It's no secret that the state's parks are in bad shape, and that's as true here in Northwest Michigan as it is anywhere else. The problem is funding and that people just aren't using the parks for the current costs of $6 per day or $24 for an annual pass.
The
Royal Oak Daily Tribune ran a story noting that a new funding system is going into play this week with hopes that it will change the emptiness of the park system's coffers.
Excerpt: Desperate for money to fix Michigan's crumbling state parks, officials are gambling that motorists will chip in a little extra cash when renewing their car and truck licenses.
A new system for funding the parks begins Friday, when residents will have the option of paying $10 for a "recreation passport" in addition to their vehicle registration fee. Good for a year, the passport will grant access to all 98 state parks and recreation areas, plus boat launches.
Presently, park visitors are charged $6 per day or $24 for an annual pass.
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Source: Royal Oak Daily Tribune
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