[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 168 (Wednesday, October 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1330-E1331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF WAYNE COUNTY PARKS

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 23, 2019

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of Wayne County Parks. Its century of dedication to the 
Wayne County community is worthy of commendation, and it is my honor 
and privilege to recognize their important milestone today.
  In 1919, Elizabeth Park in Trenton was donated to Wayne County by the 
children of Elizabeth Slocum. The acceptance of this donation marks the 
beginning of the Wayne County Park System, the first county park system 
in the state of Michigan. In the years and decades that followed, the 
county began to accumulate different outdoor locations throughout

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the area to add to its park system, seeking to discover new outdoor 
recreational opportunities that could enhance the quality of life for 
the families and residents of Wayne County.
  Over the course of 100 years, the Wayne County Park System has 
significantly transformed. From humble beginnings in Elizabeth Park in 
1919, Wayne County Parks have since become an invaluable pillar of our 
community, serving as spaces for community members to gather and enjoy 
the outdoors, compete in sports, participate in various community 
events, and simply have fun. Today, nearly 40 parks including nature 
trails, golf courses, playscapes, swimming pools, dog parks, picnic 
shelters, and baseball diamonds, to name a few, comprise the entire 
Wayne County Park System. Without a doubt, Wayne County Parks play an 
important role in our community and have been improving the lives of 
our residents for a century. Wayne County Parks truly foster inclusive, 
lively, and enjoyable environments where all feel welcome, and I cannot 
thank the Wayne County Parks System enough for its century of 
exceptional service to our community.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the 
centennial anniversary of Wayne County Parks. We are grateful for their 
impactful contributions to our community and wish the parks many more 
years of continued success.

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