A township may operate a system of public recreation and playgrounds; acquire, equip and maintain land, buildings or other recreational facilities; employ a superintendent of recreation and assistants; and vote and expend funds for the operation of such system.

A township may acquire, maintain, manage, and control township parks, resorts, bathing beaches, and places of recreation; create a township park commission; provide for a board of commissioners to provide for the issuance of bonds and the levy of taxes; provide for the transfer of certain real property for parks; appropriate money for park purposes; and acquire, construct, and use wharves, piers, docks, and landing places.

Recreation Grant Information (MDNR)

The Many Faces of Township Parks & Recreation (.pdf)
Michigan Township News, June 2000

Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plans (.pdf) (DNR)

Plainfield Township (Iosco County) Recreation Plan 2006-2011 (.pdf)

Wildlife Action Plans and Utilities Management (.pdf)

Environmental Law Institute 

Recreation and Conservation Lands 

Part 721 of the Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.72101, et seq.

Rails-to-Trails (and other Michigan Trailways)