Mary Messer, fourth from left, was recognized by, from left, Slippery Rock borough Councilman Paul Lueken, borough manager Christian Laskey, Parks and Recreation director Denton Zeronas, Mayor Jondavid Longo and borough Councilwoman Jennifer Ravert, at Slippery Rock Area Parks and Recreation. Submitted photo

When former Slippery Rock Area Parks and Recreation director Mary Messer retired, the parks board knew it wanted to immortalize the contributions of her 20-plus year career.

That recognition came earlier this week, when Slippery Rock borough officials met Messer at the grounds to reveal that the park’s walking trail, one of her own contributions, would be named in her honor.

“Observing the many thousands of people who enjoy our beautiful walking trail, we realized that none of it would have been possible without years spent by Mary to carve out, refine and pave the trail,” Mayor Jondavid Longo said in a Facebook post on Thursday, June 12.

Messer said she felt special to be receiving such a recognition, as to her, it was just part of her job.

“It feels like such an honor for me,” Messer said.

Messer led the charge to develop a walking trail on the grounds from a desire to expand the diversity of activities available at the park and appeal to more of the surrounding community.

“The park is such a huge part of the community, with a lot of youth sports hosted there,” Messer said. “I wanted to give parents something to do while their kids play.”

She thanked Slippery Rock Township, borough and school district — all three partners of Slippery Rock Area Parks and Recreation — for their continued support throughout the decades. She also thanked the community for any donations the park received and for their support of programming.

Longo recalled first working with Messer in 2018 after he was sworn in as mayor and began to serve as a borough representative on the parks board. He recognized “numerous untold successes” from before his involvement and highlighted some major projects, such as the creation of the trail and improving playground accessibility.

“She was an excellent park director and public servant,” Longo said. “Her work went well beyond just administration of the park, she would step in and fill in for programs.”

Messer Walking Trail is an asphalt-paved walking trail, roughly 3 miles long, that wraps around the facility’s grounds. Slippery Rock Area Parks and Recreation is open to the public and is located at 320 N. Main St.