[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING CARLA SCRUGGS' 32+ YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITY OF SALINE

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2023

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize 
Carla Scruggs, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of 
Saline, on the occasion of her retirement. Her contributions to the 
health and wellness of the Saline community over the last three decades 
are worthy of commendation.
  Born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI, Carla graduated from Pioneer High 
School before attending Central Michigan University, where she spent 
four years on the softball team. After earning both her bachelor's and 
master's degrees, she set out on a career in public service throughout 
Southeastern Michigan. In 1988, Carla began at the City of Hazel Park 
as a graduate intern specializing in senior programming and youth and 
adult sports. She then went to Novi, where she took on the position of 
Recreation Coordinator for the city's Parks and Recreation Department. 
In 1991, Carla was brought on as the Director of Parks and Recreation 
for the City of Saline, where she has been serving ever since.
  Carla's tenure at the head of the Saline Parks and Recreation 
Department has seen countless improvements to Saline's green spaces. 
These include, but are certainly not limited to, the Recreate Our Mill 
Pond Park play structure, multiple dog parks, and the creation of Salt 
Springs Park. As well as being the Director, Carla also acts as the 
Staff Liaison to the Parks Commission and the Youth Council. She has 
been an active member for the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association 
for the entirety of her tenure and is currently the Chair of their 
Awards Committee. In her free time, Carla volunteers every year for the 
Punt Pass & Kick State Competition, Saline's DARE golf outing, the PPSA 
golf outing, and the University of Michigan Softball Academy to raise 
awareness for breast cancer.
  Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask my colleagues to join me today in 
celebrating the 32+ years of public service that Carla Scruggs has been 
kind enough to dedicate her life to. She has given our children spaces 
to play, our dogs spaces to run, and altogether has made Saline a 
warmer and more welcoming place to live. Though we are sad to see her 
go, the families of Saline will be feeling her positive influence for 
decades to come. I thank Carla.

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