Access to Recreation is an initiative that supports projects which will provide greater access to a wide variety of recreation opportunities. The goal of the initiative is to expand and enhance recreation opportunities for all citizens of all abilities in Isabella County.

The creation of the universally accessible Access Adventure Trail is the centerpiece of the Access Recreation initiative. The Access Adventure Trail, opened to the public in June, 2010, connects the city's barrier-free GKB Riverwalk Pathway as it follows the Chippewa River through five major city parks. The trail includes the Brandell Bridge, as well as universally accessible turnouts where visitors can pause to view the beautiful scenery the park has to offer. Since its grand opening, the trail has been expanded to include a wetland loop along the southwest portion of the trail. This expansion includes two more scenic turnouts, as well as an accessible boardwalk that extends into a pond. Most recently, interactive signage has been placed along the trail highlighting different aspects of wildlife and landscapes found near the Chippewa River. Visitors can use their smartphones to scan a QR code on each sign to hear a narrated, guided tour of the park. These narrations can also be found on the City park's website.

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is one of eight community foundations in Michigan awarded an Access to Recreation grant intended to expand and enhance recreation opportunities for all citizens of all abilities. You can learn more about the regional initiative by visiting the Access to Recreation website. The grant also provides $120,000 in matching funds towards the creation of a $240,000 Access to Recreation endowment fund which provides financial support to other universally accessible recreation projects in our community. This fund is advised by the Access to Recreation Advisory Board. Read more about projects assisted by this fund below.