Spark Grants help park projects across Michigan

What’s happening: Twenty-nine Michigan communities whose economic opportunities and public health were hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic are benefitting from $24.2 million in Michigan Spark Grants. The funding is designed to remove barriers to creating, renovating or redeveloping community-informed public recreation opportunities.

Behind the grants: The grants are administered by the Council for Michigan Foundations in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and through the CMF Statewide Equity Fund. The program was established to equitably guide resources to communities and expand access to healthy indoor and outdoor recreation projects where there has been little or no previous parks and recreation investment. 

What they’re saying: “In support of our community of philanthropy, CMF is proud to be part of this partnership with DNR that will guide public resources that can increase access to recreational opportunities in historically underrepresented and under-resourced communities throughout the state,” said Kyle Caldwell, CMF
president and CEO. “We are grateful for the leadership of the many community foundations who served as conveners and are walking alongside their communities, ensuring community voice is centered in developing equitable solutions to enhance healthy recreation opportunities for all residents.”

The recipients: In all, 29 communities across Michigan are receiving funding through this Spark Grants partnership. Ten other communities received funding through DNR’s first Spark Grant awards last year. Among the communities receiving funding this time around are: Benton Charter Township for the development of a new park with a playground and splash pad; Beaverton, for a pathway connector for the Trail of Two Cities; and Standish, for a new nature trail and park — the first locally owned park in the community’s history.

For a complete list, go to: CMD/DNR Spark Grants.