MRPA and the MRPA Foundation believe that park, recreation and leisure opportunities must be available for all citizens, regardless of age or ability. In recent years, the MRPA Foundation, in conjunction with the Access to Recreation Initiative through the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, has distributed more than $1.4 million in Access to Recreation grants to communities. The grants created 7 ‘Accessible by Design’ facilities throughout the state, including universally  accessible fishing piers, boat ramps, riding stables, parks, playgrounds and trails. An additional 23 matching grants were provided to Michigan communities to purchase adaptive recreation equipment. The Foundation has also funded education and trainings focused on accessibility issues for Park and Recreation professionals, including 2 two-day regional accessibility trainings.

MRPA and the MRPA Foundation believe that park, recreation and leisure opportunities must be available for all citizens, regardless of age or ability. In recent years, the MRPA Foundation, in conjunction with the Access to Recreation Initiative through the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, has distributed more than $1.4 million in Access to Recreation grants to communities. The grants created 7 ‘Accessible by Design’ facilities throughout the state, including universally  accessible fishing piers, boat ramps, riding stables, parks, playgrounds and trails. An additional 23 matching grants were provided to Michigan communities to purchase adaptive recreation equipment. The Foundation has also funded education and trainings focused on accessibility issues for Park and Recreation professionals, including 2 two-day regional accessibility trainings.

The Foundation recently surpassed a fundraising goal of $100,000, securing a matching grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation for the MRPA Access to Recreation Endowment Fund. The fund will be used to support accessible recreation projects throughout Michigan. To learn more or to make a donation towards accessible recreation in Michigan, visit www.mrpafoundation.org.  

The Michigan Recreation and Park Association has been involved in creating accessible recreation opportunities long before the Access to Recreation Initiative. The Association's Therapuetic Recreation (TR) Committee provides a broad range of services to enable TR professionals to function effectively in their field, and aims to enhance professional development and growth of all members.

The TR Committee will host the Therapeutic Recreation Institute on September 20-22 in Tunstin, Michigan. The event joins together recreational therapists from a variety of backgrounds to provide three days of networking, professional development and recreation. The event is a way for TR professionals to stay current with industry standards, as well as new techniques and trends. Learn more about the TR Committee by clicking here. To learn more about the Therapeutic Recreation Insitute, click here.