Parks and recreation are at the heart of many sporting experiences. They provide places to train, compete, and connect while creating welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike.

During National Parks and Recreation Month, we're highlighting the important role these spaces play in supporting sport tourism across Greater Lansing and beyond.We asked Nichole Fisher, president of the Michigan Recreation & Park Association, to share her perspective on how parks strengthen communities and help create memorable experiences for athletes, families, and visitors.

A pitcher throwing the softball with a player on 3rd base

Q: Can you briefly share the role of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association and what Parks & Recreation Month represents across the state?
A: mParks supports parks and recreation professionals across Michigan through education, advocacy, and resources that help communities create vibrant public spaces and programs. Parks & Recreation Month celebrates the essential role these spaces play in community health, connection, and quality of life. Nationally, 86% of Americans visited a park last year, and 68% view parks as a vital local government service. In Michigan, parks are where people gather, stay active, and experience the best of our communities. They are essential infrastructure, not just amenities.

Q: From your perspective, why are parks and recreation systems so essential to our Lansing area community's quality of life?
A: Parks and recreation are foundational to a healthy, connected community. In Greater Lansing, they provide spaces to be active, connect with nature, and spend time with others. They also shape how visitors experience the region. Amenities like the River Trail and Rotary Park serve as welcoming spaces for both residents and guests. With 99% of Americans reporting a sense of belonging in parks, these spaces play a critical role in fostering inclusion, connection, and overall quality of life.

Cricket Pitch at Delta Mills Park

Q: How do you see parks and recreation intersecting with sports tourism and event attractions?
A: Parks and recreation are key to attracting and hosting sporting events. Facilities like fields, courts, and trails make tournaments possible, while parks and local amenities enhance the overall visitor experience.

Communities that invest in recreation infrastructure are better positioned to attract events and encourage longer stays. With outdoor participation continuing to grow—now reaching more than 181 million Americans—these assets are more important than ever. Strong partnerships between parks departments, sports commissions, and tourism organizations help maximize both visitor experience and community impact.

Q: How do parks and recreation systems contribute to local economic impact or tourism growth?
A: Parks and recreation drive economic growth by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and increasing community appeal. Events and tournaments generate spending at hotels, restaurants, and shops, creating a ripple effect across the local economy. Outdoor recreation participation has grown significantly in recent years, opening new opportunities for tourism. Beyond direct impact, strong park systems help attract businesses and talent, making them a long-term investment in economic development.

Person throwing a disc into a basket while avoiding trees

Q: What trends or innovations in parks and recreation are you most excited about right now?
A: Parks are increasingly recognized as essential infrastructure that support health, resilience, and community connection. There is strong momentum around inclusive design, expanded trail systems, outdoor wellness programming, and green infrastructure. Participation is also becoming more diverse and multigenerational. Growing collaboration among park agencies, healthcare providers, and tourism partners is helping to expand impact and ensure that parks continue to serve as vital community assets.

Nichole Fisher, President, MI Parks & Recreation Association

Nichole Fisher, President, mParks MI Recreation & Park Association

“Parks and recreation are where community comes to life. They improve health, strengthen connections, and create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to thrive. Whether we’re investing in a neighborhood park, expanding a trail system, or hosting a regional sporting event, we’re ultimately investing in people and in the future of our communities.”

Highlighting the Lansing Sports Commission’s connection to local parks and recreation departments across the tri-county region is essential to understanding how sports tourism succeeds in Greater Lansing.

The Lansing Sports Commission has worked alongside parks and recreation departments in Lansing, East Lansing, Delta Township, DeWitt, Meridian Township, Delhi Township, and Ingham County in a variety of ways. These partnerships reflect a shared dedication to community vibrancy, visitor experience, and regional growth. We extend our sincere appreciation to all parks departments for the vital role they play in supporting both residents and guests.

Some standout examples of these collaborations include:

  • Lansing: Capital City Family BMX and the Pump Track, offering unique and growing cycling amenities.

  • East Lansing: Softball and soccer complexes that regularly host large-scale tournaments.

  • Delta Township: Mount Hope Park for major softball and soccer events, and Delta Mills Park with the addition of a cricket pitch expanding international sports access.

  • DeWitt: The Miracle League field, creating inclusive opportunities for athletes of all abilities.

  • Ingham County: Burchfield Park, a premier destination for professional and amateur disc golf events.

Together, these partnerships showcase how coordinated investment in parks and recreation infrastructure supports a thriving sports tourism ecosystem while enhancing quality of life throughout Greater Lansing.