Roger L. Kowalski

 

Roger Kowalski received his B.S. degree from Michigan State University and M.A. degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from Central Michigan University.  He started working part-time as Athletic Supervisor for the City of Lansing, became the Director of Parks and Recreation in St. Johns, MI, then moved on to become Director in Ferndale, MI.  He concluded his illustrious 34-year career as Director of Parks and Recreation in Troy, Michigan (26½ years).

 

Kowalski was the second full-time Director for the City of Troy.  He developed the first Master Parks Plan and increased the budget from $600,000 to $3 million.  He built Troy’s Parks and Recreation Department from a staff of seven to thirty; he increased the parks system from three parks in 1970 to over 900 acres in 1997.  With foresight and perseverance, Kowalski led the way to a full-service department as the driving force behind the establishment of a community center, golf course, nature center, and aquatic center.  With the Troy school system, he fostered cooperative development of facilities and shared maintenance.

 

Kowalski was very active in MRPA.  He served as First Vice President, Treasurer, Board Member and served on several committees.  As Treasurer, he totally revamped the purchasing and reporting process that led to a much-needed change in procedure.  He also served as President of the Northwest Parks and Recreation Association. 

 

Kowalski made several presentations on various topics at MRPA conferences.  He traveled to other states presenting seminars concerning Labor and Management relations.  He was also very knowledgeable regarding cable television; he presented several seminars on franchising.  Kowalski chaired the Inter-Governmental Cable Authority for 10 years.

 

Among his honors were the MRPA Fellowship Award, Troy Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of the Year, Central Michigan University Professional Service Award, and the Park Maintenance Magazine Park Maintenance Idea Award.

 

Roger L. Kowalski led with firmness, integrity, fiscal responsibility, and progressiveness.   His leadership and direction are the reasons the residents of the City of Troy enjoy a comprehensive parks and recreation system today. 

Roger L. Kowalski

 

Roger Kowalski received his B.S. degree from Michigan State University and M.A. degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from Central Michigan University.  He started working part-time as Athletic Supervisor for the City of Lansing, became the Director of Parks and Recreation in St. Johns, MI, then moved on to become Director in Ferndale, MI.  He concluded his illustrious 34-year career as Director of Parks and Recreation in Troy, Michigan (26½ years).

 

Kowalski was the second full-time Director for the City of Troy.  He developed the first Master Parks Plan and increased the budget from $600,000 to $3 million.  He built Troy’s Parks and Recreation Department from a staff of seven to thirty; he increased the parks system from three parks in 1970 to over 900 acres in 1997.  With foresight and perseverance, Kowalski led the way to a full-service department as the driving force behind the establishment of a community center, golf course, nature center, and aquatic center.  With the Troy school system, he fostered cooperative development of facilities and shared maintenance.

 

Kowalski was very active in MRPA.  He served as First Vice President, Treasurer, Board Member and served on several committees.  As Treasurer, he totally revamped the purchasing and reporting process that led to a much-needed change in procedure.  He also served as President of the Northwest Parks and Recreation Association. 

 

Kowalski made several presentations on various topics at MRPA conferences.  He traveled to other states presenting seminars concerning Labor and Management relations.  He was also very knowledgeable regarding cable television; he presented several seminars on franchising.  Kowalski chaired the Inter-Governmental Cable Authority for 10 years.

 

Among his honors were the MRPA Fellowship Award, Troy Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of the Year, Central Michigan University Professional Service Award, and the Park Maintenance Magazine Park Maintenance Idea Award.

 

Roger L. Kowalski led with firmness, integrity, fiscal responsibility, and progressiveness.   His leadership and direction are the reasons the residents of the City of Troy enjoy a comprehensive parks and recreation system today.