Jef Farland (on the right) accepting his Hall of Fame Award from Chad Stevens, President of mParks.
Founded in 1935, mParks, formerly known as the Michigan Park & Recreation Association (MPRA), is celebrating its 90th Anniversary. For nine decades, the Association has championed professional development, advocacy, and community support for Michigan’s parks and recreation agencies. The mParks has 160,000 professional members and supports over 3,300 community agencies. The Hall of Fame is the Association’s highest honor, recognizing leaders that exemplify the lasting impact that parks and recreation has on the overall quality of life. There are only 87 members who have received this honor.
Jef Farland’s 31-year career included long-lasting leadership with three communities: Farmington Hills, Northville, and the City of Southfield. In each of these communities, he was instrumental in expanding facilities, launching recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities, and strengthening community engagement. Known for his collaborative style, Jef, along with staff, built successful partnerships with community groups, schools, and businesses to enhance and promote recreational opportunities for all residents.
Within the MRPA, Jef served as chair of several committees and was an active board member for many years. He served as the Association’s president. His most enjoyment as a member of the Association was when he was the chair of the Scholarship Committee. It was there that he initiated and organized fundraising activities (golf outings and merchandise sales) and had the satisfaction of awarding scholarships to deserving parks and recreation students!
Beyond Michigan, Jef was the Director of Leisure Facilities & Services with the City of Davenport, Iowa. His responsibilities included the River Center Conference Center, the 2,300 seat Adler Theater, John O’Donnell Stadium (a Minor A baseball facility), and parks and recreation services along the Mississippi River and throughout the community. He initiated the RibFest, an annual event that brought in over 10,000 participants over three days. In 2001, Jef was awarded the Richard B. Slattery Professional Award, given to an active professional in the State of Iowa for leadership and advocacy of parks and recreation. He was also an Adjunct Professor with Western Illinois University. After his initial retirement, Jef returned to school at the University of Northern Iowa and completed his doctorate in 2010. Subsequently, he became a full- time Professor in Sport & Recreation Management at the University of Iowa.
Upon retirement in 2017, Jef, along with his wife Dale, moved to SaddleBrooke Ranch. He continued to be supportive of his vocation as a volunteer at the Western National Park Association in their store and during special events. At the Ranch, he is active playing senior softball and has been an active member of the Architectural & Landscape Committee for six years. Jef’s wife Dale is also active in the community. She has been involved as Art Club President, SBR Finance Committee member, and is VP of the Oracle Schools Foundation board.
Jef has devoted his career to enhancing the impact of parks and recreation with various communities and statewide. He is grateful for this new recognition.