Close

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to host board meeting, community events in Flint

Members of the public are invited to attend and provide comments.

Environment

Flint Area

Aerial view of Chevy Commons shows the transformation of former industrial land into a vibrant public space along the Flint River.
An aerial view of Chevy Commons shows the transformation of former industrial land into a vibrant public space along the Flint River. The site will be highlighted during the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund 50th anniversary event, showcasing the impact of long-term investment in parks and outdoor recreation.

Photo: Jenifer Veloso

Flint, Michigan — State and local leaders, community partners and residents will gather in Flint April 14-15 for a board meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The meeting also will celebrate the 50th anniversary of MNRTF’s investment in parks, public spaces and outdoor recreation across the state.

This is a free, public event. All community members are welcome to attend any portion of the program. Registration is encouraged to help organizers plan for space, food and logistics, but it is not required for entry. See the full agenda and register here.

The two-day event will include a site visit to Chevy Commons, a community reception and the official MNRTF board meeting at the Flint Farmers’ Market. The gathering will highlight the importance of green spaces in Flint.

On the afternoon of April 14, participants will take part in a walking tour of Chevy Commons, where partners will share information about the past, present and future of the site and surrounding areas. Remarks from leaders of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will highlight how MNRTF support has contributed to the site’s development and ongoing revitalization.

The evening will continue with a reception hosted at the Flint River Watershed Coalition featuring a community conversation panel with local leaders and residents reflecting on how public spaces contribute to neighborhood vitality, economic activity and quality of life.

“Investments in parks and public spaces are investments in community health, connection and opportunity,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation. “Flint has demonstrated how these spaces can be shaped by and for the people who use them every day, and we’re proud to support efforts that strengthen neighborhoods and expand access to the outdoors.”

On April 15, the MNRTF board will convene its official public meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Flint Farmers’ Market. The meeting will include presentations on projects supported by the Trust Fund, including ongoing and future work at Chevy Commons, Genesee County parks and trails, and other sites across the region and the state. Members of the public are invited to attend and provide comments.

The event also will include an optional walking tour of Flint’s downtown riverfront, showcasing current and planned investments in parks and outdoor recreation, including areas supported by MNRTF funding.

Since its creation in 1976, MNRTF has supported several state and local government agencies across more than 3,000 locations with $1.4 billion towards the purchase, development and preservation of public outdoor recreation spaces throughout the state. The funds granted by MNRTF are made possible by revenues from licenses on public lands for various uses.

Contact