The Park's Story
A legacy of community vision and leadership
Jack N. Abernathy
Jack Abernathy was more than just a name on a park—he was the visionary leader who shaped Davison for nearly 50 years.
Born in Flint in 1941, Jack came to Davison in 1966 after finishing his degree at Northern Michigan University. He taught Junior High Civics while serving on the Davison City Council, eventually becoming Mayor and then City Manager—a position he held for 28 years.
Under his leadership, Davison flourished. He guided the city through countless decisions that improved quality of life for residents. His proudest accomplishments included creating the beloved Davison Playscape and acquiring land for the softball fields.
Jack's dedication to Davison was unwavering. Even after retiring, he served as interim City Manager in Gladwin and Clio, leaving his mark on multiple communities. He was a devoted husband to Sandy, father to Pam and Paul, and a passionate University of Michigan football fan for 45 years.
Jack Abernathy passed away in July 2025 at age 83, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership, and community.
His Leadership Impact
- →Served on city council, as Mayor, and City Manager
- →Visioned and supported the iconic Davison Playscape
- →Acquired land for softball fields and park expansion
- →Mentored countless community leaders
- →Left a lasting legacy of community-focused service
The Davison Playscape: A Community Dream
In 1997, two moms—Becky Holt and Pam Brocklehurst—had a vision. They noticed Davison lacked public playground spaces for children, so they set out to change that. What began as a casual conversation became a community movement.
They posted a sign at a local grocery store and held a meeting. A small steering committee of about a dozen passionate volunteers quickly formed. But the real magic happened when the community answered the call.
Nearly 2,000 volunteers contributed to building the Davison Playscape.
Some worked with tools during the five-day build in May 1997. Others provided food, childcare, and community support. On May 18, 1997, after more than two years of planning and fundraising, the dream became reality.
The design itself was a community effort. An architect from Leathers & Associates (a custom outdoor playspace company from Ithaca, NY) visited local elementary schools and asked children what they wanted to see. This ensured that the playscape belonged to everyone who would use it.
The playscape included beautiful wooden structures, a dragon painted by local artist Lee Mick, and became a gathering place for families. For years, a dedicated group known as the "Four Retirees"—Dick Winters, Roger Tilley, Pat Bernethy, and Bill Johnson—maintained the structure with meticulous care, ensuring it remained a centerpiece of the park.
Why Our Playscape Needs to Be Reimagined
Nearly 30 Years of Wear and Tear
The original Davison Playscape was built in 1997. After nearly three decades of use by thousands of children and weathering Michigan's harsh winters, the wooden structure shows significant age. Wood that once stood strong is beginning to splinter, decay, and deteriorate.
Safety and Structural Concerns
As wood ages, it becomes brittle and unsafe. What was once a vibrant playground has become a liability. Engineers have assessed the playscape and determined that it is not salvageable—patching and repairs can no longer ensure the safety of the children who play there.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Modern inclusive playgrounds are designed to welcome children of all abilities. The current playscape, while beloved, wasn't designed with accessibility in mind. A new playground will ensure that every child in our community—regardless of physical ability—can play, laugh, and create memories.
An Opportunity to Renew Our Legacy
The original playscape was a gift from one generation to the next. Now it's our turn. By replacing it with a modern, inclusive playground, we honor Jack Abernathy's vision and the spirit of community that built the original. We're not just replacing equipment—we're investing in the future of our children and our community.
Help us build tomorrow's playground today.
Every donation brings us closer to creating a destination playground for all of Davison.
Sources
Jack N. Abernathy Biography & Legacy:
"Lasting Legacy" - Genesee County View (July 10, 2025)
Interview with current City Manager Andrea Schroeder and community leaders about Jack Abernathy's 28-year tenure and impact on the City of Davison.
Davison Playscape History & Construction:
"25 Years of Fun!" - Genesee County View (May 19, 2022)
Community recollections from the original playscape creators Becky Holt and Pam Brocklehurst, volunteers, and the Four Retirees who maintained the structure.
Park Information:
Jack N. Abernathy Regional Park - Explore Flint and Genesee County
Official park listing with amenities and features information.