There is established a state recreation and cultural arts section in the department.

     The head of the state recreation and cultural arts section shall be a person widely experienced in community recreation and shall be directly responsible to a deputy director.

     The state recreation and cultural arts section shall provide technical advice and guidance to the political subdivisions of this state and other interested groups and agencies in the planning and development of recreation programs, areas, and facilities including but not limited to creative and cultural activities, and programs for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the culturally deprived. The section shall collect and disseminate necessary data and information relating to its duties and shall maintain a cooperative relationship with the tourist, resort, and educational extension services of the universities, the Michigan travel commission, Michigan's 4 regional tourist associations, and the various federal agencies.

     The department shall provide continual representation of citizen interest, need, and participation in a wide variety of leisure-time pursuits.

     The department may reassign existing employees of the department of natural resources or employ staff necessary to implement this part.

     The department shall promulgate rules necessary for the establishment and implementation of this part.