About Us
Mission
The mission of the Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County is to assist the County of Kalamazoo by raising funds to be used for development, improvement, maintenance, and promotion of the parks, which are now or hereafter owned and operated by the County of Kalamazoo. The Parks Foundation will also receive and administer funds for the preservation of objects of natural interest for educational and charitable purposes, and for purposes benefiting the public welfare of citizens of Kalamazoo County and Southwest Michigan.
History
The Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County was formed in 1988 when a small but passionate group of citizens wanted to protect parkland at the former Morris Markin estate and create a recreational destination. Markin Glen County Park was originally the estate of Morris Markin, the founder of Checkers Motor Corporation of Kalamazoo. The group led a fundraising drive that allowed the west side of Markin Glen County Park to open in 1994, after the County acquired the property from the City of Kalamazoo. This group formed a partnership with the County to develop and protect Markin Glen and all future county park lands in Kalamazoo County.
2024 Board of Directors
Toni Thompson, President
Jeff Carter, Vice President
Steve Grieve, Secretary
Brenda Longman, Treasurer
Paul Banner
Sandy Bliesener
Les Tung