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Michigan Recreation and Park Association
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About mParks


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Join mParks

Become an mParks member and start improving your community and the state of Michigan.

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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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

MAR
18

mParks Open House

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
MAR
30

MIOSHA Training

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
APR
07

Park System Tour

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

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.