Margaret A. Whitehead

 

Margaret Whitehead recognized the importance for women and girls to participate in a variety of recreation activities.  In the 1950’s through the 1970’s this was no small undertaking.  She needed perseverance and she delivered. 

 

In addition to initiating several new activities for women and girls, Whitehead established the first senior centers in the City of Lansing.  She traveled throughout Michigan assisting staff in other cities to organize senior citizen programs and establish senior centers in their communities.  In 1967, she founded the MRPA Annual Senior Citizen Get-Together at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  There were 25 seniors attending the first year.  Now, 42 years later, more than 4,500 seniors annually enjoy the trip. 

 

During her 25-year career, she mentored many budding park and recreation professionals.  She was a taskmaster with a large heart.  She liked things to be done “right”.  Fourteen-hour days were common for Whitehead – planning programs during regular business hours, and then attending them in the evening to ensure that they came off without a hitch.

 

Whitehead was a staunch supporter of MRPA.  She served as Vice President and Board Member and chaired six different committees over the years.  Whitehead was a key member of the Women of MRPA (a little known splinter group that formed in 1967).  Their mission was two-fold:  to bring about equality for female recreation professionals and to expand recreational opportunities for women and girls.

 

In 1964, Whitehead received the MRPA Fellowship Award.  Because of her involvement and commitment to seniors, the MRPA Margaret Whitehead Senior of the Year Award was initiated in 1978 and continues to be presented each year to outstanding senior citizens for leadership and service.  Prior to Whitehead's retirement, Lansing’s mayor proclaimed November 19, 1972 as Margaret A. Whitehead Day in Lansing.

 

 

Margaret A. Whitehead undertook the task of developing equal opportunities in recreation for women and girls.  She was innovative, responsible, and a woman of tremendous integrity. 

 

 

 

Margaret A. Whitehead

 

Margaret Whitehead recognized the importance for women and girls to participate in a variety of recreation activities.  In the 1950’s through the 1970’s this was no small undertaking.  She needed perseverance and she delivered. 

 

In addition to initiating several new activities for women and girls, Whitehead established the first senior centers in the City of Lansing.  She traveled throughout Michigan assisting staff in other cities to organize senior citizen programs and establish senior centers in their communities.  In 1967, she founded the MRPA Annual Senior Citizen Get-Together at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  There were 25 seniors attending the first year.  Now, 42 years later, more than 4,500 seniors annually enjoy the trip. 

 

During her 25-year career, she mentored many budding park and recreation professionals.  She was a taskmaster with a large heart.  She liked things to be done “right”.  Fourteen-hour days were common for Whitehead – planning programs during regular business hours, and then attending them in the evening to ensure that they came off without a hitch.

 

Whitehead was a staunch supporter of MRPA.  She served as Vice President and Board Member and chaired six different committees over the years.  Whitehead was a key member of the Women of MRPA (a little known splinter group that formed in 1967).  Their mission was two-fold:  to bring about equality for female recreation professionals and to expand recreational opportunities for women and girls.

 

In 1964, Whitehead received the MRPA Fellowship Award.  Because of her involvement and commitment to seniors, the MRPA Margaret Whitehead Senior of the Year Award was initiated in 1978 and continues to be presented each year to outstanding senior citizens for leadership and service.  Prior to Whitehead's retirement, Lansing’s mayor proclaimed November 19, 1972 as Margaret A. Whitehead Day in Lansing.

 

 

Margaret A. Whitehead undertook the task of developing equal opportunities in recreation for women and girls.  She was innovative, responsible, and a woman of tremendous integrity.