On September 20, 2001, members of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association and the Michigan chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects participated in an 18 hole scramble golf tournament, benefitting the MRPA scholarship fund.

The tournament took place at the Springfield Oaks Golf Course in Davisburg, Mich. The par 71, 5,705 yard course was named first in Best Value and second in Best Woman-Friendly Course by Craine's Detroit Business in 2000.

For a $75 donation, participants enjoyed a day on links, cocktails, dinner, complimentary beverages, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and an awards presentation at Springfield Oaks Youth Activity Center. The struggling duffers at the event were also able to buy Mulligans (four-per-team).

Hot dogs for the event were provided by Engan, Tooley, Doyle & Associates (ETD), of Okemos, Mich. ETD is a playground consulting, design, and manufacturers' representative firm that offers free consultations, site evaluations, presentations and proposals. The firm represents among others, Miracle Recreation Equipment Company, Spectra Turf, RecycleDesign and Vortex.

"The MRPA and the MRPA Scholarship Committee holds an annual scholarship golf outing to invest in the future of parks and recreation," said Nichole Fischer, MRPA Program Services Manager. "All proceeds fund park and recreation internship and scholarship awards that are given out annually."

The Michigan Recreation and Park Association, based in Lansing, Mich. is a professional organization committed to providing professional development, advocacy, programs, and service to membership dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through recreation and park opportunities. This vision is delivered through four strategic directions: promote, support, and enhance recreation and park services; advocate legislative issues on behalf of parks and recreation; develop and implement fiscally responsible financial strategies; and provide services to support the professional development, programming and informational needs of members and staff.

Money raised from the golf outing will be distributed through the MRPA Scholarship Committee. The Committee develops fund-raising events to benefit Recreation/Park students in Michigan universities and colleges through promotion of its scholarship and internship programs. The Committee administers the awarding of scholarships and internships each year. According to Fischer, the Scholarship Committee awards approximately $15,000-a-year to students.

"The outing consists of approximately 160 golfers," Fischer said. "The students appreciate the support and dedication professionals have for them."

With the scholarship money, MRPA hopes to progress with its theme of "Parks and Recreation . . . The Benefits

are Endless®."