Governor Gretchen Whitmer Directs $45 Million to 75 Public Parks and Trail Infrastructure Expansions

LANSING, MI — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the formal distribution of $45 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants supporting 75 local park acquisitions and outdoor recreation facilities across the state.

Expanding Public Access and Regional Trails

The funding package awards $18.4 million for municipal land acquisitions and $26.6 million for recreational development projects, including ADA-accessible kayak launches, urban greenway connectors in Detroit and Grand Rapids, and shoreline conservation in the Upper Peninsula.

Governor Whitmer emphasized that investing in community parks and public trails drives tourism and protects Michigan's Great Lakes heritage for future generations.

Municipal Co-Funding and Ecological Safeguards

Local recipient townships and county commissions contributed $29.8 million in matching local funds, expanding total project investments past $74 million.

Conservation groups praised the preservation of 3,200 acres of sensitive watershed forests.

Construction Timeline

Local park construction and land closing procedures will begin in autumn 2026.