To: Brian K. Flewelling, Public Works Committee Chairperson
From: Patrick Linihan, Parks and Recreation Director
title
RE: Approval of an agreement between Genesee County and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in the amount of $379,541.00, to provide programming at Genesee County's State Park; the budget for this agreement is attached
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Genesee County Parks and Recreation staff requests the approval of an agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Marketing & Outreach Division to provide interpretive programming at the State Park in Flint.
BACKGROUND:
Michigan DNR approached Parks staff for consideration of urban youth programming, specifically in the State Park area. Parks staff will provide Nature Awaits programming and public programming year-round, including Stepping Stones urban youth programming.
Stepping Stones is a free outdoor education program aimed at fostering confidence, environmental awareness and appreciation for nature, for ages 9 and older. Activities would include fishing, paddle sports, nature exploration, and water studies.
Nature Awaits is Michigan's fourth grade state park field trip program. The goal of this program is to connect with all 4th grade classes in the area to attend an environmental education experience at the State Park in Flint, focusing on meeting 4th grade curriculum standards including science, social studies, physical fitness and language arts through experimental learning outdoors. The program aims to make sure Michigan's kids learn that our state parks are for everyone, and that a lifetime of spending time outdoors is good for physical and mental health.
DISCUSSION:
Michigan DNR will fund up to $379,541.00 for the first year of administration and supervision of the programming and services. $229,541.00 is earmarked for staffing expenses, including the addition of one (1) full-time Park Naturalist, and $150,000.00 is earmarked for program suppli...
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