From the Director

Robert L. Tetens

This year, the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission celebrates its 35th year of providing service to the citizens of Washtenaw County. That history of service is a source of pride to me and all the members of the Commission and staff. In recognition of this significant anniversary, I thought it would be interesting to reflect on that history. Included below is an excerpt from “A History of the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission”, written by Nelson Meade, member of the Commission since 1973.

“The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission was created by the County Board of Commissioners when it approved a resolution introduced by Commissioner Meri Lou Murray calling for the development of a county parks and recreation program. There was recognition that Washtenaw County was undergoing rapid urbanization and population growth. Much of this growth was taking place where very few provisions were being made for the recreational need of this burgeoning population, nor was there any effort to preserve significant open spaces for public use.” …. “The new Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission held its first meeting in August 1973. It negotiated a general fund budget of approximately $60,000 with the Board of Commissioners.”

As part of the act of creating the county park system, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners assigned four existing “roadside parks”, previously operated by the County Road Commission. In the 35 years since that first meeting, county parks has become a much larger organization–currently managing 24 parks, facilities and preserves, comprising more than 2,900 acres.

Our history, though, is still very much a part of the organization today. Through its name, the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center recognizes the contribution her vision made to our community. Nelson Meade continues to offer his guidance, along with a sense of history. And they are just two of the many members of the Commission and staff who have devoted years of service to the organization.

As Nelson’s comments reveal, our community still faces many of the concerns it did 35 years ago–rapid urbanization and a need to ensure that the growing population has access to open space and recreation opportunities. As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, we will seek to honor the contributions that have been made by the organization in the past and continue the history of serving our community.