Our Governor has declared May 5th as state employee recognition day, and as a small token of appreciation, has granted those employees 'free' use of all the Michigan State Parks for the week of May 2-8.
At first blush, that's a pretty nice gesture...there are some really great State Parks in Michigan (2 within 5 miles of my home). On second glance, however, it's not that great of a deal, and is really pretty laughable.
- Consider that the average temperatures for May run between 39 and 67 degrees Farenheit...a bit chilly for most 'park' activities.
- The state parks don't even open until May 1st. Now that they're open, the first few weeks are spent cleaning up a winter's worth of yuck.
- The employee 'appreciation' doesn't waive camping or other fees...just the $6 admission to the park...where I guess you could swim in 38 degree water (or, to be fair, launch your boat and go fishing - or waterskiing :) )
- For the past two years, most state employees have been forced to give up 4 hours of pay for every 80 they work, to help cure the state's whopping debt. Can you feel the love?