Collierville's community gathered to honor two of its own for their contributions to local parks and recreation. According to an announcement on the Town of Collierville’s website, Bill Samisch and Corinne Derenburger were inducted into the Collierville Parks Hall of Fame in a special ceremony held on Tuesday at the Harrell Performing Arts Theatre.
During the event, both inductees were celebrated for their years of service and dedication to the Collierville parks system. Samisch, a former Parks Advisory Board Chairman and a participant in various community organizations, was notable for his role in the planning and development of Hinton Park. Additionally, he improved W.C. Johnson Park by assisting to quickly implement synthetic turf fields. "He served on the Parks Advisory Board from 2009 to 2012 and was the Board Chairman in 2012," as noted in the town's announcement, highlighting his community roles which include involvement in the Collierville Soccer Association and Collierville Tourism Advisory Board.
Not to be overshadowed, Derenburger's focus on inclusivity led to the creation of Ryan’s Place, a playground designed to accommodate children of all abilities. Her six-year tenure on the Parks Advisory Board, including two as Chair, was highlighted alongside her advisory role with the former mayor and participation in local commerce and service organizations. "Corinne is a strong voice for children with special needs and their families," as stated by the town's official website, emphasizing her impactful work in fostering an inclusive environment in Collierville.
The ceremony concluded with a gathering at the Collierville Community Center, where attendees were treated to refreshments and the unveiling of the new Hall of Fame plaques. These plaques, honoring both past and current honorees, find their home at this central community hub on W. Powell Road.
