JACKSON — State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz has been recognized by the statewide parks organization mParks with its Advocacy and Leadership in Government Award.
The award recognizes state and local officials who support policies that expand access to parks, protect recreation funding, and promote public outdoor spaces.
Schmaltz was nominated by Jackson County Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Lewis and was one of four leaders across Michigan selected for the recognition.
According to mParks, Schmaltz has supported funding for several park and trail projects through the state budget process and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Projects include Main Street Park in Chelsea, improvements to the Martin Luther King Jr. Equality Trail in Jackson, restoration work at the Cascades in Jackson, and mountain bike trail improvements at Ella Sharp Park.
She has also supported funding for Washtenaw County trail development, including the Border-to-Border Trail project.
mParks represents more than 2,000 park and recreation professionals, agencies, vendors, and advocates working to support public recreation and conservation across Michigan.
These broadcast standards follow the newsroom formatting and attribution rules outlined in the station’s reporting guide.