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February 12, 1922 – May 22, 2007
Douglas F. Morrisson, a graduate of San Jose State University,
was a former high school teacher, independent business owner
and Marine Corps veteran. He was first elected to the Board
of Directors of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
in November 1962. Since that date, he has been re-elected
by the residents of the District to eleven additional four-year
terms, and was in his 45th consecutive year as a member of
the Board of Directors.
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Over his decades of service, Mr. Morrisson has helped lead
and initiate the growth and development of the Hayward Area
Recreation and Park District and saw the creation of some
of the finest park and recreation facilities, including community
parks, swim centers, tot-lots, linear parks, community centers,
athletic fields, senior centers and special interest facilities
such as the Little Theatre, Adobe Art Center, Sulphur Creek
Nature Center and Mission Hills of Hayward Golf Course for
an increasingly diverse population. He honorably served the
park and recreation field on a local, regional, state and
national level and was widely known and highly respected throughout
the State of California and the United States for his active
interest in the field of parks and recreation.
Mr. Morrisson was a leader in the performing arts movement
in the Hayward Area and Alameda County. A former Hayward High
School Drama teacher, Mr. Morrisson backed the construction
of the Chabot College auditorium in the late 1960Õs,
was the entertainment director for the Alameda County Fair
for over 25 years and was a major force behind the financing
and construction of the Hayward Little Theater in 1978. In
2002, the Hayward Little Theatre was renamed in his honor
to the Douglas F. Morrisson Theatre.
Mr. Morrisson served as:
 President
of the California Association of Parks and Recreation Commissioners
and Board Members
Vice-President,
Commissioners and Board Members Branch of the National Park
and Recreation Association
Past
President, National Park and Recreation Commissioners and
Board Members Legislative Committee
Former
Board Member, Castro Valley Fire District
Former
Member, Hayward Rotary Club
Past
Chairperson and former Vice-Chairperson, Alameda County LAFCO
Past
President and Board Member, Hayward Sun Gallery
Mr. Morrisson was the recipient of the following awards:
California
Association of Recreation and Park Districts Outstanding Board
Member Award 1993
California
Special Districts Association Outstanding Board Member Award
1993
City
of Hayward Mayor’s Award 1999
In addition to his outstanding service, Mr. Morrisson was
instrumental in the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District,
receiving over 100 regional, state, and national park and
recreation awards. He committed over forty-five years of service
to the residents of the District and was truly an outstanding,
knowledgeable, and dedicated force. Mr. Morrisson was committed
beyond recognition to the park, recreation and leisure services
movement and to the preservation and protection of our environment.
He unselfishly contributed to the well being and quality of
life in Hayward. The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
is what it is today due in part to his many years of dedicated
service.
“My goals are to continue to develop quality programs
and facilities with focus towards increasing programs for
older adults, the disabled, after school programs for youth
and teens, and the acquisition and development of additional
recreation and park facilities.” —Douglas
F. Morrisson, on his candidacy for a twelfth term as a Director,
November 2006.
Mr. Morrisson’s passing was preceded by that of his
wife, Mrs. Margaret “Maggie” Morrisson, in December
2006. The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District Board
of Directors and Staff are deeply sorrowed by the passing
of a true legend. His knowledge, wit and contributions to
the community may never be equaled.
“ Death
makes no conquest of this conqueror:
For now he lives in fame, though not in life. ”
—William Shakespeare
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