Brandon Twp – Township resident Roger Ingles says his motivation to assist the community is basic.
‘Give the kids of Brandon a decent recreation area.?
On Jan. 7, 2004 Ingles was recognized for his dedication to the community when he received the Community Service Award from the Michigan Parks Association. He also received the Brandon Township Award for community service on Feb. 2.
‘It comes from when you have an opportunity to help these kids to have a place to play,? said Ingles, a father of two and business owner whose volunteer service helped make possible Brandon recreation programming expansion.
‘While I am very appreciative of this recognition,? said Ingles, ‘there is a tremendous amount of volunteers that have done a lot here for the kids.?
Director of Brandon Recreation Fred Waybrant said when the Brandon School district approved property between the high school and the middle school for recreation, Ingles volunteered.
‘When we needed a new multipurpose field, Roger stepped up to the plate,? said Waybrant.
One call for excavation help and Ingles was there to remove three large, dead trees and excavate the field, saving the township more than $6,000, said Waybrant.
Currently the property is being used for flag football, a soccer practice field, and a place for the community to gather to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Ingles also helped excavate the ground for permanent restrooms at Sherman Park and construct a level base for the Village Skate Park, said Waybrant. And when muscle machines are not needed, Ingles donates his time to AAU tournaments and golf outings.
Township resident Bonnie Kerin says Ingles is a no-nonsense kind of guy who knows what it takes to get the job done and does it.
Ingles, however, says what he does for Brandon recreation is nothing more than what many other volunteers from the community do for the kids.