In an effort to provide the best parks and programs possible to our community, the staff here at Thomas Township Parks and Recreation is constantly looking at ways to improve our parks and programs to create fun and unique spaces for all to enjoy.
We are excited for the future here at Thomas Township Parks and Recreation. Please continue to check back and see what other new and exciting recreation opportunities our Parks and Recreation staff created. We are always improving and adding new features to our parks for the community to come together and enjoy.
The Thompson Memorial Disc Golf Course
Who were Chris and Mari Thompson Thompson?
Chris Thompson served as an elected township trustee as well as a member of the Thomas Township Planning Commission, Township Ordinance and Policy Committee, and chairman of the Thomas Township Zoning Board of Appeals. Before serving the community of Thomas Township, Chris served his country bravely in West Germany as First Lieutenant in the Army Medical Service Corps. Chris was then employed at the Saginaw News for over 40 years. He held various editorial positions including 30 continuous years as a contributing columnist. Chris received recognition and numerous awards for his journalism and photography Mari Zimmerman-Thompson taught art at Swan Valley High School. She created Yellow Dog Studios and won numerous first prize awards for her artwork at SAWA and other art events. She served consecutive terms as President of Saginaw Area Water Media Artists and was a program and art show chairperson for the Executive Committee of the Midland Artist Guild. Mari enjoyed her Laughter, Lunch & Lit book club, painting, being a member of the Midland Watercolor Society and an active board member of the Saginaw Art Museum. Mari was active in the local Pan-Hellenic chapter and engaged in various community works. They were both big supporters of Thomas Township Parks and Recreation and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. In 2015, Chris and Mari Thompson tragically passed away from an automobile accident. Chris and Mari willed a donation to Thomas Township Parks and Recreation to help continue growing the parks and offer new opportunities for the community. Thomas Township Parks and Recreation chose to use the donation to create a unique attraction at one of its parks that would allow the community to come together and enjoy. In 2021, the Thompson Memorial Disc Golf Course was created in memory of Chris and Mari Thompson. Thank you to the Thompson family for enabling Thomas Township Parks and Recreation to create this recreational opportunity for the community to enjoy.
Thomas Township Nature Center and Preserve
Thomas Township is developing the 67-acre island preserve and the building at 6660 Gratiot Road into The Thomas Township Nature Center and Preserve.
Thomas Township acquired the preserve area in the mid-2000s, and the nature center building in 2018. Locals will remember the old Hidden Hollow Lounge, Restaurant and Golf Course that was built in 1968 or maybe the Heritage Insurance Agency. For more information regarding the Nature Center please visit the Thomas Township Nature Center and Preserve page here.
