Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board renames headquarters building to honor Superintendent Emeritus Mary Merrill
Posted on 5 December, 2018At its Dec. 5, 2018 meeting, Park Board Commissioners passed a resolution that renames the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Headquarters Building to the Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters.
Merrill devoted her career to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board as Interim Superintendent (February-December 2018); Superintendent (1999-2003); Assistant Superintendent for Administration, and Board Secretary (1997-1999); Assistant Superintendent (1996-1997); Assistant Superintendent for Recreation (1987-1996); Manager of Recreation Center Programs (1979-1987); Training Coordinator (1977-1979); and Recreation Supervisor/Center Director (1972-1977). She was named Superintendent Emeritus on December 16, 2009.
Merrill also served on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board of Commissioners, representing the entire city as an At Large Commissioner, from 2006-2010, and serving as Vice President in 2008 and 2009.
Merrill broke several barriers during her career, including becoming the first woman and person of color to become Superintendent, and the first former Superintendent to become a Board Commissioner.
“This board owes so much of its accomplishments to Superintendent Emeritus Merrill,” said Brad Bourn, President of the MPRB Board of Commissioners. “I have no doubt that Mary Merrill’s name will forever go down in history as one of Minneapolis Park Board’s giants, alongside Theodore Wirth and many others. So, it is my great honor to recognize Mary’s leadership and many contributions to our award-winning park system by renaming Park Board Headquarters for a woman whose name is synonymous with Minneapolis parks.”
While serving as Superintendent, Merrill championed the acquisition of the Headquarters building, which was renovated and opened in 2003. The Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters Building is located at 2117 West River Road. It houses more than 150 MPRB employees, including the office of the Superintendent.