Emily Carter

Meet Our Greatest Minds

Emily Carter leads the vision and long-term development of Independence Township Parks & Recreation. With over 12 years of experience in community recreation planning, she focuses on creating accessible outdoor spaces, expanding youth programming, and strengthening community engagement through local events and park improvements. Emily is passionate about building welcoming environments where families, residents, and visitors can connect through nature and recreation.

More About This Author

Park Features
Big Lagoon Safety Upgrades and Public Input
Big Lagoon Safety Upgrades changed access, signage and water-safety context at the county park; residents can review what County sources show.

Emily Carter

August 27, 2026

Events & Programs
Texas Moves Toward Opening 1,720-Acre Bear Creek State Park
A New State Park Takes Shape In The Texas Hill Country Texas is moving closer to opening a new state park in Uvalde County as the 1,720-acre Bear Creek State Park advances through planning and early development. The property, located less than a mile from Garner State Park along the Frio River, is expected to…

Emily Carter

August 11, 2026

Park Features
National Park Service Expands Visitor Safety Programs During Extreme Summer Conditions
National Parks Increase Heat Safety Planning As Summer Recreation Demand Continues Growing Extreme summer temperatures are changing how national parks prepare for millions of visitors seeking outdoor experiences across the United States. The National Park Service (NPS) has expanded visitor safety communication, emergency planning, and public education efforts as heat-related risks become a greater factor…

Emily Carter

August 5, 2026

Park Features
California Adds New Coastal Recreation Space With San Gregorio Ranch Expansion
San Gregorio Ranch Expansion Creates New Opportunities For Coastal Recreation And Conservation California continues expanding public access to natural spaces through strategic land conservation projects that connect recreation, environmental protection, and community access. The recent addition of the San Gregorio Ranch property near Half Moon Bay represents a significant step in protecting coastal resources while…

Emily Carter

July 15, 2026

Park Features, Wellness
National Park Service Launches Expanded Visitor Reservation Systems at Yosemite and Arches National Parks
Expanded Reservation Systems Reshape Summer 2026 Visitor Management Across Major U.S. Parks The National Park Service (NPS) has continued strengthening its visitor management framework during the Summer 2026 season through expanded reservation and timed-entry systems at two of its most heavily visited destinations: Yosemite National Park in California and Arches National Park in Utah. These…

Emily Carter

July 6, 2026

Events & Programs
The Ultimate 2026 Summer Checklist: Free and Affordable Family Activities in Clarkston
Planning the 2026 summer schedule requires a practical strategy. Parents look for high-value recreation that keeps children active. Independence Township operates several public parks designed for community use. Municipal tax dollars fund these spaces. Residents benefit from direct access to sports facilities, swimming areas, and playgrounds. This guide breaks down the most cost-effective municipal activities…

Emily Carter

May 23, 2026

Wellness
The “Silver Streak”: Revitalizing Senior Fitness in Independence Township
Local governments across Oakland County face shifting demographic realities. Aging populations require municipal recreation departments to adapt their service models. Independence Township parks planners recognize this shift and have developed physical activity frameworks expressly for older adults. This initiative, often referred to locally as the "Silver Streak," prioritizes accessible, low-impact exercise formats. Recreation planners rely…

Emily Carter

May 4, 2026

Events & Programs
All Ages Together: Intergenerational Events Connecting Kids, Parents, and Seniors
We've all seen that heartwarming clip. A toddler gives a flower to a nursing home resident. It goes viral, and we all say "aww." But what happens after the camera stops?Is it just for a quick feel-good moment, or is it something more? I believe it's the latter. We should aim for lasting connections, not…

Emily Carter

March 27, 2026

Events & Programs
Summer Nights in Clarkston: Concerts and Movies in the Park—Complete Family Guide
A Michigan summer is short and sweet, like a fine bourbon or a quick TikTok video. We must make the most of it. Outdoor community events are the perfect way to enjoy the night.This guide will help you enjoy the summer series at Depot Park in Clarkston. It's free and runs until July 19th. There's…

Emily Carter

March 20, 2026