By Lynndi Lockenour
Becoming the new Parks and Recreation Director didn’t come without a price for Maralee Britton. She moved her husband, Chuck, and two children from their home in Indiana where she had lived her entire life. Maralee said she lives a double life between the professional world and having a family. “My husband was extremely supportive of us making the move to Missouri,” she said. Maralee said her husband works in sales and was able to relocate within the company so that he could move to the area also.
She began her position as director in December of last year, even though previous director, Richard Ash, did not officially resign until January. “Having that time to work with Richard allowed me to learn from him and become more acquainted with the department,” she said, “so it was a huge benefit for me.”
Maralee attended college at Indiana State University where she received a degree in recreation management. She said her love for recreation developed after having a summer job in high school as concession stand worker for the swimming pool. While in college, Maralee was required to complete a 600-hour internship, which she did with the Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department. When the internship ended, Maralee then walked into an internship with the department where she remained for 12 years. After spending years as a Hoosier, Maralee was ready for something new.
“Looking to broaden my horizons and expand outside the local area is what brought me Missouri,” she said. “I wanted to not only enhance my career, but also give my husband and children more opportunities as they get older.”
Coming into the position, Maralee said she tried not to have preconceived notions about how things should run. “I’m fortunate that I’ve taken a position with this department because it’s a well oiled machine already,” she said.
As director, one of Maralee’s main focuses is publicity. “Because I have such a great staff working behind me, I feel like I can focus on other things outside the daily routine,” she said, “I want to look at the big picture.”
As an extension of local government, Maralee said she thinks listening to the citizens and residents is extremely important. “We can build facilities or plan programs,” she said, “but if it’s not what the residents want, then it’s not useful.”
As the new director, Maralee welcomes comments, suggestions, or thoughts from the public. “That’s how we know what the residents want,” she said, “So I welcome any new ideas.”
Maralee said her goal, as director is to maintain the system and work on long-term goals for the department. A few of these include the development of an Eco Park (ECO) and Webster Park. Also Maralee is hoping the department will have their website up and running in the next year and a half, which will eventually include online registration for departmental programs.
In the next year the department will also be completing what Maralee calls a “Comprehensive Plan.” It is set to include a roadmap for the future of the department, with input from residents, community stakeholders, and local government. Maralee said it is important for everyone to experience the beauty of a park. “It is absolutely necessary for people, both young and old, to have the ability to come out and enjoy a park,” she said. “It’s wonderful to get away from everyday to life come take pleasure in things with friends and family.”
Though she enjoys her job, Maralee said there are always things, which present a challenge. “It doesn’t scare me though,” she said, “because I see challenges as opportunities for growth and expansion.”
Maralee said she considers herself to be an optimistic person which allows her to not become discouraged if things aren’t going as planned. Though she is relatively new to the area, Maralee said she loves it here. “There are so many things to go do and see that we could probably spend the next 15 years doing that,” she said.
Maralee is prepared to make the transformation from Hoosier to Missourian. “My family and I are set,” she said. “We are prepared to live here the rest of our lives.”
