|
What the Great Lakes reminded me about parks, recreation, and making the outdoors accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, you lost me at “we started at 5:30 a.m.” I’m in for sure. Each summer, our group chat goes on a camping trip. Over the last decade, we’ve traveled from Port Austin to Holland, Lewiston, Ludington, Carp Lake, Empire, and Mears. Each trip looks a little different as we navigate getting married, earning degrees, having kids, changing jobs, and caring for aging parents. We locked in the date for our August 2026 trip months in advance. Still, life got in the way, and our group of 12 dwindled to five about a month before the trip. Feeling discouraged and unsure whether to reschedule, we remembered a video someone had shared a few weeks earlier: last week, some friends and I decided to jump in five Great Lakes in one day. Could we do it? Five people meant we could fit in one car. We already had the weekend reserved, and less than 24 hours after someone suggested it, we had an itinerary: start on Lake Michigan in Traverse City, head north across the Mackinac Bridge to Lake Superior, then turn south for Lake Huron before crossing into Canada for Lakes Erie and Ontario. More than 700 miles in one day. Something about the original video made the adventure seem accessible. We didn’t have to be high-risk explorers. We could take our love for camping, water, road trips, and the beach and turn it into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That feeling of accessibility meant more to me than I initially realized. I love the outdoors, and I’ve spent almost 15 years working in parks and recreation. By most measures, these are spaces I should feel completely comfortable in. And yet, sometimes I still feel like an intruder.
It took some convincing to get everyone out of the water and back into the car. Technically, we could have knocked out two lakes back-to-back near the Straits of Mackinac, but that felt like cheating under the completely arbitrary rules we had created. We wanted each lake to feel distinct. So, with Michigan and Superior complete, we headed back across the bridge and down the Lower Peninsula. This is when spirits began to taper. The early-morning adrenaline had faded, and everyone was tired and hungry. The playlists got louder, snacks became lunch, and someone inevitably fell asleep. Conversations bounced from serious life updates to absolute nonsense. Eventually, we reached Bay City State Park on Lake Huron, and it couldn’t have felt more different from the quiet beaches that morning. The park was packed. Families filled the picnic shelters, splash pad, playgrounds, and beach. Suddenly, we felt a little self-conscious. Here we were, running onto the beach, setting up a tripod to document ourselves jumping into the lake, and planning to leave almost as quickly as we arrived. That do we belong here? feeling crept back in. And then, nothing happened. No one asked what we were doing there. No one needed us to explain ourselves. Families kept playing, people kept picnicking, and we jumped into Lake Huron. That ordinary moment captured something I have spent much of my career asking: what does it actually mean for a park to be accessible and inclusive? Accessibility is about removing physical barriers, but it can also mean removing less visible ones, the feeling that you need the right experience, equipment, background, or even the right reason to belong in an outdoor space. Sometimes access begins with simply being able to see yourself there. Most of us grew up closest to Lake Huron, yet somehow it was the Great Lake we had visited the least. For us, Bay City State Park was one quick stop on a ridiculous road trip. For many of the families around us, it was the entire day or weekend. Both experiences belonged there. Then, we were off to Canada. By this point, the car had developed its own ecosystem. Damp towels and swimsuits hung wherever we could fit them. Every cupholder was occupied. The floor was covered in shoes, snacks, and whatever had fallen out of our bags. We were tired of sitting but still energized by the fact that we were actually pulling this off. We arrived at Port Stanley on Lake Erie in the early evening. It was the biggest surprise of the trip, a vibrant beach town filled with waterfront restaurants, bars, and vacationers. I had never been to Lake Erie and had no idea what to expect. The first thing we noticed when we jumped in was that the water was getting colder. The second was that we didn’t want to leave. After so many hours in the car, the energy of the beach was contagious. But one lake remained. The final drive to Burlington, Ontario, became a race against the sunset. By then, every song was a sing-along and every mile felt simultaneously endless and exciting. At Beachway Park, we ran from the car to the water. It was a small urban beach, with views of the city and power lines built directly into the sand, completely different from anything else that day. We jumped into a very cold, very choppy Lake Ontario as the sun set. Five lakes.  The pride we felt in accomplishing this silly goal was palpable. But it wasn’t really about checking five stops off a list. It was five of us squeezed into one car for more than 700 miles. It was the sing-alongs and stories, shared exhaustion, increasingly ridiculous jokes, frantic parking-lot outfit changes, and the collective decision to keep going.
After years of friendship and a decade of camping trips, we had found a completely new way to experience the outdoors together. The outdoors creates room for connection, not only somewhere to gather, but experiences to gather around. We saw how differently the Great Lakes can serve people. We saw solitude and community, recreation and relaxation, adventure and everyday life. People were camping, swimming, playing, eating, gathering, vacationing, and simply watching the water. It reminded me that our work in parks and recreation isn’t just about parks, facilities, programs, trails, beaches, or playgrounds. Those are the tools. We can build a beautiful park, but that doesn't automatically mean everyone will feel like it is for them. True access asks not only whether someone can physically enter a space, but whether they can imagine themselves using it. Ironically, a social media video did that for us. It gave us an entry point. It took something that sounded enormous, five Great Lakes in one day, and made it feel possible. We weren’t setting out to prove ourselves as adventurers. We weren’t trying to hike the farthest, camp the most ruggedly, or demonstrate some level of outdoor expertise. We were five friends in one increasingly messy SUV, following an itinerary inspired by a social media video and trying to jump into five lakes before the sun went down. Maybe that’s what made it so meaningful. The Great Lakes didn’t care whether we knew exactly what we were doing. We just had to show up. That is the feeling I want more people to have when they encounter the outdoors: I can show up here. There is something here for me. I belong here.
1 Comment
Michigan voters once again demonstrated their commitment to parks and recreation during Tuesday's Primary Election, approving 44 of 47 local park and recreation-related ballot proposals across the state. More than 425,495 “yes” votes were cast in support of investments in parks, trails, recreation facilities, conservation, youth programming, senior services, and community amenities. The overwhelming success rate, nearly 90 percent, continues a longstanding trend of Michigan communities investing in places and programs that improve quality of life, strengthen local economies, and connect residents to the outdoors.  Renewing a Proven Investment One of the clearest trends from this election was voters' willingness to renew existing investments. The overwhelming majority of successful proposals were renewals or renewals with Headlee restorations, signaling that residents value the services and facilities these millages have already made possible. Communities from Alpena, Casco Township, Charlevoix, Clare, Grand Blanc Township, Otsego, Ottawa, Saginaw, Sanilac, and many others voted to continue funding park operations, maintenance, programming, and capital improvements. These results demonstrate that when residents experience the benefits of quality parks and recreation systems, they are willing to sustain those investments over the long term.
More Than Parks The proposals also illustrate how parks and recreation agencies serve as community hubs. Many successful proposals support services beyond traditional park maintenance, including:
Examples include Potter Park Zoo in Ingham County, Pontiac's youth centers, Iron County's youth camp, Windsor Recreation Authority, and several proposals that combined parks funding with senior services and recreation programming. Together, these proposals reinforce the growing role parks and recreation agencies play in supporting residents of all ages. Conservation and Open Space Remain Strong Priorities Voters also showed strong support for protecting Michigan's natural resources. Successful proposals funded:
Notable examples include successful proposals in Ada Township, Augusta Township, Ottawa County, and Van Buren County, where voters approved investments that protect natural landscapes while expanding public access to outdoor recreation.
A Clear Vote of Confidence While a handful of proposals were unsuccessful, the overall results paint a clear picture: Michigan residents continue to prioritize parks, recreation, conservation, and community spaces. If you have any questions, comments, or updates regarding the election information, please contact Tina Nowakowski, Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships.
Across Michigan, July is Parks & Recreation Month, a time to recognize the parks, trails, recreation programs, and professionals who strengthen our communities every day. This year, Governor Gretchen Whitmer officially proclaimed July 2026 as Parks & Recreation Month in Michigan, reaffirming the essential role parks and recreation play in enhancing quality of life, supporting public health, protecting natural resources, and driving local economies. mParks officially kicked off the month with its annual Come Out & Play @ the Capitol, welcoming more than 2,000 children from parks and recreation summer day camps across the state to the Capitol lawn for a day of free games, activities, and outdoor fun. The event also brought together legislators, state leaders, and parks and recreation professionals to celebrate the vital role local park and recreation agencies play in communities across Michigan while launching a month dedicated to the power of parks. Throughout July, mParks is continuing the celebration by highlighting outstanding parks and recreation professionals, sharing stories of community impact from across the state, providing advocacy resources, promoting local celebrations, and encouraging residents to explore the parks, trails, and recreation opportunities in their own communities. The campaign recognizes the thousands of professionals, volunteers, and partners who create welcoming spaces where people of all ages can connect, play, learn, and thrive. From neighborhood playgrounds and community centers to regional trail systems and waterfront parks, Michigan's parks and recreation agencies are making a lasting difference every day. They improve physical and mental health, strengthen local economies through tourism and outdoor recreation, protect natural resources, and create inclusive spaces that build stronger, healthier communities. As the statewide association representing more than 2,500 parks and recreation professionals, mParks is proud to advocate for the people and places that make Michigan stronger. This year's gubernatorial proclamation underscores the value of investing in parks and recreation and recognizes the professionals whose work enhances the quality of life for millions of Michiganders. Throughout the month, mParks invites everyone to thank their local parks and recreation professionals, participate in community events, and discover the lasting impact of parks and recreation in every corner of our state.
mParks Partners with RCX Sports Partners to Strengthen Youth Sports Programming Across the State1/22/2026 New partnership brings professional-level resources and inclusive programming to local communities mParks announces a new partnership with RCX Sports, the leader in youth sports experiences and the official youth sports operator for the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, and USTA, aimed at enhancing youth sports opportunities in communities across the state. The partnership will connect statewide local parks and recreation agencies with RCX’s professional league-affiliated programming, providing new pathways for young athletes to participate in structured, high-quality sports experiences. Through training, operational support, and educational resources, RCX will work with mParks to help organizations deliver programs that prioritize safety, inclusion, and positive youth development.
“Youth sports have the power to shape confidence, character, and lifelong healthy habits,” said Izell Reese, CEO and founder of RCX Sports. “By working alongside mParks and its statewide network, we’re able to bring trusted programming, proven resources, and league-affiliated experiences directly to local communities. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for kids across Michigan to get in the game and stay in the game.”
“This partnership brings tremendous value to our members and the communities they serve,” said Nichole Fisher, mParks Executive Director. “By working with RCX Sports, we’re able to connect local parks and recreation agencies to professional-level resources, training, and experiences that support youth development and long-term participation in sports.” Research indicates that participation in organized sports promotes physical health, academic achievement, and social development. However, many families still face challenges such as limited access, rising costs, and inconsistent program quality. By combining RCX Sports’ national partnerships and operational expertise with mParks’ deep community roots, this collaboration is designed to help remove those barriers and deliver reliable, impactful youth sports programming throughout Michigan. About RCX Sports RCX Sports is the leader in youth sports experiences, operating and partnering with leagues, events, and brands to engage and empower the next generation of athletes. As the official youth sports operator for the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, and USTA, RCX is the only multi-sport organization trusted by pro leagues and governing bodies to represent them. RCX Sports delivers officially licensed uniforms, comprehensive resources, and full support, empowering league operators to create the best youth sports experiences in their communities. Committed to making youth sports accessible and inclusive, RCX Sports creates opportunities for all athletes to play and benefit from the transformative power of sports. For more information, visit rcxsports.com. About mParks mParks, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, has been the voice of Michigan’s parks and recreation community for more than 90 years. Dedicated to advancing vibrant public spaces, community health, and quality of life, mParks champions the value of parks, recreation, and leisure services across the state. Through advocacy, education, outreach, and industry-leading programs, mParks supports park and recreation professionals, agencies, and advocates in efforts that inspire people of all ages to get active, enjoy the outdoors, and build stronger, more inclusive communities mParks is proud to announce the 2025–2026 mParks Award Winners, recognizing outstanding projects, programs, and professionals that continue to elevate parks and recreation across Michigan. From transformative park and facility designs to innovative programming, marketing excellence, and inspiring individual leadership, this year’s award recipients reflect the depth, creativity, and commitment found throughout our profession.] All awards will be presented during the 2026 mParks Conference & Trade Show, taking place March 3–6, 2026, in Lansing. These honorees represent the power of parks and recreation to strengthen communities, foster inclusion, protect natural resources, and enhance quality of life statewide. Design AwardsRecognizing excellence in planning, design, and development of parks, facilities, and landscapes Design awards honor projects that demonstrate innovation, community engagement, sustainability, and long-term impact, creating spaces that invite connection, play, and stewardship. Design awards will be presented on Tuesday, March 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Opening Session.
These projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant community assets, supporting accessibility, environmental education, intergenerational play, and neighborhood pride. Advocacy & Leadership in GovernmentRecognizing champions who advance parks and recreation through public service Elected Official awards will be presented on Tuesday, March 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Opening Session. Elected Official
These leaders exemplify how advocacy at the local and state level plays a critical role in protecting funding, expanding access, and elevating the importance of parks and recreation statewide. Innovation AwardsHonoring creative approaches that expand access, engagement, and impact Innovation awards recognize programs and initiatives that push boundaries and respond to community needs in new and meaningful ways. Innovation awards will be presented on Wednesday, March 4, from 11:45 am to 1:30 pm at the Delegate Lunch
These initiatives demonstrate how creativity and adaptability can foster deeper community connections, promote environmental stewardship, and make recreation more inclusive and engaging. Individual Professional AwardsIndividual awards will be presented on Thursday, March 5, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Awards Banquet. Fellowship Award The highest individual honor, recognizing lifetime achievement and sustained service  Clay Summers, CPRP – Michigan Department of Natural Resources Clay Summers’ career spans more than two decades of leadership at the local, county, association, and state levels. From guiding communities as a parks and recreation director to serving as Executive Director of mParks and now supporting communities statewide through the DNR, Clay has strengthened the profession through mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration. His influence has helped shape policy, funding, and professional development opportunities across Michigan. Clay’s legacy reflects integrity, service, and a deep commitment to improving communities through parks and recreation. New Professional Award Honoring emerging leaders making an early and lasting impact  Madison Lachance, CPRP – Novi Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Madison Lachance has quickly become a trusted leader known for compassion, innovation, and connection. Her work in older adult services, nature-based programming, and signature community events has created meaningful opportunities for engagement and belonging. Through active leadership in mParks, including the New Professionals Focus Area, Madison continues to inspire peers across the state. Her work demonstrates the power of recreation to connect people to nature and one another.
Park Resources Leadership Award Recognizing excellence in park operations, maintenance, and resource stewardship  Chris Frey – West Bloomfield Parks & Recreation With more than 25 years of service, Chris Frey is a respected leader in park maintenance and operations. His behind-the-scenes leadership has supported award-winning facilities, complex capital projects, and statewide professional development through mParks. Known for his generosity, attention to detail, and mentorship, Chris ensures parks remain safe, sustainable, and welcoming for all. His work has strengthened both his community and the broader profession. Recreation Leadership Award Honoring sustained leadership and impact in recreation services
Marketing AwardsHonoring excellence in storytelling, outreach, and engagement Marketing awards recognize efforts that effectively communicate value, inspire participation, and strengthen public awareness. Marketing awards will be presented on Friday, March 6, from 8:30 to 11:00 am at the Opening Session.
These campaigns and tools underscore the crucial role that communication plays in fostering trust, engagement, and visibility for parks and recreation services. Join Us in LansingWe look forward to celebrating all 2025–2026 mParks Award Winners at the 2026 mParks Conference & Trade Show, March 3–6 in Lansing. Together, these projects, programs, and professionals showcase the incredible impact parks and recreation have on communities throughout Michigan.
 mParks and Local Agencies Celebrate Vital Role of Parks and Recreation in Thriving Communities
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially proclaimed July as Park and Recreation Month in Michigan, joining communities nationwide to celebrate the vital role parks and recreation play in building strong, healthy, and resilient communities. The Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks) is proud to join the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in this year’s national theme: Build Together, Play Together. For more than 40 years, July has been recognized as Park and Recreation Month—an opportunity to highlight the essential services provided by more than 160,000 full-time professionals and hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers who make our parks, trails, playgrounds, and community programs possible. In Michigan, this work includes recreation programming and the planning, design, and maintenance of green spaces, trails, and natural resources that benefit millions of residents and visitors each year. “Parks and recreation professionals are at the heart of what makes Michigan communities thrive,” said Nichole Fisher, Executive Director of mParks. “From summer camps and fitness classes to accessible trails and clean beaches, these dedicated individuals build the foundation for healthier, more connected, and resilient communities. This month is about celebrating all they do—and how parks and recreation bring us together.” Celebrating 90 Years of Parks and Recreation Leadership As part of this year’s Park and Recreation Month, mParks is also celebrating its 90th anniversary. Since 1935, mParks has supported and advanced the parks and recreation field across Michigan through advocacy, professional development, and statewide collaboration. From helping shape public policy to training future leaders, mParks has been a cornerstone of Michigan’s park and recreation legacy for nearly a century. “mParks’ 90-year history reflects the enduring value of parks and recreation in our state,” said Chad Stevens, mParks President and Executive Director of DeWitt Area Recreation Authority. “We’re proud to have spent nine decades supporting the professionals, programs, and places that make Michigan a great place to live, play, and grow.” Throughout 2025, mParks is inviting members, partners, and community members to share their stories, memories, and milestones that reflect the impact of parks and recreation in their lives. These stories will be highlighted online and at upcoming events. Building Together, Playing Together This year’s celebration focuses on the power of parks and recreation to build inclusive, accessible, and sustainable communities. Local agencies across Michigan are hosting events, programs, and public engagement campaigns throughout the month, inviting residents to share how parks and recreation improve their lives using the hashtag #BuildTogetherPlayTogether. National research underscores the value of this work:
Parks and recreation also play a critical role in environmental stewardship and climate resilience, managing over 11 million acres of open space nationwide. From reducing flood risk to improving air quality and cooling our cities, well-designed parks are essential infrastructure. Join the Celebration mParks encourages all Michigan residents to get involved this July by:
2025 Outdoor Trends Show Strong Growth, Greater Diversity, and Rising Opportunity for Michigan6/27/2025  A joint message from mParks, Heart of the Lakes, and Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance As champions for outdoor access, open spaces, and community wellness, mParks, Heart of the Lakes, and Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance are excited to highlight key findings from the newly released 2025 Outdoor Participation Trends Report and Outdoor Consumer Trends 2025. These reports reinforce what we see daily in Michigan: outdoor recreation is growing, diversifying, and becoming even more vital to public life and local economies. From urban trails to backcountry preserves to neighborhood parks, Michigan’s open spaces are seeing the benefits—and bearing the weight—of this growing interest in the outdoors. These national findings directly inform how we plan, invest, and advocate for the future of our parks, recreation systems, trails, and conservation lands. Record Outdoor Participation in 2024 The U.S. outdoor recreation participant base grew by 3% in 2024, reaching a record 181.1 million Americans, or 58.6% of the U.S. population age six and up. This growth included a surge of 5.3 million new participants, driven by youth, seniors, people of color, and high-income households.
Hiking, Fishing, Camping, and Biking Lead the Way The top five "gateway" outdoor activities in 2024 were:
These entry-level activities added an average of 2.1 million new participants each. And critically, participants in these activities were highly likely to branch out into other types of outdoor recreation—91% of campers and 85% of hikers also engaged in at least one other outdoor activity. Families, Youth, and Seniors Are Leading the Way
This reinforces the importance of multigenerational and family-friendly programming, something Michigan's parks and recreation agencies and conservation groups excel at. Whether it’s a summer camp, fishing day, or a walk in the woods, these experiences build lasting connections to nature. Outdoor Spending is Shifting
In Michigan, this means outdoor stores, programs, and messaging should focus on inclusive, low-barrier experiences and access to nature and recreation, and that sustainability and wellness are the top values for today's outdoor public. What This Means for Michigan These trends aren’t just national talking points; they reflect a fundamental shift in who uses Michigan’s parks, trails, and open spaces, how they engage, and what they need.
mParks + Heart of the Lakes + Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance = Committed to Action At mParks, Heart of the Lakes, and Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance, we are using this data to:
 mParks is proud to support the bipartisan legislation, expected to be introduced soon by Senator John Cherry (D-27th District) and Senator Jon Bumstead (R-32nd District), to modernize Michigan’s Recreation Passport program, one of the state’s most valuable tools for supporting state and local parks, trails, and waterways. The proposed updates are designed to make Michigan’s parks more accessible while ensuring long-term funding to support and improve these essential outdoor spaces. This initiative is part of Senator Cherry’s larger budget recommendation for the Department of Natural Resources, prioritizing the health and future of Michigan’s parks, trails, and public lands.
Key highlights of the new legislation:
A Bipartisan Effort for Michigan’s Outdoors Great states are built on great parks. mParks thanks Senators Cherry and Bumstead for prioritizing this critical initiative. This proposal will strengthen Michigan’s outdoor recreation infrastructure and enhance support for local communities. At a time when demand for outdoor recreation has never been higher, this legislation recognizes the critical role parks and public lands play in supporting health, economic vitality, and quality of life across Michigan. To support this effort, mParks is developing an advocacy toolkit filled with sample letters, talking points, and outreach materials to help members connect with their legislators and champion the modernization of the Recreation Passport. Whether inviting an elected official to your park or sharing the impact of local funding, this toolkit will make it easier to take action and be heard – stay tuned. Stay tuned as this proposal moves through the legislative and appropriations process — and join us in celebrating this major investment in Michigan’s parks, trails, and waterways! |
AuthorTina Nowakowski Archives
October 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed
Copyright Michigan Recreation & Park Association. All Rights Reserved. 2177 Commons Pkwy | Okemos, MI 48864 | 517.485.9888 | [email protected] | site map