'Filling The Gaps' Park Chief's Goal

“Finding the people” and “filling the gaps” will be the primary goals of the county's first Parks and Recreation director, Robert R. Gamble. Gamble, 60, says the growth of suburban areas nationally has been so fast that counties must “scramble to meet the recreational needs of their residents.” The county's year-old Parks and Recreation Commission hired Gamble last week at a $20,357 per year salary approved by the Board of Commissioners. One of Gamble's first tasks will be helping the county's Planning Department and Parks Commission develop a millage proposal for the November general election. “I have been hired as director, whatever happens about millage,” Gamble stressed. “But I certainly will be helping with any millage campaign.” Parks Commission Chairman Nelson Meade announced that the commission probably will seek millage this year. Although plans are not definite, the commission probably will seek one-quarter or one-half of one mill for five years, meaning an average annual income of $450,000 to $900,000, depending on which millage is sought. “Since World War II,” Gamble noted, “residential growth away from the cities has been enormous, but recreational services have not grown proportionately. I will be concentrating on finding the people base to support such programs and finding out how to fill the gaps between city services and regional parks and recreation services.” Gamble was one of 120 persons who applied for the new county post. Currently, he is executive director of the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities, bringing expertise in historical preservation to the new post. From 1963 to 1970, he was deputy commissioner of public works for Recreation and Parks in Nassau County, N.Y. Gamble’s exact starting date in Washtenaw County is uncertain.