FRIENDS OF PAYSON PARKS & RECREATION

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

The Friends of Payson Parks and Recreation, Inc. is alive and well and persistent in its efforts to support Parks and Recreation programs in Payson.  In January of this year the Town welcomed Rick Manchester as its new Director of Parks and Recreation.  Rick has successfully adjusted to life in Payson and already demonstrated remarkable talents in leading the Parks and Recreation Department.   After working with Rick these last few months we are all very enthusiastic and supportive.  Rick has a broad range of Recreation Management experience and already proven himself a quick study in understanding Payson’s existing programs and how the Department can be improved to meet the community’s growing expectations. 

A much-needed third staff member has been authorized in the new budget.  This new position, Recreation Coordinator—Trails & Outdoor Rec, will be responsible for trail master plan implementation, and outdoor recreation. The department receives several new program requests every month, many of them with an outdoor recreation flavor. In addition to trail implementation, the Town will be able to improve services by providing new programs such as fishing, hikes, outdoor education, and shooting sports.  We expect workloads for current staff to be more evenly distributed making our existing programs better.  

We are confident our efforts as an auxiliary partner contribute to the continuing improvement and parks and recreation facilities in Payson.  Please take the time to read about our recent projects and efforts to expand recreational facilities.  And then join us in these efforts!  We are hopeful more members of the community will join our group and support our efforts with cash-deductible donations.

Sharon Strople

President, Friends of Payson Parks and Recreation, Inc.

Updated:  08-01-2007

A NOTE FROM OUR NEW PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR "RICK MANCHESTER"

My first 6-months...

Ten months ago if you would have told me I would be working with a Pro Rodeo Committee, postponing the start of construction because it is too hot, golfing in February, or fly fishing in early March and finally looking forward to rain, I would have asked you for a list of your medications.

The day after Christmas 2006 my family loaded the moving truck in Two Rivers Wisconsin (just south of Green Bay) and headed back to sunshine and mountains. After five days in Amarillo behind an ice storm in New Mexico we drove through Roswell NM and arrived in Payson three days after New Years, which was five days later than planned. Everything improved from there.

The current parks and recreation staff held together a very tight ship and continued working on key projects for the Town of Payson. In March, Town Council adopted a Trail Master Plan and stood behind their promise to provide capital and operational funding for trails. Council approved funding for installation of new play equipment in Rumsey Park and tennis court renovations just across the road from the play area. Each of these projects was approved within my first six months only because the town can boast a very dedicated and qualified P&R staff.

I am fortunate to arrive at a time that parks and recreation is receiving the positive attention and support that it deserves. There have been several improvements made in aquatics starting with a qualified and trained staff. The plan is to keep the pool open until Labor Day even if it is only limited hours around the school day. Swimming lessons were quickly consumed by parents wanting their kids to learn the basics. Every class in levels 1-4 filled up with waiting lists started after two days of open registration.

Town residents are starving for more recreation programs and opportunities. The same waiting list scenario impacted the new summer recreation program, and youth tumbling classes. Youth spring soccer exceeded 500 registered participants. There have been several requests for a fall league in soccer, fast pitch softball, and lacrosse. We are only confined by the limited space available to offer more programs that are convenient for working parents.

The next six months are going to have even more impact on the future of parks and recreation programs and facilities. We will be completing a department wide master plan that will set the outcome goals for the next 5-10 years. The master plan process tackles issues such as new park locations, improvements for existing parks, identifies recreation program needs, and discusses indoor recreation facility shortcomings. From an operational stand point the department’s core value of customer service is going to be continually emphasized.

Rick Manchester, Director

Payson Parks and Recreation

Posted:  08-01-2007