Michigan DNR’s Recreation 101 Program earns national award

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Parks and Recreation Division has been honored by the National Association of State Park Directors, which recently gave its 2012 President’s Award to the agency in recognition of its Recreation 101 program - a popular and growing series of instructional events and workshops that encourage residents and visitors to get out, learn new recreation skills and enjoy the outdoors.

The award honors statewide organizations that have made an extraordinary contribution to the goals of a state park system.

According to DNR Parks and Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson, the Recreation 101 program, which is currently in its second year, has proved to be an excellent example of a successful collaboration between many sectors of the recreation community.

“Recreation 101 has grown from 87 events in 2011 to more than 300 introductory programs in 2012, offering almost everything from archery to windsurfing, that have led people into our parks and recreation areas, and also into a healthy, more active lifestyle,” Olson said.

He added that the program has reached thousands of people in the last two years and has involved a successful partnership between volunteer instructors and nearly 100 Michigan outdoor recreation businesses.

The award was presented during the National Association of State Park Directors’ annual conference that took place Sept. 4-7 in Lexington, Ky.

Learn more about the Recreation 101 program at www.michigan.gov/rec101. The DNR also offers ongoing nature programming; check out the schedule at www.michigan.gov/natureprograms.