As we mentioned earlier, the DNR is renaming Tri-Centennial State Park on the Detroit RiverWalk to the William G. Milliken State Park.

Given the Governor’s background in conservation, this it certainly fitting. This background is highlighted in the name change resolution (see below) that was passed by the Natural Resources Commission last month.

Another conservationist will also be honored at the park. The Stroh family contributed funding in honor of the late Peter Stroh to help make this park possible. As the N.Y. Times reported, “Mr. Stroh was a founding board member of Conservation International and served on the boards of the Nature Conservancy, the National Audubon Society and the Atlantic Salmon Federation.”

Speaking of the park, the big question is when will this new section be open? The last we checked, portions of the bike path have been paved but more landscaping needs to be completed. The weather is really the determining factor on when the project will be done. The contract specifies a November completion and the DNR is still hoping for the end of this month. However, the rain and cold weather aren’t helping.

This Resolution was adopted by unanimous vote of the Natural Resources Commission on September?11, 2009, at its regular meeting.

RESOLUTION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION TO

RENAME THE TRI-CENTENNIAL STATE PARK AND HARBOR TO THE

WILLIAM G. MILLIKEN STATE PARK AND HARBOR

WHEREAS, William G. Milliken served as the 44^th Governor of the State of Michigan from 1969-1983, spanning a total of fourteen years, the longest in this state’s history; and

WHEREAS, William G. Milliken, as Governor of the State of Michigan, was noted for education reform and urban policy development, and championed civil rights and environmental protection; and

WHEREAS, William G. Milliken played a significant role in developing the state’s revenue sharing program that helped urban areas like the City of Detroit during troubled economic times; and

WHEREAS, William G. Milliken advocated expansion of public access to Michigan’s water resources, and investment of recreation resources into the state’s urban areas, particularly Detroit; and

WHEREAS, William G. Milliken’s administration was noted for its conservation commitment and work for passage of the Environmental Protection Act, Wetlands Protection Act, Bottle Bill, Truth in Pollution Laws, Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Hazardous Waste Act and others; and

WHEREAS, William G. Milliken continued his service to the citizens of the State of Michigan by chairing the Center for the Great Lakes, which was devoted to protecting regional lake resources.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Michigan Natural Resources Commission hereby recognizes William G. Milliken for enhancing the quality of life of all Michigan residents and for his lifelong dedication to Michigan’s natural resources.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Michigan Natural Resources Commission pays tribute to William G. Milliken by naming Michigan’s 98^th state park in his honor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that effective October 1, 2009 in perpetuity, the

31-acre state park in downtown Detroit currently known as the Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor be renamed the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor.

Tags: Detroit, Detroit Riverwalk, DNR, Tri-Centennial Park, William Milliken State Park

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 at 1:37 pm and is filed under Detroit, Trails. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.