Politics & Government
Township Supervisor Honored by Parks Association
Lovelock's dedication to parks and recreation fosters a child-friendly community; Michigan Recreation and Park Association names him one of six 2010 Local Elected Officials of the Year.
Residents of Chesterfield Township enjoy the good life when it comes to parks and recreation. Township Supervisor Michael Lovelock has been working diligently over the past two years to improve the quality of local leisure.
The Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) recently honored Lovelock with a plaque for his efforts and named him one of six 2010 Local Elected Officials of the Year. An awards ceremony took place Feb. 8 during the association’s annual conference and trade show held at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme.
“It was a great honor,” Lovelock said. “It was great to be honored for supporting parks and recreation in our community.”
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Halfway through his first term on the council, Lovelock considers this to be the first major award that he has received in his position. Despite reported ongoing budget concerns in the township, he said that he remains supportive of local parks and recreation “110 percent.”
Some of his more notable achievements to date include securing $350,000 worth of outdoor playground equipment for the township. Play structures were donated from the former military housing unit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and installed in spring of last year to create three new playgrounds at public parks in the township.
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The process required difficult negotiations, but Lovelock ensured the project accrued no cost for township taxpayers. In 2009, Lovelock also initiated the annual Chesterfield Township Summer Salute event, which honors residents and features free family activities.
The MRPA notified Lovelock of his award by letter, stating: “Your lifelong leadership, commitment and personal involvement in recreation, education, and service to your country and community are exemplary.”
“It’s an honor to have Mr. Lovelock acknowledged by the Michigan Recreation and Park Association. The Recreation Department is very appreciative and grateful for his continued support for us,” said Richard Piekarski, Chesterfield Township director of parks and recreation.
According to Lovelock, his future goals include expanding the parks and recreation department to include a snow hill, ice-skating rink and a splash water park in the township.
“My theme running for council was family. I believe that to have a good, strong community you need a place where families and children can come together and enjoy their time,” Lovelock said.
