Lewis Wint* - Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission

Lewis E. "Lew" Wint was the epitome of a citizen who volunteered tremendous time and effort to fostering the Oakland County Parks and Recreation system.

He was chairman of the parks and recreation commission for 15 years, and a board member for a total of 18 years from 1975-1992, having also served as vice chairman and secretary.

Among his honors were the MRPA Special Award for outstanding contributions to parks and recreation in 1985; the APRS Meritorious Services Award in 1985; NRPA Great Lakes Region Award as outstanding board and commission member in 1989.

Lew was a founding member and trustee for Oakland Parks Foundation, a non-profit citizens group committed to preserving parklands and enhancing recreation in Oakland County.

In his memory, MRPA Created the Lew Wint Award to recognize his commitment to quality and excellence in the field of parks and recreation. Nominees for the award are judged on department programs, volunteer involvement and evaluation tools.

A supporter, innovator and advocate for recreation in all its forms, Lew was instrumental in gaining legislative support to apply a state grant to a project that helped fund the construction of the first wave-action swimming pool, north of the Mason/Dixon line, at Waterford Oaks County Park in 1976. A second water park opened in Madison Heights in 1986.

During his tenure, the parks system acquired Glen Oaks Golf Course in Farmington Hills, Orion Oaks in Orion Twp. and Lyon Oaks in Lyon Twp. More than 1.6 million persons visit the Oakland County Parks each year.

Lew was a supporter of persons with disabilities. He was a founding member of Clarkston SCAMP and served as its first president. The annual Wint/SCAMP Golf Outing raises funds for that organization's summer camps and nature center programs.

Lew not only served the parks commission as one of its most supportive ambassadors; he was genuinely committed to his community, Clarkston. In 1985, he received the Detroit United Way Foundation "Heart of Gold" Award for outstanding volunteer contributions. He also was very active in the Greater Pontiac Chamber of Commerce and served as its president.

As a funeral director, Lewis Wint served and comforted hundreds of families over his long career. His role in parks and recreation allowed him to provide limitless opportunities for families to appreciate the outdoors together.

In 1995, the nature center at Independence Oaks County Parks was named The Lewis E. Wint Nature Center in his honor.

Lewis E. "Lew" Wint will always be remembered as a dedicated supporter to the "Quality of Life" and always had great enjoyment & personal reward in serving on the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission. Oakland County is a great place to reside because of Lew's commitment.