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| Greg Morris |
Morris is now responsible for the day-to-day department operations including administration, marketing, event management and customer service. He oversees the recreation division of the department, which will include playing a key role in hiring personnel, cultivating recreation programming and planning special events, according to an official announcement of his hiring.
He joins the management team led by Derek O. Smith, who was named director of Northville Parks & Recreation in July.
Morris' first day was Sept. 13.
“Northville Parks & Recreation has the potential to grow and I am excited to be a part of it,” Morris said. “I'm looking forward to meeting residents and working alongside our team to provide programs and events that will make memories for a lifetime.”
Morris' career spans 19 years. Most recently he was recreation supervisor at the Novi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department, where he created budgets for 50 programs a year and was project manager on the rigorous multi-year process of accreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), which Northville Parks & Recreation will undergo in the future.
Prior to Novi, he was the marketing and special events manager for Huron Valley Recreation & Community Education, coordinating 24 special events a year, overseeing the quarterly activity brochure and directing 100 volunteers along with the pools and fitness staff.
Morris began his career as recreation coordinator for the City of Marshall, where he launched 31 programs, including an after-school program for 40 high-risk children ranging from 8-16 years old, a spokesman explained.
During his career, the Central Michigan University graduate also volunteered with the USA Metro Detroit Softball board and the mParks state conference committee. He is both a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and a Certified Festival and Event Executive (CFEE).
“Greg's history of creating innovative programs, his leadership ability and his good nature make him an ideal fit for this position,” said Smith. “I'm certain this region will benefit from his passion and dedication.”
Morris' own recreation passion is golf and volunteering as coach for his son. He also enjoys watching sports and is a fan of all the Detroit professional teams. He currently resides in Commerce Township with his wife of 15 years and their 9-year-old son.
Northville Parks & Recreation is a shared service between the Charter Township of Northville and the City of Northville to jointly operate parks and recreation and senior services.
Northville Parks & Recreation Department provides parks, facilities, programs and services through three divisions. The recreation division hosts programming in special events, youth recreation, camps, teen enrichment, adult recreation, athletics and more. The senior services division provides programming in health and wellness, social, educational, enrichment and events. In addition, it operates a daily curb-to-curb transportation program for adults ages 60+ and people with disabilities. The parks and facilities division is responsible for a variety of neighborhood and community parks and pathways. The parks boast a variety of amenities, such as athletic fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, pavilions, dog parks, pathways/trails, boardwalks and nature areas. Unity Skatepark and a cricket pitch are being built this summer for an anticipated fall opening. Both are at Millennium Park in Northville Township.
“I'm grateful to work with Director Smith and the rest of the Northville Parks & Recreation team,” Morris said. “I look forward to learning more about the community and working together to enhance the quality of life for those who live in, work in and enjoy our community.”
