Funds from COVID relief power major upgrades in Michigan’s state parks, with 73% of 168 improvement projects now complete or in progress.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan’s state parks and trails experienced a surge in popularity, but also faced increasing stress on their infrastructure due to years of deferred maintenance. To address this issue, Michigan received a significant amount of federal relief funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Massive Funds From COVID Accelerate Repairs Across Michigan Parks

Funds From Covid for Bay City State Park

A sweeping $273 million investment in Michigan’s state parks system is producing visible results. Funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 and championed under Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan, 122 of 168 state park infrastructure projects are now complete or in progress. This represents 73% of the targeted improvements.

Critical Infrastructure Upgrades Modernize Michigan’s Park System

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has used funds from COVID to tackle decades of deferred maintenance, improve infrastructure, and enhance accessibility and visitor comfort across 55 state parks.

“These critical federal relief funds are at the heart of many incredibly transformative projects,” said Kristen Kosick, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “Visitors are already seeing or will see important upgrades… geared toward a safer, more welcoming environment.”

Among the standout projects are major renovations at Ludington State Park, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and Belle Isle Park’s Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. Kosick confirmed that all ARPA funds must be used by December 31, 2026, ensuring continued construction through 2026.

Flint Gets First-Ever State Park in Genesee County

One key development is the creation of a new state park in Flint, marking the first such facility in Genesee County. This milestone supports equitable access to green space in underserved urban communities, a goal outlined in the governor’s original proposal.

Local Projects Showcase Regional Benefits from Funds From COVID

Notable park upgrades include:

Port Crescent State Park (Huron County): $4.95 million funded road, electrical, sewer, and hookup site upgrades.
Bay City State Park (Bay County): Renovated campground entrance, sidewalks, and a bus drop-off loop supported by $4.35 million.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Chippewa County): Over $3.2 million improved the campground, boardwalk access, and restroom facilities.
Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park: The final 21-mile stretch was paved between Howard City and Big Rapids, completing the 92-mile trail using $9.6 million.
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory (Detroit): Underwent two years of renovations backed by $35.25 million.

Funds From COVID Projects Balance Access with Temporary Closures

While many parkgoers are now enjoying upgrades, some sites remain closed during active construction. The DNR encourages visitors to check status updates at Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress and Michigan.gov/DNRClosures to avoid travel disruptions.

State Parks Are An Investment

The use of funds from COVID aligns with a national trend of using pandemic relief to revitalize public infrastructure. Michigan’s strategy reflects recommendations from the Urban Institute, which advocates directing federal aid toward long-term capital investments, especially those that enhance community health and equity.

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