Brief
History of Jackson County Parks Association
In 1998 a
small group of Jackson County residents who enjoyed using
Jackson County Parks began to worry that the parks were not
being maintained as well as they should be and that there were
rumors that because of budget constraints and problems with
vandalism in the parks, County officials might consider selling
the parks. This group of citizens decided that they would
provide both volunteer and financial support for the parks.
As a result of
this concern, in April 1998 over 40 citizens attended an
organizational meeting to form the Jackson County Parks
Association. Subsequently, the group adopted By-Laws, officers
were elected and the group became a Michigan Nonprofit
Corporation and obtained 501 (c) (3) nonprofit designation from
the Internal Revenue Service.
The stated
MISSION of the Association is: To provide financial and
volunteer support to Jackson County Parks for the expansion and
improvement of services and resources of the Parks and to
promote the responsible use of the Parks.
Since, 1998,
Association volunteers have been active in the parks with such
projects as landscaping, painting and repairing structures and
play equipment, and seeking community support for the parks.
Older picnic structures and play equipment have been renovated
and new ones purchased with Association funds. Association funds
have also provided a parks mower and a digital camera for the
Parks use. Renovations of the offices and rest room facilities
at Swain’s Lake and Pleasant Lake County Parks and Campgrounds
have also been funded by the Parks Association.
Some money for
these capital projects have come from fund-raising activities of
the Association, but the majority of the funds has come from
income from two endowments, totaling about $600,000, that have
been established in the Jackson County Community Foundation and
designated for the use of the Association for the betterment of
Jackson County Parks.
All current
members of the Association are determined to continue to seek
community support for this valuable treasure of Jackson County.
E-mail: info@jacksoncountyparksassociation.com
Phone: 517-788-4320
