Sleepy Hollow State Park has partnered with the Lansing Parks and Recreation Department to provide universally accessible nature experiences for people of all ages, the Department of Natural Resources announced today.

Throughout July and August, any youth or adult who signs up for the "Therapeutic Recreation Program" will have the opportunity to ride a bus to Sleepy Hollow State Park and explore multiple nature-based activities, including boating, fishing, nature hikes with the park's Explorer Guide, archery, swimming or just relaxing on the beach. The program is designed to provide universal accessibility to outdoor recreational experiences.

"The partnership between Sleepy Hollow State Park and Lansing Parks and Recreation was created to offer an outdoor experience to many individuals who might not normally have the opportunity to 'GO-Get Outdoors,'" said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR's Parks and Recreation Division. "Our goal is to give everyone the chance to enjoy, explore and learn about our natural resources by visiting a state park."

"The Lansing Parks and Recreation Department is looking forward to working with Sleepy Hollow State Park," said Murdock Jemerson, Lansing Parks and Recreation director. "We are very excited that this partnership will give Lansing residents a chance to get outdoors."

The programs will run on various days at different times. Participants will need to sign up for these fun-filled trips through their Lansing Community Centers. For more information about the program, events, or to sign up, contact one of these community centers: Foster Community Center at 517-483-4233, Gier Community Center at 517-483-4042, and Lett's Community Center at 517-483-4311, or contact Sleepy Hollow's Explorer Guide, Katie Robinson, at RobinsonK8@michigan.gov or 517-651-6217.