The Department of Natural Resources highlighted recent awards received by Michigan State Parks at the March 5 Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing.

"The department is very proud of the state parks and their programs that were award recipients at a recent Michigan Recreation and Park Association conference," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "Our parks are constantly striving for innovation and inclusion, and these awards show that those efforts are paying off." Among the award recipients:

• Dodge #4 State Park in Oakland County. The Friends of Dodge #4 State Park and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office - Benefit for the Handicapped, received an MRPA Community Service Award for their Annual Disabled Fishing Derby that takes place every summer at Dodge #4 State Park. For the past 18 years, this event has helped get persons with disabilities out on Cass Lake for a fishing derby. Each year, more than 1,500 children and their parents come out to participate in the derby. More information about the park and this event is available on the park's Web site at www.michigan.gov/dodge4, or on the Oakland County Sheriff's Office - Benefit for the Handicapped Web site at www.ocsdbenefit.org.

• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park picked up an MRPA Innovative Park Resources Award for its Kaug Wudjoo Lodge. This former park manager's residence was renovated and reopened as a rental lodge after being slated for demolition. The lodge provides a unique lodging opportunity for park visitors. More information on the lodge, including rental rates, is available on the park's Web site at www.michigan.gov/porkies.

• DNR Parks and Recreation Division - Urban Outreach Program. This program was awarded an MRPA Innovative Recreation Programming Award. In 2008, DNR Parks and Recreation Division staff started investing more time and effort into attracting non-traditional users by connecting urban youth and families with state parks. A variety of programs were developed, including a partnership between Sleepy Hollow State Park and the Lansing Parks and Recreation Department to create a day camp for approximately 600 attendees. Field trips for 30 church pastors from Saginaw, Flint and Pontiac also were conducted to orient church leaders to what state parks have to offer for group outings. The pastors were able to take part in horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, disc golf and many other outdoor activities. Other activities include partnerships with the Boys and Girls Clubs in Bay City, Saginaw and Flint that resulted in day and overnight trips to state parks for more than 150 children. Mentoring programs also have been created between Global Dads of America and Holly Recreation Area, and Warren Dunes State Park staff and Benton Harbor High School students. For more information about this program, or if your group or organization would be interested in partnering with Michigan State Parks for future events, visit the Parks and Recreation Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr or contact your local state park or recreation area.

• Wells State Park. The WSP-3 Friends of Wells State Park received an MRPA Community Service Award for their efforts to raise money for new playground equipment for the park. Not only did the group raise money through traditional methods, but also by applying for grants from local foundations. The result was the group surpassed their fundraising goal by more than $10,000.

"Our staff, Friends Groups, and community partners have made significant differences in working toward innovation and inclusion at all levels," said DNR Parks and Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson. "We have great things being accomplished in our state parks, and these awards just highlight a few of those achievements."

For more information about Michigan State Parks, visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.