David Laidlow - Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority

David Laidlaw has provided invaluable leadership to the profession of Recreation and Parks for 38 years. He is quoted as saying, “I decided when I was 14 that park management was my thing.” Even as a graduate student in Political Science he recognized the importance of connecting a series of parks along the Huron-Clinton River. David’s student paper detailed the development of the regional park system and serves as a basis for the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Agency’s official history today.

David participated in hundreds of national seminars and workshops. He served on the National Recreation and Park Association Board of Trustees and was President of the organization. The NRPA presented the coveted National Distinguished Professional Award to him at the National Congress. He received this award because “as Director of the highly respected Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority he was an effective administrator blazing new trails in many areas.” He is held in the highest regard by his fellow professionals in the field; there are few his equal.

David was instrumental in developing the NRPA’s position on policy option toward urban recreation. He was citied for his contributions to the Association’s constitution and by-laws committees. While a member of the Council on Accreditation for the NRPA he developed accredidation standards for recreation and park curricula at universities and colleges.

David was a consummate professional who was proud to be part of the parks and recreation field; he contributed an untiring effort to the advancement of our profession. He gave his time tirelessly and worked until a project was completed. He recognized the need and urgency of preserving open spaces through parks and left a legacy of the finest park facilities in the state, if not the nation. He had a unique awareness of meeting the needs of his clientele; this is evident in his involvement in different organizations where he was Chairman, President, and Board of Directors member. These organizations included: Great Lakes District Council, NRPA, American Park and Recreation Society, Michigan Forestry and Park Association, Governor’s Conference on Recreation and Southeast Michigan Travel and Tourism Association. As an important part of these organizations he positively influenced the establishment of policies and procedures that benefit both current and future users of the natural environment.

David O. Laidlaw is remembered for his vision, foresight, and innovation is establishing policies that have influenced the use of the natural environment within urban recreation and parks at regional, state, national, and international levels.