Modernize the Recreation Passport

Investing in Michigan’s Parks and Recreation: A Stronger, Healthier Future for All

Modernize the Recreation Passport

Stronger Funding. Greater Access.
mParks is proud to support bipartisan legislation to Modernize Michigan’s Recreation Passport program—one of our state’s most important tools for funding local and state parks. Introduced by Senators John Cherry (D-27) and Jon Bumstead (R-32), Senate Bills 280 and 281 are a smart, equitable investment in the future of Michigan’s parks, trails, and waterways.

Use Your Voice

Key Highlights of Senate Bills 280 & 281:

Lower the annual Recreation Passport fee by 30%
Extend the Passport to additional vehicles, making participation easier
Generate an estimated $43.5 million in new annual revenue
Double the grant funding available for local park projects
Establish a new $2 million water trail development and maintenance program
Increase funding for state park capital improvements and maintenance

Why It Matters
Every year, Michigan’s parks welcome over 35 million visitors and contribute more than $10 billion to our economy. The current Opt-In Recreation Passport system hasn’t kept pace with the growing demand and rising maintenance and operations costs to keep our outdoor spaces safe, accessible, and well-maintained.

Your voice is critical to the success of this legislation. The mParks Advocacy Toolkit is available to help park and recreation professionals, local leaders, and residents get involved.

Advocacy in Action
We encourage you to:

Email your legislators and urge them to support SB 280 & SB 281
Share posts and stories on social media using #SupportMIParks
Invite elected officials to tour your parks or attend a community event
Highlight how local Recreation Passport grants have impacted your area

find your state senator

find your state representative

Sample Letters of Support

Templates for drafting letters to legislators expressing support for the Modernization of the Recreation Passport.
Includes customizable sections to personalize your message based on your agency's or personal perspective.

Talking Points

Key points to emphasize when communicating with legislators, community leaders, and stakeholders.
Highlights the benefits of the three-pronged approach to Modernizing the Recreation Passport

Social Media Posts

Downloadable graphics to share on social media.
Pre-written posts for sharing on personal and agency social media accounts.
Designed to raise awareness about the importance of Modernizing the Recreation Passport and encourage engagement from followers.

Community Outreach Strategies

Guidance on how to engage with community leaders and stakeholders to build support for Modernizing the Recreation Passport.
Tips for organizing meetings, presentations, and events to educate and mobilize community members.

Download advocacy toolkit

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Coalition to Modernize the Recreation Passport

The Coalition to Modernize the Recreation Passport urges Michigan's lawmakers to support for a more accessible, equitable, and sustainable outdoor recreation future for all Michiganders. Senate Bills 280 and 281 propose a comprehensive modernization of Michigan’s Recreation Passport program—an essential step toward meeting growing demand and ensuring long-term support for our state and local park systems.

take action now: join the coalition

Great States Are Built on Great Parks.

Modernizing the Recreation Passport is about more than funding—it’s about ensuring all Michiganders have access to safe, inclusive, and vibrant outdoor spaces. Together, we can create a stronger, healthier, and more connected Michigan. Let’s make it happen.

About the Recreation Passport

Currently, Michigan residents can purchase a Michigan Recreation Passport when renewing their license plate through the Secretary of State, at a state park, or a Department of Natural Resources customer service center, or online at expressSOS.com or by mail. A Recreation Passport is valid for one year or until your license plate expires.

The Recreation Passport is required for motorized vehicle access to Michigan’s:

State parks and recreation areas
State-managed boating access sites
State forest campgrounds
Thousands of miles of trails and other outdoor destinations—year-round

Unlike many states, Michigan’s park system is primarily self-supporting.
The modest fee collected through the Recreation Passport goes directly back into maintaining and enhancing outdoor spaces and protecting natural resources for future generations.

How Recreation Passport Funds Are Used:

Upkeep of state parks, recreation areas, boat launches, and trails
Maintenance of historic sites within state parks
Outdoor recreation development across the state
Local park improvements through the Recreation Passport Grant Program

2024 Recreation Passport Grants

recreation passport information

​Investing in Michigan’s Parks and Recreation: A Stronger, Healthier Future for All