The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will honor longtime North Minneapolis coach, Gary Wilson, by dedicating the recently rehabilitated gymnasium at Farview Park in his honor.
Gary has worked tirelessly for the past 30 years to secure improvements at Farview. He was a vocal and active member of two community advisory committees the Park Board convened.
Gary Wilson is a very special “humble hero” and a fierce champion for positive athletic programs for Minneapolis youth. Conservative estimates are that he has touched the lives of at least 3,000 children through his coaching.
Gary comes from a family of eight children and grew up in NE Minneapolis. He graduated from Edison High School, where he excelled in sports and is a member of the Edison Hall of Fame.
Gary began his long association with the MPRB as a youth sports participant at various Eastside parks starting at age 10. As an adult, he has coached virtually every sport and every season at Farview and Jordan Parks for over 30 years.
In fact, Gary is still coaching at Farview Park and now is beginning to coach the grandchildren of his former players.
Over the years, Gary has been honored many times by various organizations, including the Annual MN Umpires Clinic, City of Minneapolis, City of Minneapolis Distinguished Nominee - Minneapolis Award, Kare 11 TV Eleven Who Care* , Northside Athletic Club, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, University of Minnesota Cal Stoll Award,
* Eleven Who Care recognizes the contributions of grassroots volunteers and promoting the spirit of volunteerism in our communities. As only Gary would do, he requested that his Eleven Who Care monetary award of $1,000 be directed to the Jordan Park Athletic Program.
Gary and his wife Janet, who live in the McKinley Neighborhood in North Minneapolis, have been married over 50 years and are parents to three adult children and have eight grandchildren.
Join us as we honor this “humble hero” from North and Northeast Minneapolis who always puts others first. The dedication ceremony is scheduled for:
Gary Wilson Gym Dedication
Saturday – December 2, 2006
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Dedication Ceremony @ 11:15 am
Farview Park – 29th & Lyndale Avenue North
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