Olde Stone Quarry Park Re-named for George Pinney

The former Old Stone Quarry County Park was renamed for longtime Parks Department Director George Pinney. Photo by Dan Eggert.

The Door County Board of Supervisors renamed Olde Stone Quarry County Park as George K. Pinney County Park, in honor of longtime Parks Director George Pinney.

The park is located a few miles north of Sturgeon Bay on Bay Shore Drive. Pinney led the charge to overhaul the property into a prime boat launching destination for fishermen.

Pinney has served as Parks Director for 17 years. In that time, he has overseen numerous projects, including the expansion of Frank E. Murphy County Park and enhancements to many others. He has also worked to add 182 acres of land to the parks system and secured over $12 million in funding for the county parks system.

“He’s really been a real pusher when it comes to keeping our parks nice,” says Door County Supervisor Charles Brann, who has worked extensively with Pinney on the County Board’s Airport and Parks Committee. “He’s worked on a lot of big projects, and he’s been able to see his projects come to be.”

Brann presented the resolution that made the name change official at April’s County Board meeting, and he says that Pinney couldn’t have deserved the honor more.

“He’s a genuine, nice person,” says Brann. “He treats people honestly and fairly, and I think people realize that.”

Pinney praised the board, his staff, and other departments in accepting the honor at the April 17 meeting.

“I couldn’t have done this without the board, my crews, and the other departments I’ve worked with,” said Pinney. “I’ve told you before that I love my job, and you don’t do it alone.”

Pinney, who has disclosed that he is being treated for cancer, went on to say that he plans to continue with the parks department for as long as he’s able.

“I’m gonna stick around as long as I can to harass you people,” he told the board.