Former Detroit Recreation Chief Named to Evanston Post

EVANSTON, IL - A Detroit-area parks and recreation chief will be the lead of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services department in Chicago’s nearest North Shore suburb come February.

The city of Evanston announced the appointment of Lawrence C. Hemingway to the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services post on Monday. Hemingway has been the director of parks and recreation for Wayne County Parks just west of Detroit since 2010, but will begin his new role in Evanston on Feb. 8.

Hemingway has also served as Director and General Manager for the City of Detroit’s Recreation Department.

“The City is fortunate to have a leader of Lawrence’s caliber join us in Evanston,” Evanston City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz said. “His experience in Michigan provides an excellent foundation for coming to our city and providing recreation services that match our community’s needs. I welcome Lawrence to our team.”

According to Bobkiewicz, Hemingway managed and monitored a budget of over $17 million; oversaw day-to-day operations for recreation, maintenance and design staff personnel for the Parks Division; and planned and coordinated major special events for Wayne County Parks.

Hemingway has also served as Chief Operating Officer for Think Detroit PAL, a nonprofit that organizes youth recreational sports leagues.