Parks, Recreation and Libraries advisory committee welcomes two new members

Maricopa’s Parks, Recreation and Libraries (PRL) Advisory Committee have been working hand in hand with the City of Maricopa for the past year. The seven-member board recently welcomed two new members, Christopher Wendt and Chris Ward.

Both new additions to the PRL committee received unanimous approval after an application and interview process. Their names were then submitted to the Maricopa City Council for approval. They replace Aimee Boekhout and Craig Younger, both of whom resigned due to changes in their personal lives.

PRL Director Martin McDonald stated, “We are excited to welcome Chris Ward and Chris Wendt to the PRL Advisory Committee. Both bring strong technical skills and a deep love for serving their community to the group.”

Wendt, of Great American Realty in Maricopa, was in the United States Marine Corps for 10 years. He holds an associate’s degree in electrical engineering and was active in the Chandler Parks and Recreation Department before moving to Maricopa at the beginning of this year. In his application Wendt noted his desire to be a positive and active part of the community that he and his family call home.

Christopher Wendt.

In accepting his nomination to the PRL advisory group, Wendt said, “I would like to say thank you for this opportunity to not only work with great people but also to become a more active member of our growing community. With proper planning, a commitment to excellence and teamwork, I’m confident that our Parks and Recreation Department will exceed expectations.”

Chris Ward is the pastor of Calvary Chapel in Maricopa. He received a bachelor’s degree in radio and television communications from Eastern New Mexico University in 1990. In addition to serving on several event committees in the past, Ward is also president of NightFall Productions, a media and promotional company for both Christian and secular musicians.

According to his application, Ward believes that the rapid growth of the city necessitates having a strong group of individuals who can plan and coordinate community events and activities in order to serve all the residents here.

Chris Ward.

“With a growing community like Maricopa, I am excited to be able to participate on the PRL committee,” explained Ward. “I want to help our children and citizens have a place that they can call home.”

The PRL advisory group, chaired by 85239‘s Scott Bartle, is responsible for aiding in the development of quality recreational programs and identifying community needs for new programs as well as for general park design. Members also assist in planning for special events like Founder’s Day, as well as the annual Fourth of July Fishing Derby and the annual Salsa Festival.

Since the seven members serve staggered two-year terms, three hold one-year terms that will expire this fall. McDonald recommended and received approval from the Maricopa City Council to accept applications for those three positions during the time period that began on September 21 and runs through October 21. McDonald noted that this would provide a “seamless transition” in the fall.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the PRL committee and are willing to serve your fellow citizens, apply today! Application forms are available at City Hall and online. For further information, contact McDonald at (520) 568-9098, Ext. 204, or by email.