A park and recreation professional for nearly 40 years, Luther T. Holt, Jr. dedicated his career to enhancing resident quality of life in the communities of Lexington, Kentucky; Highland Park and Detroit, Michigan. In retirement, Holt brought his passion to Peachtree City, Georgia, serving an integral role on the City’s Recreation Commission. Family and friends of Luther T. Holt, Jr. recently joined the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) in Canton, Michigan to honor his memory and countless contributions during Holt’s induction to the MRPA Hall of Fame.
The MRPA Hall of Fame honors professionals and special individuals who have made outstanding, unique, and lasting contributions to recreation and park services.
The Hall of Fame is on permanent display at the Summit on the Park in Canton, Michigan. Holt’s son Michael, of Fayetteville, Georgia, accepted the award and made remarks on his father’s behalf on October 6.
Holt was committed to the development of fundamental activity programs for the residents he served; his focus on youth programs developed the athletic skills and bolstered the self-esteem of young residents during an era of less than equal opportunity.
In retirement Holt was named to the Peachtree City Recreation Commission, where he assisted in raising more than $150,000 for an accessible playground; the Luther T. Holt All Children’s Playground was named in his honor. Holt received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Georgia Recreation and Park Association in 2000, and November 17 was proclaimed “Luther Holt Day” in Peachtree City that same year. Holt was also the recipient of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association’s Fellowship Award in 1982; the highest honor a current professional can receive from the organization.
Additional information on the 2011 Class of the MRPA Hall of Fame, as well as the biography of Luther T. Holt as it appeared in the event program can be found at www.mrpaonline.org/HallofFame.aspx.
Founded in 1935, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association provides advocacy, resources and professional development opportunities to a devoted and diverse membership. A non-profit statewide association, MRPA represents nearly 2,000 park and recreation professionals dedicated to creating community through people, parks and programs. Learn more at www.mrpaonline.org.
