Laketown Township sends our sympathies to the family of Karen Cox, 78, who passed away June 4, 2023, at her home in Holland.
Cox was a founding member of the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission. The group’s logo from 1992 is above.
With parks commission
Township residents voted to create a parks commission in August 1980. The township board appointed the first members, including Cox, on March 4, 1981, with a budget of $6,000. Other inaugural members were Gene Huyser, Pauline Jousma, Jim Volkers, Bob Witkop and Pat Kammeraad. Clair DeMull was named an advisory member because he did not live in the township at the time.
The township did have parks committees dating back to at least April 4, 1971, and an appointed recreation committee. Then, the parks committee was appointed to oversee the beach, including law enforcement at the property, and look at other outdoor opportunities.
Cox served on the commission, including being chairperson for some of that time, through 2004.
During her time on the board, the number of parks in the township grew from one – the beach which was acquired in 1926 – to six, including Farview Park (dedicated in 1982), Wolters Woods Park (acquired in 1992), Sanctuary Woods Park (acquired in 1997), Shore Acres (acquired in 1993) and Huyser Farm (acquired in 2001).
Visitation and service
Visitation for Cox is noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at Maple Avenue Ministries, 427 Maple Ave. in Holland, followed by the service at 1 p.m. at the same location.
Burial will be in Gibson Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Community Action House, 739 Paw Paw Drive, Holland, or Community Action of Allegan County, 323 Water St.
For more information, visit https://dykstrafuneralhome.com