By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
When Chris Smalley starts his new job at Wood County Park District next week, he will be coming home to the place where it all began for him – mowing grass and maintaining park properties.
But this time, he’ll be the boss.
Smalley, 47, was officially introduced by park commissioners to the media on Tuesday as the new director of the park district. He will take the place of Neil Munger, who is retiring at the start of next year.
“I’m really pumped,” Smalley said of his new job. “To me, this is an opportunity to come home. I started my career down here in Wood County. It was such a great place to grow.”
Smalley will start on Dec. 6, with a salary of $94,182.40.
While his profession in parks started in Wood County in 2000, Smalley grew up close to nature in his hometown of Stormville, New York.
“I grew up just outside city limits, fishing and hiking,” he said. The Appalachian Trail was practically in his backyard. “For a lot of people, that is a life destination. For me it was a few miles away.”
Smalley earned a bachelor’s degree in science, environmental studies and land use planning, an associate’s degree in science, and is a state certified peace officer.
In 2000, he was hired by the Wood County Park District as part of the mowing and maintenance crew.
“It allowed me to see the parks,” he said.
Then, Smalley moved into park stewardship and the naturalist department.
“That allowed me to connect with the schools and park users,” he said.
Smalley recalls starting the park district’s native park project, first being given space by the Hirzels at the ag-incubator site.
“It was awesome,” he said. The project started with 10 to 12 native plants. “We were up to over 80 when we left” for a bigger site.
Smalley left Wood County Park District in 2010 to join the Toledo Metroparks. He is currently regional manager of operations for the eastern parks – the fastest growing park area, he said.
While he was away, the Wood County district grew – and Smalley kept an eye on it as it expanded. He was intrigued when Sawyer Quarry was opened, giving rock climbers a chance to practice their skills.
“I went to visit that,” he said. “That’s a really unique feature for Northwest Ohio.”
Smalley credits two people for his park profession – Neil Munger and Tim Gallagher.
“Those two guys took a chance on me 20 years ago,” he said.
Smalley came to the region to get a graduate degree in geology.
“I had no real plans to be in the park and recreation business until those guys,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough.”
The Wood County Park District Board of Commissioners were pleased to bring Smalley on board.
“It is a very great day for us,” Board President Sandy Wiechman said. A total of 27 people applied for the director’s position – and Smalley was a clear choice.
“His qualifications were second to none,” Wiechman said. “Chris stood out with his experience, his background, and his passion.”
Board member Denny Parish said Smalley has a great knowledge of Wood County parks. And he is coming to a multi-million dollar park operation from a multi-tens of million dollar park operation.
The Toledo Metroparks tried to hang onto Smalley by making him a counter-offer. “He never used it as a wedge,” Parish said. “He wanted to come here.”
Smalley thanked Munger, Wood County citizens and his family for their support.
“I want to thank the board for this exciting opportunity,” he said. “I’m really excited to be here.”
Smalley will have some challenges as soon as he takes over, since two long-time park district employees – Jeff Baney and Todd Nofzinger – are retiring at the end of this year.
Smalley said his initial focus will be on core service delivery for park patrons, staff development for the district’s 32 employees, capital improvements, and revisiting the park district’s strategic plan.
Also on his list is taking a jog on the Slippery Elm Trail, since he just started running again.
Smalley knows that parks are more important than ever for people who have turned to parks during the pandemic.
“Parks provided an outlet for a lot of folks, for their physical and mental wellbeing,” he said. “Folks have reaffirmed their love for parks.”
