by Ann Conklin, MRPA Chief Operating Officer

For years, I was one of those who wondered why in the world would MRPA go to DC. Who would want to hear from us? Even though I made the trip during my stint as MRPA President,  I'll admit I really didn't get why we did it. That all changed a couple of years ago when I journeyed to DC for my first trip as COO.  

In a meeting with Senator Levin's staff, they encouraged us to stay connected and to keep informed. They told us our visits were effective in sharing the parks and recreation message and telling our story. They were extremely supportive of what we do and reinforced that what we do matters. They told us the brief visits were necessary to position parks and recreation, and reminded us that if we don't tell our story, then story who will? To further prove the point as to why Parks and Recreation needs have a presence in DC, our annual trek happens at the exact same time as the firefighters and let me tell you they get it. The firefighters are EVERYWHERE and they surely outnumber us. They are in the Capitol to be seen and to tell their story.   

So, the annual trip to DC stayed on the schedule and this year I was joined by Jason Mangum, Director from Novi, Chair of the Director's Committee and a member of the Public Policy Committee.  

Jason and I met with ten different offices and stopped by with materials for the others. All of the meetings were polite; however some were very productive and encouraging. We had the opportunity to meet personally with Representative Kerry Bentiviolio, who was very interested and supportive of our mission and shared some great stories with us. Representative Dan Kildee met with us briefly and offered enthusiastic and unconditional support. The rest of the meetings were with key legislative staff. This year we presented each elected official with a picture of a park project in their district funded in part by a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant and the pictures were a huge hit - you can view the final images by clicking here. Thanks to those of you who helped us with the effort.

Jason and I walked the halls of Congress and talked the Parks and Recreation story.  We gave our elected officials the facts about Parks and Recreation and we had a presence.  While the firefighters might have had more people, our story was just as compelling and important.

On the state level, the Trust Fund continues to be a popular topic and unfortunately for all the wrong reasons.  While SB 233, which is the appropriations bill for projects approved by the Trust Fund last December, has made it to the Governor's desk for his signature, there are many bills in the works that would divert funds from the Trust Fund for projects other than development and acquisition. It's become a full time job to monitor the assault. As we receive updates we will pass them onto you because we know the Trust Fund is vital to the local communities. Take a minute and contact your State Representative and Senator and let them know how important the Trust Fund has been to your community. They need to hear from you! You can find an overview of current state advocacy alerts by clicking here.

Happy Spring - here's hoping the weather catches up with the calendar.