Last fall, as part of its Access to Recreation Initiative, the DNR Parks and Recreation Division received 30 proposals from state park and recreation areas across the state and, using a special scoring system, developed a "top tier" of geographically dispersed projects that will offer unique and creative outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all abilities.
The project locations are:
- J. W. Wells State Park, Menominee County
- Otsego Lake State Park, Otsego County
- Rifle River Recreation Area, Ogemaw County
- Port Crescent State Park, Huron County
- Muskegon State Park, Muskegon County
- Brighton Recreation Area, Livingston County
- Dodge #4 State Park, Oakland County
According to Dan Lord, development planner for the Parks and Recreation Division, the main goal of the initiative is to go beyond the minimal standards set in place by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
"Universal access means more than just making a facility wheelchair-friendly," Lord said. "We're going beyond mobility issues to incorporate technology, materials and design considerations that will provide inclusion for all people in any case of a mobility, sight, hearing or mental disability."
The various recreation projects to be developed are as diverse as the locations themselves. Lord said the list includes:
- Great Lake and inland lake access
- Historical and natural interpretation
- Themed and sensory-based playgrounds
- Multi-use trails and overall location linkages
- Wildlife observation and fishing structures
- Hunting opportunities
- Boat and kayak launches
- Winter luge & adaptive equipment
- Equestrian access
If you would like more information or provide input on any of these projects, please contact Dan Lord at lordds@michigan.gov. Information on the Access to Recreation Initiative also can be found at: http://www.accesstorecreation.org/
The DNR also has formed an Accessibility Advisory Council to help the department improve access to natural resources and outdoor recreation. For more information, go online to: http://www.michigan.gov/dnraccessibility
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