By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

INDEPENDENCE TWP. — Adam Kline took over in October as the director of the Independence Township Parks, Recreation and Seniors (ITPRS) Department, replacing Derek Smith, who took a similar job in Northville.
Kline was previously the township manager for Oakland Township.
“That management experience is beneficial in running a successful parks and recreation department,” said Kline, also a 1982 Clarkston High School graduate. “While at Oakland Township, I was responsible for major infrastructure projects, grant processes, budgeting, staffing, programming, land acquisition, and ensuring the township was meeting its potential.”
Now back in Independence Township, Kline said his main duties are overseeing the day-to-day administration of the Parks, Recreation and Seniors Department and staff.
“First projects are always to identify processes within the Parks, Recreation and Seniors that are working and viable, then those that are not workingm” explained Kline. “Enhance those that are not and encourage continued success for those that are. We have a great team of experienced professionals and several successful programs here, so I was able to hit the ground running.
“As for major projects, the township recently finalized a purchase of nearly 39 acres of land off Perry Lake Road that connects to Clintonwood Park. We are currently looking at ways to develop a portion of that property. Many ideas have been brought forward, new soccer fields, baseball fields, pickleball courts, passive recreation and open space preservation. However, we are in the beginning stages of development and planning right now and I am looking forward to seeing what we can do there.”
Kline said his accomplishments and ideas have the opportunity to help improve the township.
“In today’s township environment, accomplishments are often talked about in terms of grant funding, budgeting, and retaining staff,” Kline said. “I have been successfully involved in all facets of those accomplishments in all my past positions. The ideas and strategies that have made me successful in those accomplishments will be brought with me, and I plan to use them to better the township.”
When applying for and ultimately being hired for the director’s job, Kline noted that there is a lot of appeal to the the position and the township.
“This position gives me a chance to serve a community I love and enjoy,” said Kline. “When the position was offered to me, I was excited to have the opportunity to join an established team of parks and recreation professionals who were doing great things for the community. I look at it as an opportunity to bring my decades of management experience, learned leadership traits, and unwavering commitment to a place committed to those values. The programming our department offers is exciting and the township board’s willingness to invest in parks and the department was also a selling point to me. Having the backing of the board is important as we look to the future of the township.
“The people, both staff and residents, have been very welcoming to me since I started in October. The extraordinary amount of professionalism is always on display. I have had the opportunity to tour all our parks, facilities, programs, and I am impressed by what the department offers to residents. The staff and community support has been exceptional, at every turn I am met with a friendly face.”
On a personal level, Kline grew up in the township and graduated CHS some 41 years ago.
“I left the township and joined the military,” Kline said. “After I returned, I worked for the White Lake Township Police. I retired from there as the police chief and took another position as police chief in Lansing Township. I wished to return to Oakland County when I took a position as the Oakland Township manager. I continued to be a part of the community participating in softball leagues and attending events as my parents, in-laws, siblings, and friends still reside here.”
Kline is married with five children, two of those are married with children of their own. One just graduated from college and PTA (physical therapist assistant) school, and the other two are still in college.
Overall, Kline is elated to be back in familiar surroundings, and conveyed a message to area residents.
“I just want to say thank you for welcoming me into the township, and it is good to be home,” said Kline. “I have learned a lot about municipal township governments in my 36 years but mostly that relationships are the key to success. If you have any thoughts or questions about our offerings or parks, please do not hesitate to reach out.”
Kline can be reached at AKline@indtwp.com.