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The updated description for the Lake Geneva Parks Director was discussed once again at the last public works meeting and was sent back to the personnel committee with its approval.
The purpose of the position is mostly administrative and for providing efficient and effective use of parks, open spaces, and facilities, and hopefully shortly it will include year-round recreational programming. This position will also streamline events around the city that involve city parks, streets, or property, making this a smoother process with one person coordinating all aspects. The individual must be able to perform the many essential functions satisfactorily.

This position will require a high level of education, including a master’s degree in some form of recreation and a strong background in parks and recreation as well as computer skills. This position will not have its own staff initially and would work with other city departments to get the job done. This is an important position and will evolve and grow with city needs, potentially requiring an administrative assistant in the future, especially if recreational programs are put in place.

Many residents, especially those with children, would like to see programs implemented sooner rather than later. Most municipalities have a parks and recreation department and offer families many different classes and sports geared towards filling children’s free time with positive structure. Elkhorn is a great example with top notch programing offered by its parks and rec department. The Lake Geneva YMCA does have programming that residents utilize but it is not as extensive or as affordable as a city rec department. Lake Geneva has a lot of work to do in its parks, equipment is limited, unsafe, or very outdated.

Whoever is hired for this position will most likely be under high scrutiny by the public as many are looking for a miracle worker to fix the city parks.