Thursday, February 10, 2000
Lebanon takes fun seriously
First recreation director hired
BY CINDI ANDREWS
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON — The city has taken a step toward beefing up its recreation offerings by hiring its first recreation director.
Robert Harris, 37, starts Tuesday, said City Manager James Patrick. Mr. Harris had been recreation superintendent for more than a decade in Moraine, Ohio, a community of 7,000 just southwest of Dayton.
“He seems very energetic and has already come up with a lot of ideas,” Mr. Patrick said.
Two new recreation positions — director and superintendent — replace the recreation supervisor job held by Krista Wyatt until she became fire department captain in November. The city has not yet filled the superintendent position.
Lebanon wants to expand its parks and recreation offerings, Mr. Patrick said. The city recently sent residents surveys to get their thoughts on what's there now and what they'd like to have.
The recreation department has heavy competition for people's time, such as surfing the Internet, playing computer games and watching television.
“You want to give people an opportunity to get out and be active,” Mr. Harris said.
He would like to revamp playground equipment and shelters in city parks. He also sees a chance for the city to collaborate with the YMCA and schools on after-school activities and other programs.
In Moraine, Mr. Harris helped develop a water park and a recreation center, both due to open this year. The department offers 200 classes in subjects such as crafts and swimming, some in cooperation with other groups.
“He's done quite a bit here,” said Dave Miller, Moraine's director of parks and recreation.
That also includes the Splash and Dash, a 1K swim and a 5K run held three times each winter, usually drawing 60 to 70 hardy souls.
Mr. Harris, who has bachelor's and master's degrees in recreation, was selected after a national search that yielded about 40 applications, Mr. Patrick said. He will start at $54,000 a year.
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