Annual youth event is helping transform an underutilized park into a thriving community destination
FLINT-Mich.–Nearly 700 youths and their families gathered at Bluegill Boat Launch June 6 for the 4th Annual Flint Area Get Youth Outdoors Day, setting a new attendance record for the free event hosted by United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 659, the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), and Genesee County Parks.
The event featured fishing, kayaking, archery, BB gun shooting, birdhouse and bird feeder building, field dog demonstrations, conservation education and other hands-on outdoor activities designed to engage families in the outdoors. The first 400 youths received free fishing rod-and-reel combos to take home.
“This event was incredible,” said USA Director of Conservation Sam Phipps. “Hundreds of people were lined up before we even opened. The best part is seeing families come back year after year because the event has become a tradition they won’t miss.”
The record turnout surpassed last year’s attendance of more than 500 participants and highlighted the growing impact of a partnership among local unions, conservation groups and community leaders dedicated to expanding outdoor opportunities for local families.
UAW Local 659 Financial Secretary and project leader Duane Ballard credited the event’s success to the more than 40 volunteers who helped coordinate activities and ensure a positive experience for attendees.
“We were much more prepared this year, and it showed,” said Ballard. “We had a tremendous volunteer team, and everything ran smoothly. The community response has been incredible, and it’s rewarding to see so many kids and families enjoying the outdoors together.”
Families also enjoyed the new pavilion at Bluegill Boat Launch, funded through the USA’s annual UAW Region 1-D Conservation Dinner and constructed in 2025 by UAW Local 659 volunteers. The pavilion served as a shaded resting area and gathering place during a new birds-of-prey presentation that featured a bald eagle, barred owl and red-tailed hawk.
“One of my favorite parts is seeing families discover this park for the first time,” said Genesee County Parks Naturalist Nicole Ferguson. “Many visitors had never been here before. Events like this help connect people with outdoor spaces right in their own backyard, and we are so grateful to UAW Local 659 and the USA for supporting this community. They see a need, and they make it happen.”
“The UAW is about members, families and communities, and this event is a great example of that,” said UAW International Vice President Mike Booth. “It was inspiring to see so many kids enjoying the outdoors and learning new skills, and we truly appreciate the effort of UAW Local 659 members to improve Bluegill Boat Launch and connect families to the park.”
The work at Bluegill Boat Launch is far from over. The USA and UAW Local 659 have plans to install a new, larger fishing dock at the site before next year’s event, expanding access and opportunities for families to enjoy Mott Lake.
Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA): The USA is a union-dedicated, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose members hunt, fish, shoot and volunteer their skills for conservation. The USA is uniting the union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Work Boots on the Ground (WBG): WBG is the USA’s flagship conservation program that brings together union members willing to volunteer their time and expertise to conservation projects that improve and enhance public access to the outdoors, conserve wildlife habitat, restore America’s parks and mentor youth in the outdoors. The USA’s Work Boots on the Ground program works closely with federal, state and local agencies and other conservation groups to provide manpower needed to complete critical projects that may otherwise go undone.
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