Championing Parks. Enriching Communities.​

mParks is proud to present the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, a bold, forward-looking roadmap built on collaboration, clarity, and purpose. This plan reflects the voices of our members, partners, and communities, united by one shared mission: to elevate the impact of parks and recreation across Michigan.

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Our Pillars: The Heart of mParks​

At the core of our plan are four guiding pillars — Advocate, Teach, Inspire, and Unite — the foundation of everything we do. These pillars define how we serve our members, strengthen our profession, and enrich our communities.​

We Advocate
mParks is the voice of Michigan’s parks and recreation community. We engage with government, foundations, media, and other partners to ensure strong funding, supportive policies, and broad public awareness of the vital role parks play in health, economy, and quality of life.

We Teach
We provide education, professional development, and tools that empower our members to lead with confidence. Through workshops, certifications, and learning initiatives, we build a knowledgeable workforce prepared to meet Michigan’s evolving recreation needs.

We Inspire
We celebrate the joy, freedom, and community that parks bring to everyday life. By recognizing excellence, sharing success stories, and promoting outdoor experiences, we foster connection and pride among professionals and the public alike.


We Unite
We champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, within our association and across the communities we serve. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we ensure that every voice has a place in shaping the future of parks and recreation in Michigan.

Strategic Areas of Focus

Our pillars come to life through key strategic priorities that drive meaningful progress across the state. Each area includes specific goals, measurable outcomes, and defined leadership accountability.

Advocate

• ​Advance policies and legislation that strengthen Michigan’s parks and recreation systems.
• Build partnerships with agencies, legislators, and advocacy organizations.
• Develop tools like policy hubs and advocacy kits to empower members to take action.

Teach

• Position mParks as the statewide leader in professional learning and workforce development.
• Establish career pathways and education programs aligned with national standards.
• Expand training opportunities in leadership, equity, and advocacy.

Inspire

• Celebrate member achievements and elevate professional excellence.
• Create engagement opportunities that foster belonging and collaboration.
• Strengthen partnerships that connect communities through parks and recreation.

​Unite

• Promote inclusion and accessibility throughout Michigan’s parks and recreation systems.
• Grow membership diversity to better reflect our communities.
• Model inclusive practices that make recreation spaces welcoming to all.

Foundational Elements

Beneath our pillars lies a strong framework that ensures the long-term success and resilience of mParks. These foundational elements define how we operate, lead, and grow.

Financial Stewardship

• Strengthen revenue streams and expand sponsorship opportunities.
• Diversify income through consulting, exclusive content, and innovative programming.
• Plan for the long term with sustainable investments and reserves.

Leadership & Staff Engagement

• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Invest in professional growth through onboarding, training, and leadership development.
• Build continuity through succession planning and cross-functional teamwork.

Organizational Excellence

• Implement best practices and efficient processes that enhance accountability.
• Conduct annual retreats and quarterly reviews to maintain alignment.
• Stay agile by refining roles, updating tools, and standardizing benchmarks.

Follow-Through: Turning Vision into Action

This plan is more than a vision, it’s a living framework designed for action, accountability, and measurable impact.

mParks will:

• Align daily operations with the Strategic Plan, using it as a guide for all major decisions.
• Integrate progress tracking through quarterly reporting and annual reviews.
• Promote transparency by publishing updates and celebrating milestones in our Annual Report.
• Engage members in ongoing feedback to ensure the plan evolves alongside Michigan’s parks and recreation community.

Through this intentional process, mParks ensures the Strategic Plan remains active, adaptable, and impactful — delivering tangible results and continuous progress across every level of our work

​Rooted in Gratitude, Built to Last

Our Strategic Plan stands as a collective promise to our members, our partners, and the communities we serve. Guided by our mission, strengthened by our pillars, and grounded in collaboration, mParks is shaping a resilient, inclusive, and inspired future for Michigan’s parks and recreation.
​
We advocate. We teach. We inspire. We unite.
Together, we enrich communities.

Questions? Please contact mParks Executive Director, Nichole Fisher, CMP or reach out to the mParks Board of Directors.