June 1, 2011

Van Buren State Park will sponsor its sixth annual "Go-Get Outdoors" 5K Run/Walk on June 18. The run begins at 9 a.m. in the south parking lot of the day use area, followed by the walk stepping off at 9:05 a.m. The competitive run and the "just-for-fun" walk course cover two miles of paved roads and about one mile of an old railroad spur that has a natural gravel surface.

Medals will be awarded to the top finishers in the competitive run. The first 100 participants to register will receive a free T-shirt when they check in on race day.

To preregister for the 5K Run/Walk or for more information, contact Van Buren State Park at 269-637-2788. The park is located at 23960 Ruggles Rd. in South Haven in Michigan's Van Buren County. Registration will also be held between 8-8:45 a.m. on the day of the race. Camping reservations can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com or by calling 800-447-2757.

The event is free of charge to participate; however, a Recreation Passport is required for entry into the park.

The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities.

Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "YES" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site; these can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call (517) 241-7275.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.