Jim Bruce - Flint

James Arthur Bruce served the profession of Recreation and Park Services for more than 40 years, starting as Summer Playground Leader (1947) moving through the Flint Recreation and Park Board System, to become the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation "retiring" in 1976. His "retirement" took on a whole new meaning. Lou Twardzik chairperson, Department of Park and Recreation and Resources at MSU recognizing the value of Jim's professional experiences, leadership, organizational abilities and commitment to professional excellence hired Jim as an Associate Professor in 1977, he retired in 1986.

As Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Jim was very active in the Flint Community serving on numerous local councils and commissions. He addressed the Flint Service Clubs and other community groups visiting and consulting with them. These relationships provided support for multiple use of facilities, passage of mileages, program enhancement, volunteerism and planning and design strategies.

A major accomplishment of Jim's efforts in establishing these cooperative relationships resulted in a five year Capital Improvement Program. This Program enabled the construction of numerous facilities and programs including a Senior Citizens Center, nine hole, par three golf course and club house at Pierce Park; a swimming pool, artificial ice rink, a Class A diamond with lights and two Class A softball diamonds with lights at Whaley Park; a swimming pool and artificial ice rink at Lincoln Park; a swimming pool and artificial ice rink at Kennedy Park; Astroturf at Atwood Stadium; a Soap Box Derby Hill, 19 park school sites and 26 new or revised playground sites. These facilities and services provided experiences for all ages during his tenure as superintendent and for generations to come.

His loyalty and support of MRPA is exemplified by Jim's involvement in organizing and establishing the MRPA Central Office in Lansing, chairing the Executive Director Search Committee and was involved in writing the duties and policies associated with MRPA. These occurrences have stood the test of time. In addition, Jim served as President of MRPA, on the Board of Directors for six years and represented us on the NRPA Great Lakes District Council for three years.

Jim was also active in the American Park and Recreation Society serving as chair or committee member of several different committees. NRPA benefited from Jim's recognized leadership and writing skills requesting him to write articles in the NRPA magazine related to professional training and cooperative responsibilities.

Jim received several prestigious awards for his outstanding leadership and service to the profession, including the State of Michigan (Resolution #377) for Outstanding Contributions to the Parks and Recreation Profession and the people of the State of Michigan, the NRPA Special Citation for Distinguished Professional Services, the APRS Certificate of Appreciation of Dedicated Leadership and the MRPA Fellowship Award.


James A. Bruce believed "As a member of our professional organizations we have an obligation to be involved at different levels where we can positively impact the direction of our professional services." He serves as a role model of service for the recreation and parks profession.