The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission has provided outstanding programs and amenities to residents and visitors since 1973. What started with five roadside parks and undeveloped land in Lyndon Township has grown to a nationally recognized park system offering a wide range of recreation opportunities. In 2023, the Parks Commission will celebrate its 50th anniversary and reflect how we have become a valuable community asset.
This past year, the Parks Commission approved acquisition of the Michigan Folk School to provide experiences in folk arts, crafts, and skills, such as blacksmithing and stained-glass, and to expand unique programming in the community. We have also been investing time and resources to construct the Commission’s major initiative, completion of the Border to Border Trail (B2B). We continue to look for creative ways to serve the needs of all community members. The 2022 Annual Report highlights just a few of this year’s accomplishments:
• Adaptive programming
• Infrastructure redevelopment projects
• Acquisition of the Michigan Folk School
• Border to Border Trail construction progress
• Title IX Plaza to honor Women in sports
• Award-winning natural areas special revenue fund
• Stewardship and nature programs
As we look to the next fifty years, we will continue to seek new opportunities to serve the community and maintain the quality of services our residents have come to expect. New developments on the horizon include opening new nature preserves that will provide additional miles of hiking trails, continuing development of Staebler Farm Park and expanding classes through the Michigan Folk School, and providing popular kayaking opportunities.
Over the coming year, look for ways to celebrate our 50th anniversary with events planned at various park locations. For a complete list, visit washtenaw.org. We hope to see you in our parks!