Elizabeth Park was donated to Wayne County as the first County Park in the state of Michigan.

The first piece of the Middle Rouge Parkway is acquired in Plymouth at Five Mile and Northville Road.

• Nankin Mills open as a Nature Center (nature center closed in 1979). 

• Holliday Nature Preserve in Westland is donated to Wayne County on the condition that it says a nature preserve.  Early activities included walking trails in the 600 acres of scenic valley land.

Wayne County Parks and Recreation was established and hired first Parks Director (Eric Reickel). Nankin Mills becomes the headquarters for the Wayne County Parks Department.

Friends of Wayne County Parks was established!

Nankin Mills Interpretive Center opens with three floors of displays, including Native American History, the Underground Railroad, Henry Ford and nature displays with live animals.

The first Wayne County Parks Millage passed in 1996.

Crosswinds Marsh, a 1,050 acre wetland and wildlife preserve, opens in Sumpter Township with miles of nature trails, fishing and birding as primary activities.

• Wayne County Family Aquatic Center opens in Detroit with a wave pool, two super-sized water slides and spray fountains.

• Inkster Valley Golf Course, which is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by Harry Bowers, opens in Inkster.