a bill to the governor to sign. LWCF recommendations are authorized through the National Parks Service, and Recreation Passport grants are awarded directly through DNR.
If your community is interested in pursuing any of these funding opportunities, we’re always happy to help! Please feel free to reach out if there is any technical assistance or other support that SEMCOG can provide.
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