Community Service Awards
About mParks
- Board of Directors »
- Committees / Regional Groups »
- Staff »
- Founding Principles / Documents »
- MRPA Foundation »
- Annual Report »
Join mParks
Become an mParks member and start improving your community and the state of Michigan.
Join Today »
Who We Are
Founded in 1935, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks) provides advocacy, resources and professional development opportunities to a devoted and diverse membership of park and recreation agencies, professionals, vendors and advocates.
mParks exists to provide our members with resources, to advocate for the profession and to prove parks, recreation and leisure services matter.
Learn more about the benefits of membership »
Programs, Services, Travel & Initiatives
Hall of Fame »
Travel Opportunities »
Discount Ticket Programs »
No Child Left Inside Coalition »
Youth & Adult Athletics »
From travel opportunities and online ticket programs, to athletic tournaments and mobile apps for your department, mParks strives to provide programs and services that benefit park and recreation professionals, agencies and community residents. Check out the various opportunities to get involved today!
Best Cities to Visit in Michigan
Lansing
It is a small city, the capital of the region. The city's main attraction is the Michigan State Capitol. The building was built at the end of the 19th century in the style of Italian neoclassicism. The R. E. Olds Museum of Transportation will delight lovers of vintage cars.
In it you can see unique cars from the beginning of the 20th century. For lovers of active tourism, there is a hiking trail along the Red Cedar River.
Top 10 hotels in Lansing:
- Radisson Hotel Lansing At The Capitol
- Causeway Bay Hotel
- Courtyard By Marriott Lansing
- Quality Suites Hotel - Lansing
- Ramada Lansing Hotel And Conference Center
- Comfort Inn Lansing
- Springhill Suites Lansing By Marriott
- Candlewood Suites East Lansing, An Ihg Hotel
- Crowne Plaza Lansing West, An Ihg Hotel
- Hyatt Place Lansing-East
Detroit
The main center of the automotive industry in the United States, the largest city in Michigan. The magnificent Henry Ford Museum is definitely worth a visit. It contains a huge collection of cars and other equipment.
You may also be interested in the Fox Theater building with its dazzling interior and the Art Institute with over 100 galleries. Belle Isle, which is located in the heart of the city, is a must-see. Here you can go fishing or just relax in nature.
Top 10 hotels in Detroit:
- Greektown Casino-Hotel
- Shinola Hotel
- The Siren Hotel
- Atheneum Suite Hotel
- The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
- Detroit Foundation Hotel
- Detroit Marriott At The Renaissance Center
- Doubletree By Hilton Detroit - Dearborn
- Trumbull And Porter Hotel
- Hotel St. Regis
Grand Rapids
The city has a museum that tells about the life and work of the 38th US President Gerald Ford as head of state. Admire the magnificent Victorian, Italian and Spanish mansions in the exclusive Heritage Hill area.
Popular with tourists are the Voigt House Museum and the Mayer May House in the prairie style. See the beautiful landscape and sculpture complex with unique plants in the Meyer Gardens and Sculpture Park.
Top 10 hotels in Grand Rapids:
- Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Curio Collection By Hilton
- Jw Marriott Grand Rapids
- Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront
- Homewood Suites By Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
- Plaza Grand Rapids Airport Hotel & Conference Center
- Doubletree By Hilton Grand Rapids Airport
- Drury Inn & Suites Grand Rapids
- Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown
- Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown
- Holiday Inn Grand Rapids-Airport, An Ihg Hotel
Ann Arbor
A city located 60 km from Detroit. This is the main campus of the University of Michigan. Students make up over 25% of Ann Arbor's residents. The main attraction is the University of Michigan Art Museum. The works of European, American, African and Asian masters of the brush are stored here - more than 19 thousand unique exhibits in total. Ann Arbor is home to the Detroit Observatory.
Top 10 hotels in Ann Arbor:
- Graduate Ann Arbor
- Weber'S Hotel & Restaurant
- The Kensington Hotel
- Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel
- Bell Tower Hotel
- Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor Regent Hotel And Suites
- Wyndham Garden Ann Arbor
- Courtyard Ann Arbor
- Hyatt Place Ann Arbor
Flint
The city of universities and colleges, located on the river of the same name. There are many wonderful places in the city and suburbs that seem to be created for outdoor recreation, such as Flint Park Lake, Swarts Creek.
Tourists often visit the Institute of Arts, where paintings and sculptures by famous masters are kept. Children and travelers enjoy spending time in the Children's Museum of the city.
Top 10 hotels in Flint:
- Holiday Inn Flint - Grand Blanc Area
- Baymont By Wyndham Flint
- Courtyard By Marriott Flint
- Residence Inn By Marriott Flint Grand Blanc
- Knights Inn Flint
- Red Roof Inn Flint - Bishop Airport
- Home Town Inn
- Hampton Inn And Suites Flint/Grand Blanc
- Best Western Plus Flint Airport Inn & Suites
- Days Inn By Wyndham Flint/Bishop International Airport
Education, Training & Resources
List of Current Educational Opportunities »
Resource Center »
Conference & Trade Show »
SMART Parks & Recreation »
Partnering for Parks »
At mParks, we know that collaboration and education are paramount; that a knowledgeable park and recreation industry is an effective one. To do our part, we work to offer useful, insightful trainings and a wide selection of resources to help our members be successful.
Advocacy
Advocacy Resources »
Advocacy Information »
NRPA's Advocacy Insider »
Justifying Parks Resources »
mParks Public Policy Priorities »
July is Parks & Recreation Month »
mParks advocates for state and federal policies that support essential park and recreation services. The Association's Public Policy Committee monitors legislation related to parks, recreation, tourism and conservation issues, suggests positions to the Board of Directors and keeps the membership informed.
Learn more and view recent action alerts »
Latest News & Happenings
Newsroom »
Awards »
PROfessional Quarterly »
Complete mParks Event Calendar »
Latest Newsroom Articles!
|
mParks announces 2015-16 Michigan Recreation and Park Awards |
|
Michigan's Parks, Trails Offer Great Places to Realize Fitness Goals |
|
#MiShoeYear - a movement for more movement |
Upcoming Events & Deadlines
mParks Open House
MIOSHA Training
Park System Tour
Foundation
MRPA Foundation Website »
About the Foundation (PDF) »
Board of Directors »
Opportunities for Giving »
Established in 2002, the MRPA Foundation provides financial support to people and programs that work to enrich the health and well-being of all Michigan citizens, through increased access to recreation and outdoor experiences. The foundation additionally supports the professional development and recognition of parks and recreation practitioners.
Learn more about the MRPA Foundation »
Join mParks
Become an mParks member & start improving your community & the state of Michigan.
Join mParks Today
Become an mParks member and strengthen your professional knowledge and network base. Choose from a variety of committees, professional development opportunities, and more.