Roseville renames park for late volunteer duo

Roseville dedicated the George and Maggie Rollinger Park on Oct. 17, formally renaming the site at 29571 Utica Road to honor a father and daughter who served the community for decades.

The ceremony marked the first public event at the location, which previously operated as Rotary Park. City Manager Ryan Monroe and Mayor Robert Taylor led the proceedings, joined by city employees, residents, and members of the extended Rollinger family. The park features a baseball diamond, playground equipment, picnic areas, and a splash pad that opened in May. Two new columns in the park display a hand sculpture commissioned by Stephen Saph Jr. of Nickel & Saph Inc. Insurance Agency in Mount Clemens. Saph, who served as the city's insurance agent and knew Maggie through the Roseville Optimist Club, proposed the artwork to the city to commemorate her contributions.

Maggie Rollinger died in 2025, following the death of her father, George, in 2009. George began volunteering with Roseville Parks and Recreation in 1966 as a youth basketball coach. Maggie joined him in community activities, selling candy and tickets for basketball games. Both individuals served on various city boards and remained active in the Roseville Optimist Club and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Mayor Robert Taylor addressed the crowd, noting that George was a familiar figure to many who grew up in the city. "I want to welcome everyone here on behalf of the City Council," Taylor said. "Some of you folks may have grown up with George Rollinger when you were little. He did a lot of things for the community. We all knew Maggie even better because we all grew up with her."

Family members reflected on the couple's impact. Michelle Rollinger Kauffold, Maggie's sister, described the naming as an emotional milestone. "It’s beyond touching to have a park named for your family. We are grateful. I’m just speechless," Kauffold said. She also highlighted the role of her mother, Melanie, who managed the family's finances and encouraged George's volunteer work. "But don’t forget my mom, Melanie, because she was the push. She was the one like, ‘George, go get that done. Go count that money, do those books and take it to the bank.’"

Local residents and colleagues also shared memories. Tony Lipinski, executive director of RARE, recalled George's long tenure as a volunteer and Maggie's consistent support. Denise Schroeder, a board member of the Roseville Optimist Club, noted that she and Maggie grew up together and that Maggie visited her home weekly. "She was just amazing. I miss her," Schroeder said. James Olczak, who met Maggie through his brother's theater activities, remembered her positive attitude and willingness to lend her car to a teenage driver.

Donyale Robinson, vice chairperson of the parks and recreation board, and Wayne Oehmke, business development manager at Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick Inc., served as additional speakers. Oehmke represented the firm that assisted in bringing the new park facilities to completion.