Rushville names new parks director

Nov. 4—Rushville has a new Parks Department director.

According to information shared via social media, Kathi Jackley has been selected to replace Mike Shaw, who resigned to pursue other interests.

Jackley started volunteering with the Parks Department in 2019 before moving into a part-time position as the Programs and Natural Resources Coordinator in April 2022.

She has already organized countless community events and programs such as Tot Time, Nature School and the well attended annual Summer Adventures Camp.

In addition, she was the driving force behind the creation and continued expansion of the Community Garden in Carol Jenkins Park on the city's east side, the expansive prairie space at Riverside Park on the south side, and the Bicentennial tree project.

Through all of these accomplishments, Jackley still finds the most pride in her team of employees and the network of volunteers she has built to continue to improve our city's parks. In fact, when asked what her favorite part of Rushville is she said, "The people who make up my community. The fact that I have met so many incredible people, and the small town feel that makes it easy to form connections."

Through hard work and a hands-on approach, it is Jackley's intention to update and improve the parks to make them more inviting and to offer even more quality programming.

According to the City of Rushville's website (XX), the Rushville Parks Department is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of city's city parks. The Parks Director and Assistant Director, along with the Street Department and seasonal help, maintain the parks within the City of Rushville as well as the walking trail and municipal swimming pool.

You can contact the Parks Department by calling 765-932-4146, by fax at 765-932-4355 or by e-mail at .

Emily Hill wrote the original draft of this story.