The Recreation Passport program has become a cornerstone of our state's park funding. Moving the Recreation Passport to an opt-out system and allocating more revenue to the Recreation Passport Grant program serve to increase access to unparalleled recreation opportunities and contributes directly to the preservation and enhancement of our state and local park system. This is a win-win scenario, providing vital funding for state parks and increasing support for local parks.

mParks urges you to lend your voice to this important cause. Amplify the message of support for Michigan's local and state parks, stressing their indispensable role in our state's fabric and committing to be steadfast partners in ensuring their continued vitality. Michigan‘s parks are more than just places of leisure; they are vital engines of economic growth, hubs of community engagement, and sanctuaries for environmental stewardship.

Modernize the Recreation Passport by 

1. Supporting the Recreation Passport Opt-Out (HB 5428 and SB 718); 
2. Improving the Recreation Passport Formula (HB 5873); 
3. Providing veterans and active military access to state parks (HB 6219).

The mParks toolkit provides resources:

• Sample Letters of Support
• Talking Points
• Social Media Posts
• Legislator Contact Information
• Community Outreach Strategies

VIEW TOOLKIT

SAMPLE LETTER

DOWNLOAD RECREATION PASSPORT ONE PAGER

Michiganders vacation in their state parks, but live in their local parks. Many areas of Michigan do not have a state park in their county boundaries. Take a look.

About the Recreation Passport

The Recreation Passport is required for motorized vehicle access to state parks and recreation areas and state-managed boating access sites, state forest campgrounds, thousands of miles of trails and other outdoor spaces – all year long!

Michigan's state-managed parks and recreation system is largely self-supporting. Funds derived from the Recreation Passport go right back into maintaining and improving the outdoor spaces we all love, and protecting natural resources for the next generation.

How the funds are used

• State parks and recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, trails and boat launches.
• Historic sites within state parks.
• Outdoor recreation facilities and opportunities.
• Local park improvements via Recreation Passport Grants. Ten percent of the funds (nearly $2 million annually) is awarded to local communities for park development and improvement projects.
  

2011-2022 Recreation Passport Grants