Huron Clinton Metroparks adds Detroit water garden, highlights parks growth and programs

Lansing — Amy McMillan, chief executive officer of Huron Clinton Metroparks, gave the committee an overview of the regional system’s growth, programs and recent additions, including the inclusion of a Detroit water garden as a fourteenth park.

McMillan said the Metroparks serve five counties (Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston, Macomb and Oakland) with 14 parks and 25,000 acres and about 400 miles of trails. "In the average year, we have about 7,300,000 visitors that come through our parks," she said, highlighting the Metroparks’ roles in outdoor recreation, regional economic activity and public health.

She noted the Metroparks recently added the Huron Clinton Metroparks Water Garden at the Ralph Wilson Junior Centennial Park in Detroit, described partnerships with county and city systems, and outlined programs including "Everyone in the Pool," a swim-lesson program that provided free lessons to thousands of children, and a growing disc-golf calendar that will include the World Disc Golf Championship at Kensington Metropark. McMillan also reviewed the parks’ employment (about 1,000 workers at peak season), stormwater and resource-management responsibilities, and efforts to expand access and environmental stewardship.

Committee members thanked McMillan for the overview and noted regional partnerships and shared programming between counties and municipalities. McMillan urged continued attention to park funding and strategy to ensure broad access to trails, pools, natural areas and educational programs.