Oakland County Parks Announces Retirement of Longtime Member J. David VanderVeen, Appointment of Kate Baker

Oakland County Parks Announces Retirement of Longtime Member J. David VanderVeen, Appointment of Kate Baker

(Oakland County Parks, Sept 6, 2025)

David VanderVeen is leaving his Parks Commission post, but not his love of the outdoors.

For nearly three decades, VanderVeen, of Clarkston, has been invested in the health and wellness of county residents through the parks system and provided a vision of access for all. He was appointed as the County Executive’s delegate to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission (OCPRC) in 1998 and served 21 years as an elected officer. After serving as Vice Chair for 13 years, he retired from his service on the Commission as of Sept. 1.

“Dave has been a tireless advocate for Oakland County Parks, recognizing the role that parks and recreation plays in people’s lives,” Oakland County Parks Director Chris Ward said. “He walks the talk about the value outdoor recreation provides as an almost daily visitor to one of our parks.”

VanderVeen retired from Oakland County in 2022, after nearly 55 years, where he most recently served as Director of Central Services.

“I’m grateful to our predecessors who had the vision 59 years ago to preserve open space for future generations. We should keep that as a top priority as the county continues to develop,” VanderVeen said. “It’s been a great experience, and I continue to appreciate the value that parks and recreation adds to our quality of life.”

Kate Baker Appointed

County Executive Dave Coulter appointed Kate Baker of Ferndale as his delegate on the Parks Commission in VanderVeen’s stead.

Baker is a former Ferndale City Council member, Planning Commission Liaison and a Planning Commissioner. As the Ferndale Planning Commission Chair, she played an instrumental role in guiding the city toward a master plan centered on affordable housing.

She has been recognized for decades of volunteer service in leadership roles across development planning, the Climate Action Plan and advocacy for walkable, sustainable and inclusive community design.

“Kate’s deep experience in urban planning, affordable housing, sustainability and placemaking equips her uniquely to contribute on matters of park access, community design and land stewardship,” Ward said.

Election of Officers

Due to VanderVeen’s retirement, the OCPRC held an officer’s election at its Sept. 3 regular meeting to replace the open Vice Chair position.

Yolanda Smith Charles, an Oakland County Commissioner from Southfield and an OCPRC member since 2021, was elected Vice Chair. She has served as the at-large member of the OCPRC Executive Committee since 2024.

Ebony Bagley serves as Chair. The Novi resident was appointed to the Parks in 2019, elected as Secretary from 2020-23 and Chair since 2024. Under her leadership, Oakland County Parks has made historic investments in its facilities, partnerships with local communities and new recreational initiatives.

Andrea LaFontaine serves as Secretary. She was appointed to the Parks Commission in 2018 and elected as Secretary since 2024. A Birmingham resident, LaFontaine is the Executive Director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance and a former state representative.

OCPRC officers are elected for one calendar year, with the 2025 term ending on Dec. 31. Elections will be held again at its first meeting in January 2026.

The Parks Commission also includes:

• Kate Baker from Ferndale, a member since 2025
• Lola Banks from Oak Park, a member since 2024
• Ann Erickson Gault, an Oakland County Commissioner from Troy and a member since 2024 who now serves as the new at-large member of the Executive Committee alongside the elected officers
• Christine Long, an Oakland County Commissioner from Wolverine Lake, a member since 2009
• Eric McPherson, the Road Commission of Oakland County Chair from Hazel Park, a member since 2025
• Jim Nash, Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner from Farmington Hills, a member since 2013
• Shanell Weatherspoon from Pontiac, a member since 2024

The OCPRC was established in 1966 under Public Act 261 of 1965. The 10-member Commission is made up of six elected officials and four members of the public: Oakland County Executive or designee; Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner or designee; one member of the Road Commission for Oakland County; three members of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners (BOC); and four members of the public appointed by the BOC.

The OCPRC is responsible for planning, developing and operating parks and recreation facilities; making rules and regulations for the parks system; establishing a fee structure; and approving budget expenditures. The Parks Commission is also responsible for recommending acquisition of new parkland, acceptance of grant funding and entrance into use agreements, all of which require BOC approval.

The OCPRC generally meets the first Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Parks Administrative Offices, 2800 Watkins Lake Road in Waterford. Meeting agendas can be found online at OaklandCountyParks.com.

For information on other events, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.