In 2004 our state legislators removed all taxpayer support for Michigan’s state parks.

The result is our state parks rely heavily on camping fees and motor vehicle passes to keep the front gate open.

You can help keep our state parks operating by buying a $24 motor vehicle pass for 2009.  You can also buy them to give as gifts.  The DNR also offers gift certificates.

“Most Michigan residents are located within a one hour drive of a state park, recreation area or boating access site.  The permits provide Michigan residents, and non-residents, access to 98 Michigan state parks or recreation areas and over 800 access sites located statewide,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief.  “Giving a motor vehicle permit, a boating access site permit, or a gift certificate is giving the gift of outdoors, and it also helps support our state park system.”

These state park passes are really quite a deal.  For only $24, one can have year-long access to one of the nation’s premier state park systems.   California State Park annual passes are $125.

People have asked why the DNR doesn’t raise the motor vehicle entry fees to help make ends meet.  The bottom line is they can’t.  The price is set by the state legislators who have been reluctant to make any changes.

Gift certificates and permits can be purchased year round through the Michigan e-store or by calling 517-373-9900.

Some exciting construction work has begun on the Phase II expansion of the Tri-Centennial State Park on the Detroit Riverwalk.  This project will extend the Riverwalk from Rivard Plaza (where the carousel is) east towards the large grassy berm and then to Atwater.

Below are some photos taken on September 25th by the DNR.

Overlooking the Phase II expansion from the large grassy mound at Tri-Centennial State Park

Tri-Centennial State Park on the Detroit River is all set to expand and connect with the Riverwalk’s Rivard Plaza.  This much awaited expansion means the Detroit Riverwalk will be longer and will provide a trail connection to the Dequindre Cut.

The State Park expansion will actually have two parallel paths: one for walking and the other for biking.  This should help reduce trail bottlenecks that are often seen on the Riverwalk between the Rivard Plaza and Joe Louis Arena.

The DNR is striving for a softer trail design.  In other words, there will be more natural features and less man-made.  There will also be more interpretive and educational opportunities along this trail.

And as anyone who’s been on this property knows, it’s popular with fishermen.  The DNR plans to accomodate them as well after construction is completed. (more…)

Michigan state forest recreation relies primarily on three funding sources: camping fees, taxpayer support (general fund), and a portion of the fuel taxes (used primarily for capital improvements.) Without these funds, state forest campgrounds and state forest pathways could not afford to keep these facilities open and functional.

When the state legislature cut the taxpayer support to this program, the DNR was forced to close 20 state forest campgrounds which were bringing in the least revenue.

Fortunately either the public outcry or common sense forced a reversal. The legislature just restored the funding.

Below is the list of campgrounds which will be re-opened. The DNR expects the re-opens to by mid-May though some campgrounds “will require maintenance repairs to the water wells during the month of May.” (more…)

Tri-Centennial State Park

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expects Phase II to go to bid in March of 2008. They believe they are still on schedule for a June start. If everything works out and the weather cooperates, there’s a possibility of it being completed this year.

Note that Phase II is from the park’s large grassy mound to Rivard Plaza.

East Riverfront Linear Parks

On October 9th, 2007, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) posted the following update:

The DEGC staff is managing the design process towards the development of new park space that will extend from Jefferson Avenue to Atwater Street along Riopelle Street and the former Dequindre Avenue right of way. These “linear” parks were conceived as part of the East Riverfront District Plan, which are to serve as features that would offer views to the Detroit River, and would encourage non-motorized pathways from the Lafayette Park neighborhood down to the Riverfront Promenade and the Tricentennial State Park. During the next quarter, the DEGC staff will move the design process into further development.

Since that time some underground storage tanks were found and there may be some unforeseen cleanup issues. While the DEGC originally committed to funding that connector, this recent discovery adds some uncertainty.

Gabriel Richard Park

According to this Detroit Free Press article:

The City of Detroit is planning $1.9 million in upgrades to the now vacant Gabriel Richard Park.

City officials told city council today that half of that amount would come from federal government and half from the nonprofit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. The Economic Development Corporation made the presentation today before council.

The city staff requests that council hold a hearing on April 9.

I’m unclear how the park is vacant. It contains is a beautiful section of the Riverwalk.

More information on Father Gabriel Richard