Huron-Clinton Metroparks Director Retires

David C. Moilanen, director of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, and a 38-year Metropark employee, will be retiring Aug. 3. 

Moilanen began his career part-time at Kensington Metropark in 1974, first as a golf course maintenance worker, then as an interpreter at the Nature Center. He was hired full-time in 1980 as the farm manager at Kensington Metropark’s Farm Center and in 1991 became the Metroparks’ public relations/information officer. He was appointed Metroparks’ chief of interpretive services and public relations in 1999, deputy director in 2006 and director in 2010.

Moilanen holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and natural resources from the University of Michigan and completed additional coursework in public relations and journalism, zoology and biology. He is a member of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), Michigan Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) and the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association. 

He, his wife, Cindy, and their son, Dave, live in Genoa Township in Livingston County.    

Located along the Huron and Clinton rivers, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks provide a natural oasis from urban and suburban life as well as year-round recreational activities and events.  A regional park system, the Metroparks consist of 13 beautiful parks covering 25,000 acres, ten spectacular public golf courses and two marinas on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, respectively. The parks also offer scenic nature trails, breathtaking beaches, educational activities and exciting winter sports.