High Springs to hire recreation coordinator

HIGH SPRINGS – Damon Messina has a busy schedule. Aside from being the assistant recreation director in Alachua, he is also a part-time coordinator of parks and recreation activities in High Springs.

Now, the City of High Springs has decided to hire a full-time coordinator who can build up the city’s recreation programs.

“He does a great job, but he also has a full-time job,” City Manager Ed Booth said of Messina. “We need somebody now who will take it to the next step.”

The city commission met Thursday, Sept. 5, where Booth presented the proposal for adding the position to this year’s budget. The motion to add the job passed 4-1, with Commissioner Linda Clark Gestrin opposing it.

Gestrin said she felt it wasn’t a good time to hire somebody for the position, but she didn’t oppose the general idea and might be receptive to it in the future. For now, the city should focus on basic services like police and the fire department, she said.  

The position would pay around $31,000 a year with around $12,000 in benefits, according to the proposal Booth presented, but that isn’t set in stone. There will be negotiations with the candidates.

“It depends on the person’s qualifications,” Booth said.  

The coordinator for parks and recreation activities would have flexible hours, he said. About 32 hours per week would likely be spent overseeing sports programs, making sure the tennis courts, fields and playgrounds are maintained and managing the community center. About eight hours each week would probably be spent managing the farmers market. The coordinator would have to work some evenings as well. Part of the job would be managing the grants to renovate the sports facilities in the city and organizing activities for children, teens and young adults.

“I’m looking for somebody who is very energetic,” Booth said.

Having a full-time coordinator for parks and recreation activities will increase the quality of life for High Springs’ citizens, he said.

“A city is more than streets, sewer and water,” Booth said.

The next step in the process is presenting a job description to the recreation board. Booth hopes to begin searching for a candidate in November or December and hire somebody soon after.

 

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