Ron Olson, chief of the DNR's Parks and Recreation Division, was recognized at the National Association of State Park Directors’ annual conference over the weekend. We are sending this news release on behalf of the National Association of State Park Directors.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 9, 2014
Contact: Ed Golder, 517-284-5815
DNR Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson receives Distinguished Service AwardNational Association of State Park Directors announces honorees
At its annual meeting Sept. 4 in Omaha, Nebraska, the National Association of State Park Directors formally recognized the contributions of individuals and groups for their achievements in support of state parks and state park systems in the United States.
“Through the dedication of countless professionals and volunteers, the state parks in this country provide our citizens a truly remarkable experience to enjoy our outdoor environment and culture,” said NASPD President Priscilla Geigis. “Tonight we gratefully recognize people whose efforts are exemplary and who inspire shared stewardship of our treasured resources.”
The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a state park director who has demonstrated a long-term, sustained record of professional accomplishment in the field of park and recreation management. Michigan Parks and Recreation Division Chief Ronald A. Olson is the recipient of the 2014 award.
After a distinguished career in parks and recreation, 20 years as the superintendent of the city of Ann Arbor’s Parks and Recreation Department, 11 years in Maryland and two years in Indiana, Olson was appointed chief of the Parks and Recreation Division for the state of Michigan's Department of Natural Resources in 2005. In this position, he is responsible for the operation, budgeting, planning and strategic management of a division that includes 102 state parks and recreation areas, 19 state-operated harbors, over 1,100 boating access sites, five linear state park trails, all state campgrounds located in state forests and 12,500 miles of motorized and nonmotorized trails. Olson has been an industry leader spearheading such programs as “GO-Get Outdoors,” the Green Initiative, the Recreation Passport, “All In for Belle Isle,” Outdoor Rec 101, Big Green Gym and others. Under his leadership, the Michigan state park system received the 2011 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in State Park and Recreation Management from the National Recreation and Park Association.
“Ron’s leadership, innovation and dedication to the field have resulted in many industry-leading programs and initiatives, and have earned him, and the agencies he has led, numerous awards,” said NASPD Awards Committee Chairman Stuart Johnson. “It was an honor for Ron’s colleagues on the selection committee to select him for this award.”
The National Association of State Park Directors is a nonprofit organization of state park directors whose mission is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy. America’s state parks experience over 727 million visits a year with an economic impact of $23 billion on less than $2 billion in operational spending.
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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.