RELEASE

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Michigan Parks and Otsego County Library Partner to Add Michigan Activity Pass Program to Third Year of MI Big Green Gym

Meghan O'Brien

| 3 min read

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) and The Library Network will kick off the third-annual Michigan Activity Pass program Tuesday, July 14, at 10:30 a.m. at Otsego County Library in Gaylord. The Michigan Activity Pass offers cardholders at more than 400 participating Michigan libraries a one-day pass to explore – for free or discounted rates – hundreds of Michigan’s state parks, historic sites, cultural attractions, campgrounds and recreation areas simply by visiting their local library or the Michigan Activity Pass website. The Michigan Activity Pass program is a new component for the third-year of MI Big Green Gym, a partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, MRPA and the DNR that encourages Michigan residents to use the state’s parks and recreation facilities to increase physical activity. The Michigan Activity Pass allows library cardholders to print a pass, either from home or their local library, that is valid for one-time entry into any Michigan state park or recreation area and more than 100 participating cultural institutions, including many museums, for up to one week. “Blue Cross Blue Shield is proud to be a supporter of MI Big Green Gym and the Michigan Activity Pass program, which encourages people in Michigan to take advantage of numerous opportunities to live a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Suzanne Miller Allen, director of Community Responsibility at Blue Cross. “This program not only supports local libraries, like the Otsego County Library, it also enables people to take advantage of Michigan’s great attractions at a great discount.” DNR Director Keith Creagh said, “Partnerships make creative programs like the Michigan Activity Pass possible. By working together, we are able to provide even broader opportunities for people to try a new outdoor skills, explore different areas of the state and experience all our award-winning state parks have to offer.” “We are excited to collaborate with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Department of Natural Resources on the Michigan Activity Pass program,” said Jim Pletz, director, The Library Network. “The Michigan Activity Pass is a great value for our patrons as it encourages people to enjoy some of Michigan’s greatest resources free of charge.” Maureen Derenzy, director of the Otsego County Library, said, “We’re excited to offer the Michigan Activity Pass at the Otsego County Library and to our cardholders. We hope our patrons have great experiences checking out all the destinations included through the program.” Senator Jim Stamas said, “The Michigan Activity Pass is Pure Michigan. I appreciate the investment from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Library Network to offer this program. It is a great way to explore the beautiful resources of our state.” 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, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides and administers health benefits to more than 4.4 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.
Photo Credit: Dan Perry
MI Blues Perspectives is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association