Parks and Recreation in Augusta reaches a milestone as commissioners begin reviewing applicants for director.
The department includes some 150 personnel spread across 60-plus parks, fields and facilities used for sports and other activities.
Many of the aging facilities are included in ongoing capital improvement programs overseen by the director.
Former director Maurice McDowell, the city’s fifth in a decade, resigned in February after an external investigation substantiated claims of age discrimination, poor morale and spending concerns.
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Augusta commissioners spent a few months this year discussing conducting an audit of the department but later voted to send the task out for more bids.
On Friday most of the commissioners reviewed the applications of five director candidates in a private meeting.
Commissioner Tony Lewis said the five were presented by staff from about 16 who applied.
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The city’s requirements for the position include a bachelor’s degree in public management, recreation or a related field. In addition, the job requires 10 years of experience in public parks management and recreation services, with at least five supervising 25 or more employees.
Lewis said he expected the commission could find a new director among the applicants, and soon.
“I’ve looked over the resumes from all the candidates, and I think that we can find one,” he said. “I don’t think we have a definitive timeline, but we need to get this done before the new year.”
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The applicants’ resumes reflected useful experience with budgeting, capital outlay and management, he said.
The position has been a challenge to keep filled since the commission in 2012 forced out former director and 35-year department veteran Tom Beck.
Three directors – Robert Levine, Glenn Parker and McDowell – followed. Former Recreation Planning Manager Ron Houck served as interim director for more than a year multiple times.
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Levine lasted 18 months while Parker stayed on four years. McDowell had held the post permanently since 2020.
