Parks and Recreation

A township may operate a system of public recreation and playgrounds; acquire, equip and maintain land, buildings or other recreational facilities; employ a superintendent of recreation and assistants; and vote and expend funds for the operation of such system.

A township may acquire, maintain, manage, and control township parks, resorts, bathing beaches, and places of recreation; create a township park commission; provide for a board of commissioners to provide for the issuance of bonds and the levy of taxes; provide for the transfer of certain real property for parks; appropriate money for park purposes; and acquire, construct, and use wharves, piers, docks, and landing places.

Recreation Grant Information (MDNR)

The Many Faces of Township Parks & Recreation (.pdf)
Michigan Township News, June 2000

Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plans (.pdf) (DNR)

ADA Guide for Small Towns (.pdf)

Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Facilities

Paralyzed Veterans of America Web site

Plainfield Township (Iosco County) Recreation Plan 2006-2011 (.pdf)

Wildlife Action Plans and Utilities Management (.pdf)

Environmental Law Institute 

Recreation and Conservation Lands 

Part 721 of the Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.72101, et seq.

Rails-to-Trails (and other Michigan Trailways)