Susan S. Wedley
Susan Wedley was the ultimate recreation professional, using her innovative and creative skills to establish a variety of recreation programs throughout her career, many of which were adopted by other communities. In 1971, she initiated the Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair drawing artists from throughout the United States. In the late 1970’s, she led the development of a full service, award-winning Senior Citizen’s Program. Other outstanding programs Wedley established were Royal Oak Summer Expo (recreational and educational
classes for K-8th graders), Youth Theatre, Haunted Forest, Summer Centers, and several girls and women’s athletic activities.
As a junior in high school, Wedley began her recreation career working part-time in Lansing. She received her B.S. degree from Michigan State University and M.S. degree from Central Michigan University. She worked one year in Ferndale before moving on to the City of Royal Oak for 31 years, becoming Superintendent of Recreation in 1978.
Wedley was very active with MRPA. She held the offices of 2nd Vice President, Secretary, and Board Member. She served on numerous committees over the years, most notable the initial Registration and Certification committee that developed and implemented the present certification program. She also served on the committee that established the central office in Lansing and hired the first Executive Director.
The NRPA and North Carolina State University recognized Wedley’s talents by appointing her to their School of Sports Management Board of Regents in 1981-83. Wedley served her community on a wider scale as a member of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority-Advisory Committee; Northwest Parks & Recreation Association (Vice President/Treasurer/ Secretary); Metropolitan Youth Fitness Committee (Secretary); Royal Oak Inter-Club Council; Royal Oak Arts Council; Soroptimist Club (President).
With the support of co-workers, some noteworthy awards Wedley received include the following: MRPA Fellowship Award; State of Michigan Project Independence Award; Michigan Municipal League Municipal Achievement Award; President George H.W. Bush 904th Point of Light Award; NRPA National Gold Medal finalist; Royal Oak Jaycees Distinguished Service Award. Wedley was also inducted into the Lansing Eastern High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Susan S. Wedley led by example, setting high standards for herself and her employees. She empowered her staff, always emphasizing their strengths and contributions.
Susan S. Wedley
Susan Wedley was the ultimate recreation professional, using her innovative and creative skills to establish a variety of recreation programs throughout her career, many of which were adopted by other communities. In 1971, she initiated the Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair drawing artists from throughout the United States. In the late 1970’s, she led the development of a full service, award-winning Senior Citizen’s Program. Other outstanding programs Wedley established were Royal Oak Summer Expo (recreational and educational
classes for K-8th graders), Youth Theatre, Haunted Forest, Summer Centers, and several girls and women’s athletic activities.
As a junior in high school, Wedley began her recreation career working part-time in Lansing. She received her B.S. degree from Michigan State University and M.S. degree from Central Michigan University. She worked one year in Ferndale before moving on to the City of Royal Oak for 31 years, becoming Superintendent of Recreation in 1978.
Wedley was very active with MRPA. She held the offices of 2nd Vice President, Secretary, and Board Member. She served on numerous committees over the years, most notable the initial Registration and Certification committee that developed and implemented the present certification program. She also served on the committee that established the central office in Lansing and hired the first Executive Director.
The NRPA and North Carolina State University recognized Wedley’s talents by appointing her to their School of Sports Management Board of Regents in 1981-83. Wedley served her community on a wider scale as a member of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority-Advisory Committee; Northwest Parks & Recreation Association (Vice President/Treasurer/ Secretary); Metropolitan Youth Fitness Committee (Secretary); Royal Oak Inter-Club Council; Royal Oak Arts Council; Soroptimist Club (President).
With the support of co-workers, some noteworthy awards Wedley received include the following: MRPA Fellowship Award; State of Michigan Project Independence Award; Michigan Municipal League Municipal Achievement Award; President George H.W. Bush 904th Point of Light Award; NRPA National Gold Medal finalist; Royal Oak Jaycees Distinguished Service Award. Wedley was also inducted into the Lansing Eastern High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Susan S. Wedley led by example, setting high standards for herself and her employees. She empowered her staff, always emphasizing their strengths and contributions.