Senators Whitmer, Switalski, Cherry, Prusi, Olshove, Clarke, Clark-Coleman, Schauer, Basham, Jacobs, Leland, Brater, Bishop, George, Sanborn, Johnson, Hardiman, Thomas, Scott, Patterson, Toy, Stamas, Hammerstrom, Sikkema, Brown, Cassis and Emerson offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 155.

            A resolution in recognition of the inaugural class of recreation and park professionals inducted into the Michigan Recreation and Park Association Hall of Fame.

            Whereas, Recognizing recreation and park professionals and special individuals who have made outstanding, unique, lasting, and extraordinary contributions to recreation and park services for persons living in Michigan, it is most appropriate for the members of the Michigan Senate to pause in reflection on the positive influence these individuals have had on improving the quality of life in communities throughout the state of Michigan; and

            Whereas, The inductees of the inaugural class of recreation and park professionals include: Dr. Jim Bristor, Michigan State University; Harry Burns, Grand Rapids; David Laidlaw, Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority; R. Eric Reickel, Oakland County/Lansing; and posthumously: Arch Flannery, Battle Creek; Herb Jennings, Litchfield; Hubert Johnson, Detroit; Lawrence (Pete) Moser, Kalamazoo; Virginia Munger, Detroit; Karla V. Parker, Grand Rapids; Jesse Rutherford, Ypsilanti; Joe Seavey, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; and Benjamin Yack, Wyandotte; and

            Whereas, These early leaders were bold in their willingness to be change agents. Whether identifying leadership traits, reflecting on the mechanics of key accomplishments, or recognizing the significance of being visionaries, much has been learned from these trailblazers in the recreation and park profession. Their achievements have been many at the local, state, national, and international levels; and

            Whereas, In addition, these recreation and park professionals have consistently demonstrated important differences they made in people's lives across their Michigan communities. These early professionals were an invaluable source for positioning the profession and providing direction for the future, an evolution that has enabled the Michigan recreation and parks profession to be recognized as creating community through people, parks, and programs; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby offer a unanimous accolade of tribute for the inaugural class of recreation and park professionals inducted into the Michigan Recreation and Park Association Hall of Fame; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to each inductee as an enduring testimony to the high esteem in which their lives and memories are held by the people of Michigan.