Start off 2014 with 'Shoe Year’s Day' hikes at Michigan state parks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 20, 2013

Contact: Maia Turek, 989-225-8573 or Ed Golder, 517-284-6241


Michigan state parks kick off 2014 with 'Shoe Year’s Day'
snowshoe and hiking events

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) are partnering together to help Michigan residents get Fresh Air Fit this year with special "Shoe Year's Day" snowshoe and hiking events taking place in state parks and recreation areas across the state.

Most events take place on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, but there are a few others later during that week. Strap on a pair of snowshoes or lace up hiking boots and join other fitness-minded individuals for these "Shoe Year's Day" treks. Participants will receive healthy lifestyle tips from local experts, learn about Fresh Air Fit programs at the parks, enjoy healthy refreshments and make an official pledge to get Fresh Air Fit this year.

Scheduled Shoe Year's Day events include:

Sterling State Park (Monroe County)
Wed., Jan. 1, 9:30-11 a.m. Meet at the Lotus Pavilion.

Maybury State Park (Wayne County)
Wed., Jan. 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at the concession building, located off the 8 Mile Road entrance.

Rockport State Recreation Area (Alpena County)
Sat., Jan. 4, 10 a.m.-noon. Meet at the trailhead.

Thompson’s Harbor State Park (Presque Isle County)
Wed., Jan. 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Meet at Stone Path Cabin.

Van Riper State Park (Marquette County)
Wed., Jan. 1, 10 a.m.-noon. Meet at the rustic cabin on the north side of US-41.

Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County)
Wed., Jan. 1, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Meet at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center.

Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County)
Wed., Jan. 1, 11 a.m. Meet at the Long Lake Outdoor Center warming lodge.

Proud Lake Recreation Area (Oakland County)
Wed., Jan. 1, 1 p.m. Meet at the activities building.

Algonac State Park (St. Clair County)
Wed., Jan. 1, 1:30-3 p.m. Meet at campsite #1.

Clear Lake State Park (Montmorency County)
Sat., Jan. 4, 2 p.m. Meet at the Day Use Area.

Brimley State Park (Chippewa County)
Sat., Jan. 4, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Meet at Algonquin Pathway, Sault Ste. Marie.

Mitchell State Park (Wexford County)
Fri., Jan. 3, 5-8 p.m. Meet at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center.

Sleepy Hollow State Park (Clinton County)
Fri., Jan. 3, 2:30 p.m. Meet at the park headquarters building.

Ludington State Park (Mason County)
Sat., Jan. 4, 6-8 p.m. Meet at the warming shelter.

All "Shoe Year's Day" events are free; however, a Recreation Passport is required for any vehicle entering a Michigan state park. Snowshoes will be available to rent at most locations. Check out the full January calendar of events at www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar to find a Shoe Year's Day event near you.

Cabin rentals are available for overnight stays at state parks and recreation areas across the state. Now, cabin and camping reservations are made easier than ever with the DNR’s new and improved website and call center campground reservation system (CRS), which is now accessible from your smart phone.

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking "YES" for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($30.50 annual; $8.40 daily) at any state park or recreation area or (annual passes only) through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.