Recreation Passport Grant Program

The objective of the Recreation Passport Grant Program is to provide funding to local units of government for the development of public recreation facilities. This includes the development of new facilities and the renovation of old facilities, with an emphasis on renovations to existing facilities that have outlived their useful life expectancy.

Eligible applicants include local units of government (cities, villages, townships, and counties), the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, regional recreation authorities formed under the Recreational Authorities Act, trailway commissions formed under the Michigan Trailways Act, and school districts that meet specific requirements regarding community park and recreation plans. To be eligible, applicants must have a DNR-Approved 5-year Recreation Plan or a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) submitted by February 1 and approved by the application deadline.

Eligible projects include the development of public outdoor recreation and indoor facilities. Projects must be located on land owned by the applicant or under a long-term lease or easement (20 years for land, 40 years for structures). All projects must meet the accessibility requirements of the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Design Standards. Ineligible projects include routine maintenance, operational expenses, and facilities primarily for professional or semi-professional sports viewing.

The application process requires submission via the MiGrants online system by April 1. Applications undergo administrative review, scoring, and site visits by DNR staff. Recommendations are submitted to the DNR Director for final approval, with grant awards expected in December.