Located at Roberts Park 455 South Miller Rd
In 2020, Thomas Township and it’s Parks and Recreation Department purchased nearly 20 acres of land located along the South West corner of Roberts Park which extends to Dutch Rd. Throughout 2020 and into 2021, the Parks and Recreation department installed a 9 hole Disc Golf Course in memory of Chris and Mari Thompson. The Thompsons willed a donation to Thomas Township Parks and Recreation which helped fund the development of the course. Thomas Township chose to use the donation to create a unique attraction at one of its parks that would allow the community to come together and enjoy. There are plans to install an additional 9 baskets to make the course an 18 basket course, and cutting has begun in preparation.
Who were Chris and Mari Thompson Thompson?
Chris Thompson served as an elected township trustee as well as a member of the Thomas Township Planning Commission, Township Ordinance and Policy Committee, and chairman of the Thomas Township Zoning Board of Appeals. Before serving the community of Thomas Township, Chris served his country bravely in West Germany as First Lieutenant in the Army Medical Service Corps. Chris was then employed at the Saginaw News for over 40 years. He held various editorial positions including 30 continuous years as a contributing columnist. Chris received recognition and numerous awards for his journalism and photography Mari Zimmerman-Thompson taught art at Swan Valley High School. She created Yellow Dog Studios and won numerous first prize awards for her artwork at SAWA and other art events. She served consecutive terms as President of Saginaw Area Water Media Artists and was a program and art show chairperson for the Executive Committee of the Midland Artist Guild. Mari enjoyed her Laughter, Lunch & Lit book club, painting, being a member of the Midland Watercolor Society and an active board member of the Saginaw Art Museum. Mari was active in the local Pan-Hellenic chapter and engaged in various community works. They were both big supporters of Thomas Township Parks and Recreation and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. In 2015, Chris and Mari Thompson tragically passed away from an automobile accident. Chris and Mari willed a donation to Thomas Township Parks and Recreation to help continue growing the parks and offer new opportunities for the community. Thomas Township Parks and Recreation chose to use the donation to create a unique attraction at one of its parks that would allow the community to come together and enjoy. In 2021, the Thompson Memorial Disc Golf Course was created in memory of Chris and Mari Thompson. Thank you to the Thompson family for enabling Thomas Township Parks and Recreation to create this recreational opportunity for the community to enjoy.