Huron-Clinton Metroparks work to expand green infrastructure to prevent flooding
Courtesy of Michigan Public Radio
By Lester Graham
MICHIGAN - The Huron-Clinton Metroparks system wants to expand the ability to manage stormwater runoff that causes problems for some of the communities the parks serve.
Areas that once rarely or never flooded are now seeing flooded basements and streets because of the intense rainstorms caused by climate change.
The park system is working to change the landscape on parkland to slow stormwater. In some cases, what were once manicured lawns at the parks are now allowed to grow, capturing stormwater to give it time to soak into the ground. It’s part of a climate action plan that calls for expanding green infrastructure.
Read more:
https://www.michiganradio.org/environment-climate-change/2023-08-29/huron-clinton-metroparks-work-to-expand-green-infrastructure-to-prevent-flooding
77 groups come together to launch effort to educate Texans about $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund
Courtesy of WoodlandsOnline.com
TEXAS - On November 7, Texans will have the opportunity to vote statewide on Proposition 14, a Constitutional Amendment that will create the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. The $1 billion fund will help secure new parks for future generations of Texans to explore and enjoy without increasing taxes. To educate Texans about this amendment, the Texas Coalition for State Parks — a diverse range of 77 organizations from around the state—has come together to support this once-in-a-generation effort to grow Texas parks.
Read more:
https://www.woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=76608
Two-county solution offers urban Nevada kids a rural retreat
Courtesy of NACo
By Charlie Ban
NEVADA - With millions of dollars in tax revenue built up to create a 4-H camp, the world would seem to be Commissioner Kirkpatrick’s oyster. But much like oysters, available land surrounding Las Vegas is in short supply, dramatically limited by federally owned land throughout the county — the norm for the state. Over three years, the largest plot she could find for the camp was 10 acres. She and Varlin Higbee, a commissioner in neighboring Lincoln County, hatched a plan.
A corporate events center in Higbee’s hometown of Alamo that was on sale after declining use since the COVID-19 pandemic. It meant a lot to Higbee to see it find a renewed purpose, and one close to his heart. One that inspires him to add his efforts, partially out of muscle memory, to make the camp a success.
That’s what Higbee and Kirkpatrick are aiming for — giving a new experience to children who don’t usually get to leave their urban neighborhoods. An hour and 15 minutes on a bus can change their perspectives and blow their minds, and that’s before they even arrive at the 72-acre camp and see the 17-bedroom, 17,000 square-foot building that may soon support overnight trips that can give kids their first view of a full night sky.
Read more:
https://www.naco.org/articles/two-county-solution-offers-urban-nevada-kids-rural-retreat
Rural Outdoor Investment Act Reintroduced in Congress
Courtesy of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
Leading outdoor recreation organizations are fully supporting Senator Michael Bennet and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury’s newly-introduced Rural Outdoor Investment (ROI) Act. This bill provides much-needed support for rural communities seeking to build and plan for recreation economies.
If passed, the ROI Act’s funding could not come at a better time. Outdoor recreation participation sky-rocketed during the pandemic as millions of Americans flocked toward local and federal public lands and waters. For the gateway communities alongside these treasured destinations, this new interest presents excellent opportunities for economic diversification and stability, as well as new challenges to manage around stewardship, housing, and visitor management. The ROI Act would direct resources to help communities strategically integrate outdoor recreation into their plans.
Read more:
https://recreationroundtable.org/news/outdoor-recreation-leaders-back-bill-to-bolster-rural-communities-outdoor-rec-economy/
Underused underpass near Market Square now an urban recreational space
Courtesy of San Antonio Report
By Shari Biediger and Raquel Torres
TEXAS - The concept of turning underutilized space created by overpasses has been catching on for the last 10 years or so. Brightly painted and described as an urban gathering space designed for relaxation and play, The Pass includes new lighting, a shaded basketball court, ping pong tables, large picnic tables, wrap-around seating areas, two sets of swinging chairs and long benches.
Read more:
https://sanantonioreport.org/san-antonio-pass-market-square-underpass-recreational-space/
