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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, March 12, 2009
| Contact: |
Dennis Schornack |
| |
517-485-9888 |
Legislators Lauded for Vision to Secure Sustainable Park Funding
[Lansing, Mich.] – Michigan legislators today announced a new plan to secure sustainable funding for state and local parks. The bipartisan and bicameral legislation was introduced by Senator Patty Birkholtz (R-Saugatuck) and Representative Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor), with support from co-sponsors Representative Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) and Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor).
The quality of life in communities across Michigan is closely linked to the quality of parks and the availability of recreation programs and resources. High quality, well-maintained local parks increase property values and creative, diverse recreation programs improve public health and reduce crime.
“At this time of economic stress, Michigan citizens are staying closer to home, enjoying the simple pleasures that community parks provide,” said MRPA President Darrin Duistermars. “We applaud the leadership of Senator Birkholtz, Representative Warren and all those who seek to secure a sustainable source of funding for state and local parks,” he added. “These legislators get it – they understand that parks and recreation are essential to communities statewide. MRPA looks forward to reviewing the details of the proposed legislation.”
More than 5,200 local parks are supported by more than 1,000 local units of government in Michigan. Local parks complement state-owned resources and both suffer from a shortage of funding especially for the renovation of existing facilities that are outdated and in desperate need of repair and renovation.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2010, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association provides advocacy, resources and professional development opportunities to a devoted and diverse membership. A non-profit statewide association, MRPA represents nearly 2,000 park and recreation professionals dedicated to creating community through people, parks and programs.
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