Recreation Department (734) 675-0920
For the past 16 years, Parks and Recreation Director Mark Maxe has
overseen recreation programs in the township.
Before coming to Brownstown, he directed the Recreation Department in nearby
Superior Township. He is a certified leisure professional and a member of
the National Recreation and Parks Association.
He holds a degree in parks and recreation administration from Michigan State
University. He and his wife, Beth, have three children, all of whome are
involved in township sports.
Maxe directs a staff that includes Senior Coordinator Kari Wolf, two clerks,
seven full time and eight part time employees.
As 2004 gets under way, township residents can once again enjoy all the
wonders of nature in any one of a dozen different ways.
Starting with the southern end of the township, Brownstown is home to two
different wildlife areas: Pointe Mouillee State Game Area and Lake Erie
Metropark.
In addition, Brownstown’s Detroit River-Lake Erie shoreline is part of the
southeastern Michigan International Wildlife Refuge.
In these two parks, visitors can get up-close-and-personal with some of
Michigan’s most well-known bird-watching areas – and view some of the few
American Bald Eagle nesting sites in the Midwest. Also, visitors can
participate in an annual bird count and take hikes on various nature trails.
Finally, the Metropark features a wave pool, picnic areas and a golf course.
Throughout the township, residents can also take advantage of nine different
community parks with most including typical park amenities, such as picnic
shelters and playground equipment.
The focal point for much of the township’s recreational activity, however,
is in the Thorn Park Community Center complex, located next to Township Hall
on Telegraph Road.
Last year, officials earmarked $112,000 of Community Development Block Grant
money to renovate and improve Thorn Park’s playground.
Township residents can begin reserving Thorn Park’s picnic shelter April 1
for summer events. A fee of $25 per date is required and there is a limit of
one date per residence. Reservations are accepted in person only at the
Community Center.
On tap to get residents in the swing for summer fun is the
Brownstown/Woodhaven free “Concert in the Park” series. The two communities
have teamed up this year to offer six concerts, using funding provided by
the Michigan Humanities Council.
This summer’s offering will be presented at Brownstown’s Torn Park and at
Woodhaven’s Civic Center Park. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m.
Once again, the township will offer discount tickets to many area amusement
parks and attractions and will have a full complement of youth programs and
special events.
Throughout the year, there are events for the entire family – even the
family dog – for a total of more than 100 programs offered throughout the
year.
