The legislative body of a city or village may appropriate, out of the general or contingent funds of that city or village, funds for the purpose of contributing toward the cost of the acquisition, support, maintenance, upkeep, and improvement of land acquired by a township, or 2 or more townships, for use as a free public park, resort, bathing beach, or other place of recreation. The contribution shall be made to the park commission created by the act under which the park site was or will be acquired.