During his tenure at First Community A.M.E. he grew the church membership and mentored many who continued on into future ministry roles.
In June 1971, he was selected by his fellow commissioners to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of mayor Robert Boelens.
Grand Rapids mayoral elections are non-partisan, but Republican U.S. Representative Gerald R. Ford (who would shortly be appointed Vice President and then become President) encouraged businessman and Republican activist Peter Secchia to support Parks' campaign.
Parks' granddaughter Lauri credits him with quietly persuading Amway founders Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel to purchase and renovate the Pantlind Hotel, the first of many investments to revitalize downtown Grand Rapids.
Parks lost his bid for re-election in 1976, to Abe Drasin, and returned to full-time ministry.
He moved back to Grand Rapids in 1999, but lived the last year of his life in Lisle, Illinois.