Director of Park and Recreation

PARKS
With 110+ parks, as well as numerous other properties managed by the Park and Recreation Department it includes nearly 150 park properties overall.  The following is just a small highlight of some of our parks and events, attendance numbers and what makes them a great addition to our city and popular with our community.

• Pawnee Prairie- located next to Tex Consolver Golf Course and Eisenhower National Airport is over 400 acres of natural parkland with trails that serve hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians, along with other amenities. Equestrians and bicyclists have dedicated paths and trails within the park, while hikers are free to roam and explore. Families will enjoy the new playground complete with a berm slide, which is accessible off the Pawnee parking lot. Next to the playground is a great covered shelter available for rent to host your next get-together. The Caretakers of Pawnee Prairie Park have created a butterfly garden south of the old stables off Tyler. The concept of the butterfly garden is to attract as many butterflies as possible to enhance and improve the pollination process through the introduction of many flowering native plant species.
•  Naftzger- Naftzger Park sits right on scenic Douglas Avenue, just north of Intrust Bank Arena. It’s a destination with events, inspired scenery, shops, and eateries bordering the park, or it’s a delightful stop along the way. In 2025, Naftzger Park will host NCAA Fan Fest while 8 men’s college basketball teams will complete in Round 2 of the NCAA March Madness bracket. Naftzger Park is the hub of downtown Wichita bringing all walks of life together for events, watching sporting events on the digital board or hosting a movie night in the park, plus many other events that happen year around.  Attendance in 2023 was 9,300 that included dozens of special events.
• Watson Park – O.J. Watson Park is one of the largest parks in the City of Wichita park system. The beautiful 119-acre site offers a rustic setting which includes a 40-acre lake for fishing and pedal boats. During October, Watson Park is home to Wicked Island a haunted island attraction. During the holiday season Watson’s Christmas Express is a great opportunity for families to build lasting memories with their children riding the train up to the North Pole to visit Santa, roast s’mores and drink hot cocoa.   Attendance in 2023 for both Watson Park and the Seasons Venue:  187,000.
• Additional amenities include:
  • Miniature train
  • Pony rides
  • Kayaking and pedal boats
  • Miniature golf
  • Two playgrounds
  • Twenty sand volleyball courts
  • Campfire circle, charcoal grills, 100 picnic tables (first come, first serve basis)
  • Open shelters, restrooms, drinking fountains
  • Community facility
  • Concessions and bait are available at the concession facility during spring, summer, and fall.
  • Paved parking
  • Admission to the park is free, but a fee is charged for participation in some activities and all rides. Open Shelters, the Community Facility, campfire circle, and hayrack rides are available by reservation.
• Recreation Centers – Wichita Park & Recreation has seven centers located throughout Wichita. Centers are open Monday-Friday for programming. Currently Brewer Community Center is under renovations which is increasing the space of the building and modernizing the building to be able to provide better services to the neighborhood.
• Season Venue – Wichita’s latest venue has been completed in the heart of one of our finest parks, OJ Watson Park. Your wedding reception, baby shower, business meeting or convention will be a hit with this completely modern venue, showing off everything Watson Park has to offer, even a train! Take a virtual tour of the Seasons Venue.
• Great Plains Nature Center – The Great Plains Nature Center is a cooperative project between the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, City of Wichita, and the Friends of the Great Plains Nature Center nonprofit organization. These Partners share a common goal of providing opportunities for the public to investigate, understand and develop an appreciation for wildlife and the environment, while promoting sound stewardship of natural resources. The GPNC environmental education and nature programs serve over 58,000 students of all ages, including 11,295 “at-risk” youth every year, free of charge.

AQUATICS
Attendance for aquatics in 2023:  79,000.

• Splash Pads – 12 splash pads are located throughout Wichita that are managed by Wichita Park & Recreation. Available from 10 am to 8 pm, seven days a week from May to September. The Aquatics Master Plan originated in 2019 was a guide for renovating pools to splash pads and building new splash pads. Over $22 million in investments for pool and water playground improvements took place from 2020 to 2022.
• Pools – 6 swimming pools open to the public are managed by WPR. We offer over 300 classes during the summer from swim lessons for tots to adults, aerobic classes, and lifeguard training.
• New Programming, etc. – In 2024, WPR partnered with the American Red Cross to offer scholarships for swimming lessons so everyone in the community has the opportunity to learn to swim.

GOLF
Attendance for Golf in 2023:   189,000

• The scenic Arthur B. Sim Golf Course is located in the center of Wichita, in the heart of the Museum District. A favorite among generations of Wichita golfers, this winding course is nestled in the bend of the Arkansas River and offers natural beauty in the backdrop of downtown. At 6,330 yards, the par 71 course offers a straightforward layout, with tree-lined fairways that lead to well-bunkered greens.
• Auburn Hills Golf Course was created in the heart of a residential development by world-renowned golf course designer, Perry Dye. Even the most skilled player will be challenged by the scenic wetlands areas, rolling hills and tight corridors located throughout this stunning course. Auburn Hills hosts the Web.com qualifier, many United States Golf Association and Kansas Golf Association events every year. Let all your worries go. Auburn Hills provides an expert venue and staff all year around, so you have time to focus on the things that are important! We are your party and meeting planners with a venue that offers state-of-the-art amenities, professional staff, beautiful golf course and the setting that’s fitting for every occasion.
• This stately par 72 MacDonald Golf Course ranks among the most popular local courses. MacDonald first served as the original Wichita Country Club in the 1913. It measures 6,958 yards and features fairways lined with beautiful, mature cottonwood trees. On May 23, 2020, the Steve Hatchett Youth Golf Campus’ driving range opened to the public. Built by First Tee Greater Wichita, which was funded entirely by the private contributions of First Tee supporters and sponsors. The Steve Hatchet Youth Golf Campus is the home of First Tee Greater Wichita Learning Center. The First Tee is charging forward to build a Learning Center and a Youth Golf Campus on the northwest edge of MacDonald Golf Course to stimulate growth in the sport by providing access to golf for our youth. Improvements at MacDonald has been a focus for the golf division. Staff are utilizing a goose dog (since 2019) to thin the geese population and reduce the number of nests on site. By allowing Jack the Goose Dog to do his job there has been an elimination of goose feces on the greens and other high-traffic areas.
• Tex Consolver Golf Course is located amidst the beautiful surroundings of Pawnee Prairie Park. The par 72 course, designed by Bob Dunning, is one of the longest courses in Kansas, measuring 7,361 yards. It features six holes with water coming into play, a prairie-type design with open fairways, and large undulating green complexes to help combat the Kansas winds. Tex often leads the City courses in rounds played each year. Tex is the only course that is home to a golf simulator in the clubhouse.
• New Upgrades – Installation of irrigation systems is starting at Arthur B. Sim in quarter 4 of 2024. Over the next four years, each golf course will have a new irrigation system installed to replace systems that are over 40+ years old. Sim, MacDonald and Tex Consolver clubhouses all were renovated from 2023-24.
• Upcoming Plans  – Our partners, First Tee Greater Wichita are constructing their new learning facility on MacDonald Golf Course property. With the purchase of a new golf simulator, league programming will begin in 2025.

ACCREDITATION
Wichita Park & Recreation has achieved remarkable success over the years, earning multiple KRPA awards, national recognition for its aquatic facilities, and forming numerous partnerships both locally and nationally. The department’s commitment to enhancing the community is evident through improvements in park facilities, recreation programs, and environmental sustainability efforts.
Notably, Wichita Park & Recreation has been accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) since 2016, demonstrating excellence in operations and dedication to providing top-tier services. This recognition, along with other accomplishments, underscores the department’s focus on continuous improvement and creating vibrant spaces for all.
To view all accomplishments, visit https://ks-wichita.civicplus.com/409/Accomplishments.

PARK AND RECREATION AWARDS
AAPRA and NRPA National Gold Medal Award Finalist in 2021 and 2022
Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square Park

• 2023 Chris Cherches Award from the Arts Council
• 2024 CODA awards: Top 100 most successful projects that integrate commissioned art into interior, architectural, or public spaces
• 2024 KRPA Outstanding New and Innovative Park Project

 Aquatics

• 2022 Dream Design, Spraypark – Linwood Splash Pad
• June 2023 Competitor Aquatic Professional of the Month – Joe Marten, Aquatics Manager
• 2024 Dream Design, Leisure Pool/Family Aquatics Center – Harvest Pool
• 2024 KRPA Outstanding Aquatic Branch Professional – Joe Marten, Aquatics Manager

With a budget of approximately $29M, and a total of 147 FTE, the department seeks to build ongoing, permanent relationships by creating a collective vision for the benefit of the community through outreach events, and surveys.  Staff in the Operations Division ensure that projects are being initiated, planned, executed, controlled, and closed in a timely manner. The Board of Park Commissioners supports the department by making recommendations to the City Council on issues related to parks programming, fees, and capital improvements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead the strategic planning, development, and maintenance of all parks, recreational facilities, and green spaces within the City of Wichita.
• Manage a department that encompasses multiple divisions, including parks maintenance, recreational programming, and special events.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to ensure efficient and sustainable operations.
• Collaborate with city officials, community stakeholders, and local organizations to enhance recreational services and ensure the department’s alignment with the city’s long-term goals.
• Drive innovation and public engagement, using feedback and insights to continually improve services and offerings.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the County, and Board of Park Commissioners.
• Participate in the development, planning, design, and implementation of related City Capital Improvement Projects.
• Experience or working knowledge of 2CFR200 guidelines, granting agencies, financial and federal procurement requirements.
• Supervision of third-party revenue and expense contracts and working knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; contract management; contract performance measures; and understanding and management of escalation clauses and cash donations.
• Manage and participate in the National Parks and Recreation Association accreditation process to continually strive for excellence in Park and Recreation department operations.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations concerning public spaces and recreational services.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Leadership:  Ability to motivate and inspire staff, build consensus among stakeholders, and guide the department towards achieving goals.  Leads by example by maintaining high standards of behavior and performance.
• Integrity:   Ethical, accountable, and compliant with responsibility to the public and community.
• Communication:  Effective verbal and written communication skills to interact with diverse groups including community members, staff, elected officials, and partners.
• Community-Oriented:  Deep understanding of the community’s needs and interests, with a focus on providing accessible and inclusive recreational opportunities for all.
• Strategic Planning: Capability to develop comprehensive plans for park development, program implementation, and budget management.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues, analyze situations, and devise creative solutions to challenges within the park system
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust plans and programs based on changing community needs, weather conditions, and budget constraints
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of budgeting principles, ability to manage funds efficiently, and prioritize expenditures.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with different departments, community organizations, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals
• Passion for Recreation: Genuine interest in outdoor activities, parks, and recreation programs, demonstrating enthusiasm for the field
• Organizational Skills: Effective time management, project management, and ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously

• Develops and/or reviews plans and procedures for park programs including urban forestry, horticulture, Park recreation, and related activities.
• Confers with the Board of Park Commissioners regarding policies and long-range planning, recommending action to be taken; coordinates efforts in the area of parks and recreation; develops and administers the annual budget and capital improvement program; and develops and administers long-range plans and a master plan for park development.
• Directs the acquisition, design, construction, and operation of recreation and park facilities.
• Completion of work assignments may require the operation of a vehicle.
• The examples of work performed are not intended to be all-inclusive.
• The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional duties and responsibilities as needed.

• Thorough knowledge of laws governing parks and recreation.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, with specific knowledge of park and recreation services.
• Considerable knowledge of planning, budgeting, landscape architecture, horticulture, and maintenance as applied to park administration.
• Considerable knowledge of public relations.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of financial and managerial accounting.
• Ability to appraise the operation and maintenance of parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, and specialized facilities, and to develop methods for improving operations.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other Departments, representatives of other organizations, City officials, and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• May require ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver’s license.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.  Ability to lean and reach as needed to read and interpret plans and specifications from a print that may be as large as 36 by 48 inches with information printed as small as twenty characters per inch.

WORKING CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.  The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, high temperatures and toxic or caustic chemicals.
The regular work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, but may include some weekends or evenings for special events.  Work is primarily performed in an office which is busy, oriented to public service and subject to occasional work interruptions. Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office and moderately loud when in the field.  Occasional attendance at meetings before or after regular work hours is required.

• Graduation from a four-year college with emphasis on courses in park and recreation management, business or public administration, landscape architecture, and arboricultural
• A minimum of six (6) six years of administrative and supervisory experience in park, recreation, and forestry development and operations.
• Strong budget management experience, including the ability to develop and manage departmental budgets effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including city officials, staff, community partners, and the public.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with a passion for community service and environmental stewardship.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and managing employees that encourages innovation, strategy and engagement.
• Public speaking experience required with ability to present to large and small groups including the community, organizations, and City Council.

PREFERRED SKILLS, ABILITIES and EDUCATION

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) as granted by the National recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
• Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Public Administration, Business Administration.
• Master’s Degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Public Administration, or MBA.
• CPR & First Aid

Offers of employment will be made contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which will include drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a background check.

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf (Download PDF reader)
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf (Download PDF reader)
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf (Download PDF reader)