The Michigan Recreation and Park Association

Legislative Platform

 

The Michigan Recreation and Park Association is a non-profit organization that represents nearly 2,000 park and recreation professionals and agencies. MRPA advocates state and federal policies and programs that support parks and recreation services throughout Michigan. The legislative platform is amended from time to time as specific bills and regulatory issues arise.

Environmental Conservation

1. MRPA supports state and federal policies that enhance the protection and conservation of Michigan's natural resources.
2. MRPA supports policies to enhance the reduction, reuse and recycling of consumer materials.
   
3. MRPA supports the development of a new Michigan bond proposal for the 2010 ballot to enhance environmental protection and upgrade state and local parks and outdoor recreation facilities
4. MRPA supports the use of a portion of federal economic stimulus funds delivered to the State of Michigan to invest in "shovel ready" projects at the local level to upgrade public park and recreation facilities.
5. MRPA supports policy to ensure that appropriation of grant funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund are timely delivered to grantees such that development and acquisition of public recreation resources occur in the spring, immediately following the issuance of grant decisions made in the preceding December.

Transportation

1. MRPA supports the utilization of a portion of (Act 51 - 1% set aside) to invest in non-motorized trails consistent with the "Connecting Michigan Trails and Greenways Plan."
2. MRPA supports policies to advance implementation of the "Safe Routes to School" program and grants.
3. MRPA supports the establishment of sustainable funding for trails maintenance.

Appointments

1. MRPA supports the appointment of park and recreation professionals to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board of directors.
2. MRPA supports the appointment of park and recreation professionals to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.
3. MRPA supports the appointment of park and recreation professionals to the Michigan Waterways Commission.

Local Government

1. MRPA supports the continuation and enhancement of local revenue sharing.
2. MRPA supports policies to enhance cross-jurisdictional sharing of services to facilitate economic efficiency.

Public Health

1. MRPA supports policies and programs to enhance citizen fitness and reduce obesity (particularly among youth) through outdoor activity and recreation.

Regulatory Issues

1. MRPA supports policies to enhance and protect public safety in state and local parks and recreation programs in the most efficient manner possible.
2. MRPA supports the routine use of background checks for new employees that engage in direct contact with the public, particularly youth, through recreation programs.
3. MRPA supports policies, programs and funding to enhance the accessibility of state and local parks and recreation facilities to persons of all abilities consistent with the concept of Universal Accessibility.

Federal Advocacy Priorities

1. MRPA supports the specific inclusion of "shovel ready" project investments in national, state and local park facilities as part of any federal economic stimulus program reminiscent of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
2. MRPA supports the legislative priorities of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). To learn more about the legislative priorities of NRPA, click here.