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Community Corner

Dexter Operations Manager Enjoys Career at Metroparks

Jerry Cyr, who oversees Hudson Mills Metropark, is a 30-year veteran of the park system.

Jerry Cyr, park operations manager for in Dexter, started mowing grass at the Lower Huron Metropark golf course when he was 16 years old.

He has now worked for the metroparks for 30 years, 28 of them in a full-time capacity.

“After working two years at the golf course in my junior and senior years of high school, my supervisor, Michael O’Boyle, told me about the turfgrass program at Michigan State University,” he said.

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O’Boyle sponsored Cyr in the program, and after he finished the two-year MSU Turfgrass Management Certificate program, Grosse Ile Country Club hired Cyr as assistant golf course superintendent.

After Cyr spent a year in the private sector, O’Boyle transferred to a newly acquired Willow Metropark golf course, creating a full-time opening at the Lower Huron Metropark Par 3.

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“I was fortunate to obtain Mike’s old position,” Cyr said. “The Par 3 golf course is a beautiful facility, and after four years managing it, I was ready to take my newly acquired training and education to the big time.”

In the 1980s, the metroparks system announced it was opening a golf course at Hudson Mills Metropark, and the job was offered to Cyr.

“Again, I was fortunate to get the position,” Cyr said. “I was very excited to have the opportunity to be involved in the ‘grow-in’ of a brand-new regulation golf course.”

During the early stages of construction, Cyr served as temporary golf course superintendent at Huron Meadows Metropark and also spent four months training and assisting Kensington Metropark's new golf course superintendent. Once the Hudson Mills course construction was completed in 1989, he spent the next eight years managing it.

Cyr became intrigued with the entire park management operation, including the park budget process. Since he did not have a bachelor’s degree, he went back to Michigan State University at the age of 30.

When the park manager was promoted in 1997 and his assistant, Kim Jarvis, was promoted to park manager, Cyr was selected as a replacement for Jarvis.

Cyr said he enjoys the park staff and patrons, the first-time visitors as well as regulars.

“Our patrons love what we have to offer and frequently tell us,” he said. “Our entire staff is very motivated, spirited and deeply dedicated.”

Cyr said one of the park's popular amenities is the hike/bike trail.

“Later this year, we hope to start the final phase of trail construction that will connect our West River paved trail to the village of Dexter,” Cyr said. “We have a fantastic regulation golf course and two 24-hole disc golf courses that are known to be some of the best disc golf in southeastern Michigan, and our park interpreters offer great school programs.” 

Some of the park’s larger events include Chillin’ at the Mills, Easter Egg Scramble, March of Dimes Walk America, Fourth of July fireworks, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk and many large cross-country running events, The park has partnerships with the Dexter Soccer Club and the Ann Arbor Area Disc Golf Club.

“We’ll be having a brand-new event on Saturday called ‘A Dog Day of Summer.’ We’re very excited about it, and we encourage folks to come out with their dogs,” he said.

More information can be found at the park's website.

Cyr, who has a passion for golf, boating and family vacations, tries to work out three times a week to maintain a healthful lifestyle. As a big sports fan, he roots for all the local teams.

“I bleed green and white but always root for Michigan when they play Ohio State,” he joked. “I love what I do and the people I’m surrounded by."

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