EAST LANSING, Mich. — The dedication ceremony for William B. “Bill” Sharp Park will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at the park located on the northeast corner of the Abbot-Albert intersection in downtown East Lansing.
The park is being dedicated in memory of Bill Sharp – a long-time East Lansing resident and community leader known by many as “Mr. East Lansing.”
Sharp served the East Lansing community for more than 60 years. In addition to years of volunteer service with the East Lansing Kiwanis Club, the Lansing American Legion Post 12, the Greater Lansing Safety Council, the Volunteers of America and the Tri-County Meals on Wheels Program, Sharp served on the East Lansing School Board for 12 years (1968-1980) and the East Lansing City Council for 12 years (1993-2005). Sharp also served as an officer with the East Lansing Police Department for 12 years (1950-1962).
Sharp was a graduate of MSU and a true Spartan for life, serving as a member of the MSU Rebounders Club, the MSU Downtown Coaches Club and the MSU Blue Line Club. Sharp was also a member of the MSU Hockey Off-Ice Officials for 32 years, serving as a goal judge for 25 years and a penalty box attendant for seven years.
In 1990, Sharp was awarded both the East Lansing Crystal Award and the Edward R. Vandervoort Memorial Award from the MSU Downtown Coaches Club.
Community members are invited to help in honoring Sharp’s service to East Lansing by attending next week’s park dedication. During the ceremony, remarks will be made by Sharp’s son, Brad Sharp; East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows; East Lansing Police Chief Jeff Murphy; and East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas.