Joe Seavey

Joe Seavey was described as a visionary, a pioneer in the recreation and park profession for more than 40 years. He began his professional career as a Recreation Supervisor for the Denver Parks and Recreation Department and concluded his career in 1987, as the Chief of Recreation Services Division, Department of Natural Resources for the State of Michigan.

Joe was the first and only Chief of Recreation Services for the State. In this position he garnered respect from professional colleagues at the local, state and national levels. He received numerous requests to speak at conferences and workshops sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association and MRPA, undergraduate and graduate classes at MSU and CMU along with many other speaking and consulting engagements. He made sure that his busy schedule included opportunities for others to benefit from his broad understanding of meeting the needs of Michiganders. He was a mentor to many!

Michigan residents benefited tremendously from the respect the Michigan Legislature had for Joe. The legislature continually sought advice and direction from him. He not only provided them with invaluable advice, they listened to what he said. He testified before many committees, which resulted in many positive actions for the provision of recreation and park services throughout the state.

He pioneered legislative awareness for the recreation profession. He was responsible for passing many recreation bills and under his direction the Recreation Services Division administrated thousands of grants to all the units of government in the state. He was a relentless advocate for inner city programs.
Through his leadership local units of government had to develop five year plans and show their ability to manage the many grants administered by his Division. This resulted in the increase of funding for parks and recreation throughout the state and the creation of many parks and recreation departments.

Joe served MRPA in various capacities as well as serving as its President. He was recognized with numerous awards including the prestigious MRPA Fellowship Award, but the one award that he was most proud of was the one he received from his Alma Mater, Ithaca College, “Professional of the Year”.

The professional field was his passion as much as a career. He provided direction for anyone seeking help throughout the State of Michigan.