New boss for West Boggs hired
Feb. 1—LOOGOOTEE — After a year of searching, the Daviess-Martin County Joint Parks Board has come up with a new superintendent for West Boggs. The board picked Dubois County native Nathan Rihm as the new boss at popular destination.
"I have always been interested in the park service. If I were to win the lottery, I think I would probably open a park because that's where my passions lie. I like hiking and kayaking and mountain biking. To incorporate that into a job is something that appeals to me," said Rihm. "This is close to my family and my fiancee's family. I also have spent some time there fishing."
"He is coming from out of state. He is originally from Dubois County and had been working out of state and is moving back," said parks board member Phil Cornelius. "He has a lot of management background and he has a lot of education in environmental things. He is from this area, as is his fianceé and they both want to be here. They want to be back here and be a part of the community."
Rihm holds a degree from Indiana State in earth and environmental science. He has worked in a number of recreation based businesses including as an ocean kayak guide and he operated a kayak company in Maui. He also managed a number of restaurants.
"He appears to be excited about the job and we hope that will be contagious for people," said Cornelius.
"I want to improve the experience for the people who visit the park," said Rihm. "I want it to be cleaner, safer, have more amenities and show people a good time."
The new park superintendent will have to hit the ground running with water issues and a new season getting ready to start.
"He is going to be drinking from a fire hose," said Cornelius. "Specifically, we have been having to deal with the water quality issues at the lake and there are decisions to be made on a plan for that. Getting everything in place for this coming season is a pretty big deal."
Rihm is taking over for Jameson Hibbs, who took another job about one year ago. Hibbs has assisted in keeping the park going, but officials say they will be happy to have a full-time hand at the helm.
"It has not been ideal. There have been growing pains. Fortunately, the team we have in place at the park have been fantastic through this," said Cornelius. "We are super excited to have somebody filling that position again and focused on the park full-time."
Rihm officially takes over as West Boggs Park Superintendent on Friday.
