Michigan's State Park System will be celebrating 90 years of excellence at all Michigan state parks and recreation areas throughout 2009. The Department of Natural Resources is planning a 90th Anniversary Kick-Off for Saturday, June 20, at state parks and recreation areas across Michigan.

"Throughout the year, all of the park locations are planning special events to celebrate the 90th anniversary," said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. "The Kick-Off for the 90th Anniversary will be held on Saturday, June 20, and state parks that day will celebrate with cake, ice cream and activities for our visitors."

Throughout the spring, summer and fall, park visitors will find a variety of planned events to celebrate this special anniversary. From Old Thyme Days at Interlochen State Park to music festivals and fishing contests, history week at Ludington State Park, geo-caching days and a native heritage day.

"There will be a wide variety of events to pique the interest of park visitors and outdoor enthusiasts," said Olson. "It will be a perfect opportunity to GO-Get Outdoors, visit and support our state parks, recreation areas and boating facilities, and join us in celebrating 90 years of excellence."

The DNR Parks and Recreation Division is trying to make the anniversary celebration extra special by seeking partnerships from local and national businesses, groups or organizations. Organizations interested in partnering with one or more of the state parks for this celebration will receive unique benefits that are being created. For more information on becoming a sponsor or partner for this event, visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr for more information or contact Kristina Squibb at (517) 373-7987 or squibbk@michigan.gov.

In 1919, the Michigan Legislature created the Michigan State Park Commission, which was charged with acquiring lands for state parks and maintaining the parks for outdoor recreation.

Interlochen State Park became the first new state park in 1919. Since then, Michigan has expanded to 98 state parks and recreation areas. The newest state park, Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor in Detroit, was established in 2003 and is still in its final phases of construction. Over the years, the state park system also has acquired 285,000 acres of land which serve as the foundation for six scenic sites, 10 lighthouses, 830 developed boating access sites, 17 harbors, five linear trails and numerous historic and cultural features, all under the authority of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

In addition to the June 20 anniversary events, state parks and recreation areas throughout the state will host over 400 events this year. As events are planned, they are posted on the Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrgogetoutdoors. For more information about events at state parks and recreation areas, contact the DNR Parks and Recreation Division at (517) 373-9900 or visit the "Get Outdoors Calendar" on the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.