Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Earlier this week we were joined by a few of our wonderful community partners at Highview Elementary School in Dearborn Heights to announce Metroparks & Me, a multimillion-dollar Initiative to eliminate barriers and improve quality of life for families in Southeast Michigan. This program reflects our unwavering commitment to eliminating barriers and improving outcomes for families in Southeast Michigan. Through the Metroparks & Me Initiative, we're doubling down on ensuring that everyone in our community has access to health, wellness, education, and quality-of-life opportunities. With a focus on swimming and science learning, our goal is to expand our impact across Southeast Michigan. To reach thousands more families, Metroparks, through the Metroparks Foundation, is looking to raise $2.4 million over three years: $1.8 million for the supplemental science programs and $600,00 for the Everyone in the Pool program. These initiatives are vital to breaking barriers and uplifting communities across Southeast Michigan. By reaching beyond our park borders, we can instill a deep-rooted connection to our natural resources and a love for science, fostering healthier outcomes and stronger futures for all kids and families. Thank you to our partners, supporters, and stakeholders for their ongoing dedication and support! These quote from Wayne County Michigan Executive, Warren Evans, and Oakland County, Michigan Government Executive, Dave Coulter speak volumes to the support behind this initiative. Thank you to partners YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Wayne County Parks & Recreation and Crestwood School District who attended and spoke at the press conference. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dn33W-cs Amy McMillan, Amanda Barone, Rachel Frierson, Dr. Youssef Mosallam, Alicia Bradford, MSA, CPRP, Alexis Wiley, Rachel Felice

This week is Engineer’s Week, and we want to take a moment to celebrate all our hard-working engineers! Bet you didn’t know the Metroparks had an engineering department, and you might be asking why? The Metroparks have expert thought leaders in multiple departments including engineering, and it allows us to deliver really strong impacts to our region. From project design to construction and everything in between, our engineers work hard to fulfill our community needs and ensure that park projects and infrastructure are safe, up to code and built to last for years to come. Here is a glimpse into the work our engineers do on a daily basis and what makes them so unique.  And shoutout to Mike Henkel, the Chief of Engineering Services who leads this team! #engineering #engineeringjobs #engineersweek #parksandrecreation #thoughtleadership

Today we celebrate all of our women in science. Here is a look into a few Metroparks women who work in this field every day, how they got started and why they love their jobs! Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!   Looking for the next step in your career? We currently have job openings in our interpretive department, natural resources department, and more! Check them out here https://lnkd.in/gcf5pctT

ICYMI: Yesterday, we hosted a press conference in collaboration with some of our great partners at City of Detroit Parks and Recreation, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit and Oakland County Sheriff PAL Program. Drowning rates and water safety statistics in our region shine a light on issues we all must work together to resolve. We’ve launched a 5-year plan to support this initiative with goals of raising $1.5 million so that we can provide 6,000 free swim lessons each year to children and adults who live throughout Southeast Michigan. We can't do this alone, and although we've made significant progress with our partners, there is still so much more we can do. It will continue to take the commitment of existing and future partners to collaboratively address issues and tear down barriers as we work to reverse these staggering statistics. Read more from the press conference at https://lnkd.in/dnP-3KAA

We were thrilled to host this press conference today in collaboration with some of our great partners in this work. Our Everyone in the Pool initiative is expanding to have greater impacts in Southeast Michigan and work towards reversing some staggering drowning and water safety statistics. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gTetnU7B

Our Director said it best - parks of all types are an important asset to our communities, and here in the Metroparks, our annual passes are a great way to access and support our regional parks. They make great additions to your corporate health and wellness programs as well, so if you're interested - let's connect.

We want to congratulate Metroparks' Chief of diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Artina Sadler (Carter) on being recognized this week as a Crain's Notable Leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. DEI at the Metroparks is active, and ongoing and focused on people. We believe that when the parks are more accessible for everybody, the entire community benefits. Artina is a key individual in this mission, and this recognition is proof of that commitment. As the Metroparks’ first ever Chief of DEI, Artina Carter is a trailblazer for an organization that employs nearly 1000 people annually and serves over 7 million residents of Southeast Michigan each year. As one of a handful of DEI professionals in leadership positions in public park systems throughout the country, Artina is setting the standard for employee training, improving accessibility, and cultural competency in public park systems. She has developed the organizational strategy for integrating DEI efforts across the Metroparks system. She has designed data collection instruments, developed the associated protocol and schedules to measure DEI results over time. She demonstrates a deep understanding and commitment to not only the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, but the greater Southeast Michigan community. Her ability to successfully foster strong connections with community is vital to her role in creating DEI Initiatives that contributes to the Metroparks’ successes. Artina has made it a lifelong mission to create more inclusive and equitable environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. She actively addresses systemic biases, demonstrates empathy, and is committed to ongoing learning and growth of Huron-Clinton Metroparks and communities across Southeast Michigan.

A community meeting about a new feasibility study of the Flat Rock and Huroc dams is upcoming near you! Partner organizations are proactively working together to determine the best solution for the future of these dams and their impact to the community and surrounding natural habitats, and we want to hear from the community. When: August 23 | 5:30p.m. Where: Flat Rock Community Center, 1 Maguire Street, Flat Rock, MI 48134 Virtual Option: Zoom webinar link on same date and time. For more information about the feasibility study and upcoming meeting, visit: https://lnkd.in/gS79X2ba

We believe that staff should get to have a little fun and comradery together too, so we had our first annual Ice Cream Scoop Off last Friday at Stony Creek Metropark’s Eastwood beach. Our Director, Amy McMillan, went up against Steve Sebert, Park Operations Manager at Stony Creek Metropark, in the ultimate scooping showdown to show appreciation for employees and park-goers. Amy channeled the skills she developed during her high school job scooping icecream, while Steve chose to do some pre-event practice and hone his skills. This intense competition was a great way to get staff together for some fun and enjoy a sweet treat – with Steve ultimately taking the trophy!

“We applaud Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature for prioritizing public spaces. Public spaces are critical to the well-being of our mental and physical health and play a role in bringing people and communities together. The $5 million intended for Lake St. Clair Metropark will allow the Metroparks to provide a family-friendly, accessible marina that boaters and park patrons can enjoy for generations to come. The renovations will include a new seawall, updating and raising utilities, a new walkway, replacing the piers with floating docks and ADA-accessible improvements to create a more equitable space for our community members. We are grateful to have a governor and legislature in Michigan that see the value of investing in parks, especially Sens. Kevin Hertel and Veronica Klinefelt and Rep. Denise Mentzer for recognizing the value of this project from the beginning. We look forward to sharing the Lake St. Clair Metropark renovations with the community.” -Amy McMillan, Huron-Clinton Metroparks Director https://lnkd.in/gNrJ9ZcH https://lnkd.in/gCAS8RuK