SUPPORT EMPLOYEE HEALTH & WELLNESS
Add an Employee Benefit that Reduces Healthcare Costs, Improves Mental Health
and supports community programs that impacts the lives of
thousands of people in the region.
Buy Them an Annual Pass
Metroparks annual passes offer a simple yet impactful way to support your employees’ well-being, enhance their work-life balance, and contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future for Southeast Michigan. The best part is from November 1 through December 31, you can purchase 2025 annual passes for just $35 each. This makes them a low-cost addition to employee benefit programs or even holiday gifts. Throughout the rest of the year, you can purchase them for $40 each.
Why a Metroparks Annual Pass?
With 13 beautiful Metroparks and nearly 25,000 acres across southeast Michigan, employees can enjoy year-round access to the best trails, beaches, pools, boat launches, nature centers and so much more. From hiking and biking to kayaking and winter sports, the Metroparks offer space for endless physical activity and relaxation—all of which contribute to better physical and mental health outcomes for employees, leading to increased productivity and morale in the workplace.
It’s low cost – for $40 or less per employee. It’s easy – with options for invoicing and payment by credit card or check.
If you purchase 250 or more passes, you’ll also receive a usage report to show how often your employees use the parks—a great tool for assessing engagement with your wellness programs.
Healthier Employees, Lower Healthcare Costs – with Something They’ll Actually Use
The value of time spent outdoors cannot be overstated. By offering Metroparks passes as part of your employee wellness and benefits package, you not only promote healthier lifestyles but also reduce healthcare costs associated with physical inactivity and mental health challenges.
- Metroparks provide $62.3 million in recreation and health benefits to Southeast Michigan residents annually. (as shown in the third party Economic Benefits report)
- Access to green spaces encourages physical activity, which translates to real healthcare savings. Metroparks provide an average savings of $1,250 per year for adults and $2,500 per year for seniors. (as shown in the third party Economic Benefits report)
- Nearly 93% of U.S. adults report improved mental health thanks to services offered by local parks and recreation agencies.
However, engagement is often a key challenge in corporate health and wellness programs: how can we inspire employees to actively participate? A Metroparks annual pass offers a compelling solution. It empowers employees to engage in outdoor activities at their own pace, all while enjoying the company of their friends and families.
Rather than mandating lunchtime group yoga sessions or a step challenge, this initiative allows employees to choose their own adventures—whether it’s exploring scenic trails, biking, or swimming with loved ones. With the flexibility of a year-long pass, they can revisit their favorite activities throughout the seasons.
On average, an annual pass is utilized more than six times during the summer alone, demonstrating its appeal and accessibility. With 7 million visitors each year enjoying the Metroparks, there’s a strong likelihood your employees will not only take advantage of this benefit but will also express their appreciation for it. By offering a Metroparks annual pass, you’re not just promoting wellness—you’re fostering a culture of well-being and engagement within your organization.
Supports Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility
By purchasing annual passes, your company is also supporting hundreds of local jobs, community programs for children and important natural resource management efforts —all of which reinforce corporate social responsibility and environmental goals.
For example, the Metroparks generate $92.4 million annually in direct visitor spending, provide stormwater infiltration valued at $30.3 million annually and reduce regional pollution control costs by $2.25 million a year. They are also provided hands on environmental and science education to more than 41,000 students across the region in 2024 and have supported more than 7,000 free swim lessons to teach that life-saving skill and combat staggering drowning rates.