Vote yes on Prop 1 for more outdoor spaces for families
My family has always loved the outdoors. In today’s day and age, when screens seem to cut into precious family time and with all the challenges of the pandemic, spending time outside has never been more valuable. Whether it was enjoying an afternoon with family and friends at Metro Park Beach, running on Paint Creek trail or hunting for Petoskey Stones on the shores of Lake Michigan with my kids, there are so many wonderful memories we have made across Michigan’s beautiful parks, beaches and trails.
This election season, families and parents across Michigan have an opportunity to expand access to our outdoor spaces by voting yes on Proposal 1. Proposal 1 will update and expand the Michigan Natural Resources Trust ( MNRTF). The Trust Fund protects our parks, public joy. lands, wild- life habitats and clean water sources by funding land conservation across Michigan at no cost to us taxpayers. Since 1976, the MNRTF has been funded by royalties from oil, gas, and mining leases on state- owned lands.
While the pandemic has postponed the typical school trips our kids take to some of the state’s iconic state parks, our family, like many families in the state, has still been able to take advantage of this precious time together by exploring new parks and trails in our area. If anything, the pandemic has only reinforced how important it is for Michiganders to have access to outdoor spaces to connect and stay healthy, both mentally and physically. After so much time spent cooped up indoors, we are so fortunate that we are just a short walk or drive from all sorts of incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Voting yes on Proposal 1 will continue supporting the places where memories are made — from Great Lake beaches and public lands to our trails, paths, parks and playgrounds. It will make sure that the royalties paid by oil and gas are invested back into our state’s natural resources.
Even better, if Prop 1 passes this Trust Fund will be able to fund all sorts of new outdoor spaces like these, without raising taxes. Despite these uncertain times we’re living in, I can at least take comfort in knowing that if Proposal 1 passes, the beautiful parks and trails my family has enjoyed will continue to be there for my children and their children to enjoy. No matter how you cast your ballot this year, I urge you to join me and so many other parents in voting yes on Proposal 1 so more families can continue to enjoy our outdoor spaces and make new memories for generations to come.
Jennifer Keuten Bloomfield Township