Gerry Logan, previous interim director for Starkville’s Parks and Recreation Department, began as the official parks director in July and is continuing his efforts in making a positive impact in the community.
Logan said his first six months flew by quickly before the interview process began in July. Now as director, Logan has the opportunity to continue inspiring his approximately 12 full-time staff, as well as part-time staff and contract workers, all while making a difference in the community.
Over the summer, the parks department made major improvements in running the sports tournaments, the pool and summer programs, including partnering with the Summer Feeding program for the first time.
The most noticed improvement at the pool was the installation of a bright blue windscreen with the department’s logo. This added extensive curb appeal to Moncrieff Park and frequently drew the attention of visitors.
Brennen Bell, a Mississippi State University junior majoring in mechanical engineering, regularly visits the parks and said he was impressed by the significant changes since Logan’s hiring as interim director.
“Everything is cleaner, safer and all-around better,” Bell said. “I used to avoid Moncrieff park like the plague, but now, it is one of my favorite places to go.”
This year, Logan noted they expanded the number of vendors for the tournaments and change the layout of the vendors, which helped the functioning of events and appeal.
The department also continued to renovate athletic turf areas and make as many repairs as possible at the sports complex, as well as changing the cutting and chemical schedule for each field to increase efficiency.
Logan said he is proud of the many improvements and has received positive feedback from tournament hosts and guests on the quality of the fields and efficiency of the events.
While it is not a visible change, Logan also installed a user agreement before even starting his position as interim director. Previously there was no user agreement in place regarding payment schedule, liability and insurance policies. His installation of this policy has helped in planning and safety, and it will make a huge long-term impact.
Logan accredits much of the department’s success to the support they receive from upper-level government officials.
“Mayor Spruill and the Board of Aldermen have seen and believe in the impact parks have on the community,” Logan said. “Parks do a lot of positive things, and it has been shown that investments in parks help generate economic impact.”
There is a significant budget increase proposed for the parks department Logan believes would make a huge impact regarding the projects and improvements they will be able to make.
“The city has been behind, and part of the reason for the proposed budget increase is because things have been neglected for a little bit,” Logan said. “That is no one person’s fault, but we now want to catch up our neglected parks for the betterment of everyone in Starkville.”
If the budget is approved, Logan has a long list of potential projects he hopes to accomplish, including changing the drainage on the soccer field, resurfacing for basketball courts and sidewalks, adding sidewalks, beginning a playground project and purchasing picnic tables, benches and garbage cans.
The Parks and Recreation Department is currently looking at buying colorful garbage cans, according to Logan. These trash cans look like wood, but are made from recycled plastic instead. These cans were inspired from the recycling cans Keep Starkville Beautiful purchased from a grant.
The parks department has partnered with Keep Starkville Beautiful since its existence, and most recently worked together on the park cleanup at George Evans Park on Aug. 18.
Amy Countermen, director of Keep Starkville Beautiful, has worked with Logan since January, and said she has had a positive experience with the department.
“Gerry (Logan) is one of the first ones that shows up for work on a Saturday or a Sunday, and the last one to leave,” Countermen said. “He has been a good influence and positive impact on the community.”
Despite all the positive work Logan has enacted thus far, he and the department have no plans to slow down any time soon.
“We are seeing the trend of people noticing what we are doing, but it doesn’t end there,” Logan said. “We are by no means done. We want to continue and have people see and believe in what we are trying to accomplish.”