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Michigan Activity Pass Program Celebrates 10 Years, Offers Free Passes to State Parks and Cultural Destinations Courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Michigan Parks and Libraries
Brianna Neace
| 3 min read
LANSING, May 15, 2017 – Celebrating its 10-year-anniversary, the Michigan Activity Pass will continue to provide library card holders at participating libraries statewide with free or discounted access to hundreds of Michigan state parks and recreation areas, historic sites, cultural attractions and campgrounds. The program is courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks) and The Library Network. The program will kick off with a brief presentation on Wednesday, May 17, at the Michigan History Center in Lansing at 1:30 p.m. “The recreational opportunities available throughout Michigan are incredible and offer activities for everyone.” said Suzanne Miller Allen, director of Community Responsibility at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “From running and biking to swimming and climbing, physical activity in any form is beneficial to everyone’s continued health and wellness. Blue Cross is proud to support the Michigan Activity Pass program to provide more residents access to these resources.” Offered through MI Big Green Gym, a collaboration between Blue Cross, mParks and the DNR, the Michigan Activity Pass encourages Michigan residents to lead healthier lifestyles through the use of state parks and recreational areas. Beginning May 24, 2017 through May 23, 2018, cardholders of participating libraries can print a free one-day pass, either at home or at their local library, which can be used at 435 participating destinations across the state including any of Michigan’s 102 state parks or 138 state forest campgrounds. The program also offers free or discounted admission to 195 historical and cultural destinations in Michigan. This year, nine new destinations have been added to the program’s already inclusive list of parks and institutions across the state. “We are excited to build momentum with the Michigan Activity Pass each year,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Michigan state parks are packed with plenty of open space, trails, historical sites, overnight camping and much more. These outdoor places are also a great place to stay physically active with family and friends. Think of your state park as your own outdoor gym membership or a place to immerse yourself in a history or natural resources lesson.” “The Library Network is pleased to continue support for the highly popular Michigan Activity Pass. From humble beginnings in southeast Michigan, featuring a partnership with 30 museums and cultural institutions, the program, with its destination partner, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, now features over 450 sites statewide,” said Library Network Executive Director Jim Pletz. “With all 11 Michigan Library Cooperatives participating as contact points with more than 367 public libraries across the state, library patrons are empowered to visit these sites. Last year, the Michigan Activity Pass program returned $50,000 in value to over 10,000 patrons who used their library card to secure admission to a featured site." For more information on the Michigan Activity Pass, including a complete list of supported venues and participating libraries, visit michiganactivitypass.info. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides and administers health benefits to more than 4.5 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies who reside outside the state. For more company information, visit bcbsm.com and MIBluesPerspectives.com.
