July
19, 2005
Southeast Michigan citizens and visitors can participate in what is
being billed as the largest outdoor recreation event in the country on
Saturday, July 23, as Project GO – Get Outdoors kicks off at 10 a.m.
that day.
“Project GO – Get Outdoors will emphasize the importance of outdoor
recreation to our state’s quality of life,” said Department of Natural
Resources Director Rebecca Humphries. “Michigan is blessed with amazing
natural resources, and Project GO is one way we can showcase them to our
citizens and visitors.”
Project GO – Get Outdoors will take place in state parks, recreation
areas and water access sites around the state. A motor vehicle pass is
required for entrance to a state park or recreation area, however, 50
participants at each event will receive “GO Passes,” which can be
redeemed for a free visit to a state park before Dec. 31, 2005.
All activities start at 10 a.m. In southeast Michigan, residents can
choose from the following activities:
 | Bay City Recreation Area in Bay County: The day-use area
will feature several public safety demonstrations including the Fire
Safety House, Coast Guard rescue demonstration, St. Mary’s emergency
flight crew. There will be a guided bicycle trail ride starting at
Liberty Harbor Marina, a casting contest at the Saginaw River Mouth
boat launch, a Marsh Mystery Hike, and a puppet show. |
| Sleepy Hollow State Park in Clinton County: The day-use and
beach areas will have several demonstrations involving dogs – border
collie herding, how dogs help people who cannot hear and who have
mobility challenges, therapy dogs, and a search and rescue dog
demonstration. |
| Hemlock Lake Access Site in Hillsdale County: Two DNR
conservation officers will be on hand to give complimentary boat
safety inspections. |
| Albert E. Sleeper State Park in Huron County: A trick kite
demonstration will be held on the beach and includes a free kite to
the first 50 children to participate. |
| Port Austin State Harbor in Huron County: There will be a
tour of the breakwall and lighthouse along with a picnic lunch at the
harbor. |
| Port Crescent State Park in Huron County: There will be a
Hike for Health, featuring three different hikes geared toward
different activity levels. There also will be blood pressure checks,
heart and diabetes educational materials, healthy cooking
demonstrations, kayaking, biking, walking, golf and yoga activities.
|
| Waterloo Recreation Area in Jackson County: There will be a
Dry Marsh Trail Hug, Campground Bike Parade and fishing contests. DNR
conservation officers will do complimentary boat inspections at the
Portage Lake Boating Access Site. |
| Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area in Lapeer County: There
will be a geocaching instructional program to help participants learn
more about this emerging recreational activity. |
| Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County: The Coast
Guard will perform free boat inspections. Also, at dusk, the Jackson
Astronomy Club will have a stargazing program in the day-use parking
area. |
| Hayes State Park in Lenawee County: A family “Try”athalon
gives everyone a chance to try new events and activities. |
| Brighton Recreation Area in Livingston County: There will
be a beginning birding hike to teach the basics of bird watching and
how to identify area birds. Participants should bring binoculars. |
| Island Lake Recreation Area in Livingston County:
Participants can try out the latest in canoes, kayaks and paddles, or
a drop a line in the water to learn more about fishing. |
| Wm. C. Sterling State Park in Monroe County: History comes
alike when kids can join a re-enactment of a Civil War military muster
armed with their squirt guns. Historical displays and a guided hike
will showcase some of the history of the area. |
| Bald Mountain Recreation Area in Oakland County: There will
be a radio-controlled airplane demonstration called “Wings in the
Sky.” |
| Dodge #4 State Park in Oakland County: There will be
boating, wake board and wind surfing demonstrations, and a fishing
clinic. |
| Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Oakland County: There will
be mountain bike and horseback trail rides with “Olympic Games” for
campers. |
| Proud Lake Recreation Area in Oakland County: There will be
a fishing derby and horse trail ride. |
| Pinckney Recreation Area in Washtenaw County: At Embrace
the Dirt, participants will circle the lake at Half Moon Beach for a
satellite photograph and then enjoy a 5K run. There also will be the
Annual Triple Challenge – a 46-mile mountain bike ride that
incorporates parts of Potawatomi, Waterloo and Lakeland trails. The
bike ride is rigorous and designed for experienced riders. |
| Waterloo Recreation Area and Eddy Discovery Center in Washtenaw
County: There will be a campground bike parade and a summer bog
hike. |
| Maybury State Park in Wayne County: There will be a
birthday celebration with historic children’s games, a Maybury History
Hike, an animal tracks demonstration, and a campfire program that
starts at 7 p.m. |
| Tri-Centennial State Park in Wayne County: Participants can
join Michigan Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom to enjoy a
fishing derby and “Boot Camp” workout. |
“Project GO-Get Outdoors celebrates outdoor recreation and the role
it plays improving the quality of life in Michigan,” said DNR Parks and
Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson. “Whether biking, hiking, camping,
swimming, boating, fishing, hunting or simply exploring nature, park and
recreation facilities provide opportunities for people of all ages and
all backgrounds to enjoy our state's diverse natural resources.
Participants can improve their health and show their support for
Michigan's recreation opportunities.”
A complete list of statewide Project GO-Get Outdoors events is available
at the DNR Web site.
