Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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July 01, 2025
WHEREAS parks and recreation are an integral part of communities throughout this country, including Michigan; and,
WHEREAS parks and recreation promote health and wellness, improving the physical and mental health of people who live near parks; and,
WHEREAS parks and recreation promote time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing well-being and helping some to alleviate illnesses such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer’s; and,
WHEREAS parks and recreation encourages physical activities by providing space for popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools, and many other activities designed to promote active lifestyles; and,
WHEREAS parks and recreation programming and education activities, such as out-of-school time programming, youth sports and environmental education, help our kids learn and grow; and,
WHEREAS parks and recreation increase a community’s economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction; and,
WHEREAS parks and recreation are fundamental to the environmental well-being of our communities; and,
WHEREAS our parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors; and,
WHEREAS, since I took office, my administration has invested more than a record-breaking $780 million in our state parks, trails, and other outdoor facilities; and we established Nature Awaits to give every 4th grader a free field trip to a state park or recreation area so that every kid can experience Pure Michigan; and,
WHEREAS the U.S. House of Representatives has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month; and,
WHEREAS the State of Michigan recognizes the benefits derived from parks and recreation resources;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month in Michigan.