THE BRIGHT SIDE
Local boy, reared and raised in Lake Geneva, David Winger, has been hired as Lake Geneva’s Parks Director.
This is the first parks director in Lake Geneva; however, previously, Lake Geneva did have a parks superintendent on staff. Winger was scheduled to begin work on Monday, August 4th, at a substantial salary of just over $110,000.00 annually. The updated description for the Lake Geneva Parks Director was discussed numerous times as the position transitioned from a superintendent role to a director’s role.
The purpose of the position is mostly administrative and for providing efficient and effective use of parks, open spaces, and facilities, and hopefully, shortly, 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 requires 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 staff initially and will work with another city department. This is an important position, and the goal is for it to evolve and eventually include a year-round recreational program.
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 programming 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Lake Geneva has a lot of work to do in its parks; the equipment is limited, unsafe, or very outdated. Winger will most likely be under high scrutiny by the public, as many are looking for a miracle worker to fix the city parks. Lake Geneva’s paying this kind of money (over a hundred grand for an inexperienced parks director, cements its position as the unlikely but true small town that pays most of its employees a hundred grand or more.
