2008 MRPA Conference Award Winners

Individual Awards

Recreation Leadership Award
Carla Vaughan City of Troy	An MRPA member for 34 years, Carla has shown outstanding contributions and leadership in the area of senior and adaptive programming. A modest professional, she only looks at what more she can research, create, and offer. Not afraid to tackle a difficult task, Carla has initiated numerous programs and services. Her innovative ideas have led to the creation of Adopt-Our-Senior-Center, Friendship Club, and SeniorNet Learning Center. This is just a small sampling of the successes brought to Troy by Carla. Carla has dedicated herself to serving populations that most put limits on, but she puts no limits on what anyone is or what they can do.
New Professional Award
Adrienne Wallace Schumacher City of Holland	Adrienne Schumacher has worked for the City of and been an MRPA member since 2004. During this time, Adrienne has not only performed her duties to the City, but has also involved herself in many volunteer pursuits with numerous other area communities. Adrienne’s extracurricular activities have brought organizations together by finding common goals that will benefit the community she lives in, , and she also secured a grant in partnership with Ottawa County. She not only helps to form a vision of what could be, but works tirelessly to collaborate and grow programs to provide lasting opportunities for people to take advantage of and enjoy.
April Heier Clinton Township	April Heier graduated from Central Michigan University in 2002 after serving as the Student Committee President. It was at the time that April’s dedication to the Parks & Recreation profession began to shine. Currently, April is a Recreation Coordinator for Clinton Township Parks & Recreation. She is responsible for all therapeutic programming (which includes an award winning Adaptive Bike Club), a flag football league that is 100% compliant in the NAYS/PAYS training, and much more. She has worked on the Programming Our World Conference Committee and more recently worked as Program Co-Chair for the 2009 MRPA Annual Conference and Trade Show. Her community involvement is never ending!
Park Resource Leadership Award
Gary Huizenga Kent County	Through 37 years of service to Kent County Parks, Gary Huizenga continually achieves new levels of performance in resource leadership. Making good use of his business degree and instinct for management, he has risen through the ranks to his current position, Manager of Park Operations. He has successfully launched critical new practices and he continually seeks to develop partnerships with outside groups to assist in general park maintenance and other projects. In short, the extensive growth and success of the Kent County Parks program is due in large part to Gary Huizenga’s unwavering commitment to providing quality recreational opportunities for our community.
Fellowship Award
Mickey Alderman Clawson Parks and Recreation	As a 35-year member of MRPA, Mickey has been instrumental in developing and growing programs at the state and local levels. He has been a member of the MRPA board for nearly 20 years as the Special Projects Chair, overseeing the Amusement Park ticket program. He was also responsible for establishing a Community Center in Clawson—a place for residents of all ages to congregate. His dedication and commitment to the local parks and recreation departments as well as his involvement with MRPA continues to make a difference in the lives of people in Michigan!

Organizational Awards

Site Design Award
City of Holland Heinz Waterfront Walkway Kollen Boat Launch	This project took a previously inaccessible area and made it accessible to all—seniors, walkers, bikers, fishermen, and boaters. It is a final connector for the City of Holland that makes it possible to walk five miles safely from the western edge of downtown Holland at 16th Street all the way to Windmill Island on the east end. This project was done with the cooperation of community partners, the MDNR, Great Lakes Fishery Trust, and the Heinz Corporation.
Clinton Township George George Memorial Park	This project was proposed by the owner of the property (formerly Moravian Hills Country Club), who was selling the golf course and catering hall. The developer proposed to donate some of the golf course land, approximately 38 acres, for a park, and even offered complete development for it. Special features include: the aforementioned rain garden, a two-mile walking path, a deluxe children’s playscape, two fountains, a large stone pavilion, environmentally compliant restrooms, and an elevated bridal garden with ledge stone steps.
Facility Design Award
Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Environmental Discovery Center at Indian Springs Metropark	Indian Springs Metropark encompasses over two acres of parkland at the headwaters of the Huron River. Much of the park is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the natural environment. The Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center (EDC) features 60 acres of restored and created native ecosystems including ponds, wetland, and prairies. A 20,000-square foot building features classrooms, a biology lab, a 200-person event room, exhibit areas, and an underwater “pond room” for viewing pond life from above as well as below the water level. The site features the Children’s Adventure Playground including a water spray area, climbing features, and challenge maze.
Innovative Park Resources Award
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Kaug Wudjoo Lodge [picture]	As part of an agency-wide effort to trim costs, this unused manager’s residence was scheduled for demolition. Many local individuals and organizations spoke up in favor of preserving this historic center, and so the lodge was born. Throughout the reuse effort, many vendors chipped in to help move the effort along. This included discounts on appliances and furniture as well as donations of many needed items. Curtains for the entire house were produced by a local seamstress with material donated from a nearby fabric shop.
Innovative Recreation Programming Award
Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Teen Fest	Teen Fest is an annual event that caters to young persons ages 12-15. In an area where many communities struggle to get teens to participate, this event is always a big draw—including over 720 participants in 2008. Teen Fest is a great event that allows teens to participate in a non-structured but very well—supervised event. Teens can do as many or as few activities as they desire when they are on site. Support for this program also comes from the police department and the Utica Community Action Team, which helps get the message of “Positive Recreation” across to teens.
Canton Leisure Services African American History through Artists’ Eyes	“African American History through Artists’ Eyes” is an interactive arts and cultural education program offered to 5th and 8th grade students from area middle schools. This field trip takes place at Canton Leisure Services’ Village Theater at Cherry Hill and looks forward to a third successful year in 2009. Born out of Canton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, and funded in part by the 401(c)3 The Partnership for the Arts and Humanities, Inc., student groups are offered this highly interactive, curriculum-based hands-on experience. The commitment to this message and program by Canton Leisure Services and the Partnership for the Arts has provided most schools with transportation, allowing them to participate in this program for very minimal fees.
Farmington Hills Special Services The Great Farmington Hills Campout	The Great Farmington Hills Campout was an idea that came from asking the Farmington/Farmington Hills Youth Council, “What kind of outdoor programs would youth be interested in?” The answer was, “How about camping, we need to try camping, maybe in our backyard.” So the idea was born. Farmington Hills Special Services took the lead by inviting Oakland County Parks, area Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troop leaders, outdoor industry businesses, Farmington Public Schools, Huron-Clinton Metro Park, and others to work on The Great Farmington Hills Campout. In its first year, over 500 people camped in Heritage Park, with many others camping in their own backyards and common areas of their neighborhoods.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban Outreach Team [picture]	Michigan State Parks and Recreation Division (PRD) staff invested significant time and effort in 2008 expanding the PRD Urban Outreach Program. The established goals of the program are to attract non-traditional users and employees, and to connect urban youth and families with parks, recreation areas, and boating sites across Michigan. By accomplishing these goals, we hope to create and nurture long-lasting relationships and increase the diversity of our workforce and users, ultimately making PRD relevant to more people.
Local Elected Official Award
Mayor Jack E. Kirksey City of Livonia [picture]	Residents of Livonia know their community is one of the best places to Live, Work, Play, and Raise a Family. No one emphasizes this more than our Mayor, Jack E. Kirksey. He has been enthusiastic in promoting the benefits of parks and recreation by creating an awesome community that encourages people to enjoy their parks and participate in a wide variety of programs. . Since his election to the position of mayor in 1996, Mayor Kirksey has been instrumental in preserving and promoting recreational programs, resources, and facilities for this community. Mayor Kirksey provided leadership to ensure passage of a 4/5 of a mill tax levy for recreation. Mayor Kirksey has been not only a strong advocate of Parks & Recreation programs, but lives a lifestyle that demonstrates the benefits of staying healthy and energetic every day.

Marketing Showcase Award Winners

Special Program Brochure
City of Farmington Hills Special Services	Midland Community Center
Single Brochure
City of Novi Parks, Recreation, and Forestry	City of East Lansing Parks and Recreation
Website
City of Farmington Hills Special Services	Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority
Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Commission

2008 MRPA Conference Award Winners

Individual Awards

Recreation Leadership Award
Carla Vaughan City of Troy	An MRPA member for 34 years, Carla has shown outstanding contributions and leadership in the area of senior and adaptive programming. A modest professional, she only looks at what more she can research, create, and offer. Not afraid to tackle a difficult task, Carla has initiated numerous programs and services. Her innovative ideas have led to the creation of Adopt-Our-Senior-Center, Friendship Club, and SeniorNet Learning Center. This is just a small sampling of the successes brought to Troy by Carla. Carla has dedicated herself to serving populations that most put limits on, but she puts no limits on what anyone is or what they can do.
New Professional Award
Adrienne Wallace Schumacher City of Holland	Adrienne Schumacher has worked for the City of and been an MRPA member since 2004. During this time, Adrienne has not only performed her duties to the City, but has also involved herself in many volunteer pursuits with numerous other area communities. Adrienne’s extracurricular activities have brought organizations together by finding common goals that will benefit the community she lives in, , and she also secured a grant in partnership with Ottawa County. She not only helps to form a vision of what could be, but works tirelessly to collaborate and grow programs to provide lasting opportunities for people to take advantage of and enjoy.
April Heier Clinton Township	April Heier graduated from Central Michigan University in 2002 after serving as the Student Committee President. It was at the time that April’s dedication to the Parks & Recreation profession began to shine. Currently, April is a Recreation Coordinator for Clinton Township Parks & Recreation. She is responsible for all therapeutic programming (which includes an award winning Adaptive Bike Club), a flag football league that is 100% compliant in the NAYS/PAYS training, and much more. She has worked on the Programming Our World Conference Committee and more recently worked as Program Co-Chair for the 2009 MRPA Annual Conference and Trade Show. Her community involvement is never ending!
Park Resource Leadership Award
Gary Huizenga Kent County	Through 37 years of service to Kent County Parks, Gary Huizenga continually achieves new levels of performance in resource leadership. Making good use of his business degree and instinct for management, he has risen through the ranks to his current position, Manager of Park Operations. He has successfully launched critical new practices and he continually seeks to develop partnerships with outside groups to assist in general park maintenance and other projects. In short, the extensive growth and success of the Kent County Parks program is due in large part to Gary Huizenga’s unwavering commitment to providing quality recreational opportunities for our community.
Fellowship Award
Mickey Alderman Clawson Parks and Recreation	As a 35-year member of MRPA, Mickey has been instrumental in developing and growing programs at the state and local levels. He has been a member of the MRPA board for nearly 20 years as the Special Projects Chair, overseeing the Amusement Park ticket program. He was also responsible for establishing a Community Center in Clawson—a place for residents of all ages to congregate. His dedication and commitment to the local parks and recreation departments as well as his involvement with MRPA continues to make a difference in the lives of people in Michigan!

Organizational Awards

Site Design Award
City of Holland Heinz Waterfront Walkway Kollen Boat Launch	This project took a previously inaccessible area and made it accessible to all—seniors, walkers, bikers, fishermen, and boaters. It is a final connector for the City of Holland that makes it possible to walk five miles safely from the western edge of downtown Holland at 16th Street all the way to Windmill Island on the east end. This project was done with the cooperation of community partners, the MDNR, Great Lakes Fishery Trust, and the Heinz Corporation.
Clinton Township George George Memorial Park	This project was proposed by the owner of the property (formerly Moravian Hills Country Club), who was selling the golf course and catering hall. The developer proposed to donate some of the golf course land, approximately 38 acres, for a park, and even offered complete development for it. Special features include: the aforementioned rain garden, a two-mile walking path, a deluxe children’s playscape, two fountains, a large stone pavilion, environmentally compliant restrooms, and an elevated bridal garden with ledge stone steps.
Facility Design Award
Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Environmental Discovery Center at Indian Springs Metropark	Indian Springs Metropark encompasses over two acres of parkland at the headwaters of the Huron River. Much of the park is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the natural environment. The Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center (EDC) features 60 acres of restored and created native ecosystems including ponds, wetland, and prairies. A 20,000-square foot building features classrooms, a biology lab, a 200-person event room, exhibit areas, and an underwater “pond room” for viewing pond life from above as well as below the water level. The site features the Children’s Adventure Playground including a water spray area, climbing features, and challenge maze.
Innovative Park Resources Award
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Kaug Wudjoo Lodge [picture]	As part of an agency-wide effort to trim costs, this unused manager’s residence was scheduled for demolition. Many local individuals and organizations spoke up in favor of preserving this historic center, and so the lodge was born. Throughout the reuse effort, many vendors chipped in to help move the effort along. This included discounts on appliances and furniture as well as donations of many needed items. Curtains for the entire house were produced by a local seamstress with material donated from a nearby fabric shop.
Innovative Recreation Programming Award
Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Teen Fest	Teen Fest is an annual event that caters to young persons ages 12-15. In an area where many communities struggle to get teens to participate, this event is always a big draw—including over 720 participants in 2008. Teen Fest is a great event that allows teens to participate in a non-structured but very well—supervised event. Teens can do as many or as few activities as they desire when they are on site. Support for this program also comes from the police department and the Utica Community Action Team, which helps get the message of “Positive Recreation” across to teens.
Canton Leisure Services African American History through Artists’ Eyes	“African American History through Artists’ Eyes” is an interactive arts and cultural education program offered to 5th and 8th grade students from area middle schools. This field trip takes place at Canton Leisure Services’ Village Theater at Cherry Hill and looks forward to a third successful year in 2009. Born out of Canton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, and funded in part by the 401(c)3 The Partnership for the Arts and Humanities, Inc., student groups are offered this highly interactive, curriculum-based hands-on experience. The commitment to this message and program by Canton Leisure Services and the Partnership for the Arts has provided most schools with transportation, allowing them to participate in this program for very minimal fees.
Farmington Hills Special Services The Great Farmington Hills Campout	The Great Farmington Hills Campout was an idea that came from asking the Farmington/Farmington Hills Youth Council, “What kind of outdoor programs would youth be interested in?” The answer was, “How about camping, we need to try camping, maybe in our backyard.” So the idea was born. Farmington Hills Special Services took the lead by inviting Oakland County Parks, area Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troop leaders, outdoor industry businesses, Farmington Public Schools, Huron-Clinton Metro Park, and others to work on The Great Farmington Hills Campout. In its first year, over 500 people camped in Heritage Park, with many others camping in their own backyards and common areas of their neighborhoods.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban Outreach Team [picture]	Michigan State Parks and Recreation Division (PRD) staff invested significant time and effort in 2008 expanding the PRD Urban Outreach Program. The established goals of the program are to attract non-traditional users and employees, and to connect urban youth and families with parks, recreation areas, and boating sites across Michigan. By accomplishing these goals, we hope to create and nurture long-lasting relationships and increase the diversity of our workforce and users, ultimately making PRD relevant to more people.
Local Elected Official Award
Mayor Jack E. Kirksey City of Livonia [picture]	Residents of Livonia know their community is one of the best places to Live, Work, Play, and Raise a Family. No one emphasizes this more than our Mayor, Jack E. Kirksey. He has been enthusiastic in promoting the benefits of parks and recreation by creating an awesome community that encourages people to enjoy their parks and participate in a wide variety of programs. . Since his election to the position of mayor in 1996, Mayor Kirksey has been instrumental in preserving and promoting recreational programs, resources, and facilities for this community. Mayor Kirksey provided leadership to ensure passage of a 4/5 of a mill tax levy for recreation. Mayor Kirksey has been not only a strong advocate of Parks & Recreation programs, but lives a lifestyle that demonstrates the benefits of staying healthy and energetic every day.

Marketing Showcase Award Winners

Special Program Brochure
City of Farmington Hills Special Services	Midland Community Center
Single Brochure
City of Novi Parks, Recreation, and Forestry	City of East Lansing Parks and Recreation
Website
City of Farmington Hills Special Services	Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority
Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Commission