New director excited by future of Canal Winchester Joint Recreation District
The first executive director leading the Canal Winchester Joint Recreation District said he was interested in the job because he is intrigued by what’s next.
Greg Pearce, who previously served as a recreation coordinator for the city of Pickerington, began in January overseeing dozens of athletics programs for approximately 1,500 youths and numerous adult offerings in the CWJRD area.
The new 90-acre McGill Park along Lithopolis Road, which will feature soccer and baseball fields, made the position attractive for Pearce.
“The city has shown a commitment to recreation by investing in McGill Park and having a park of that size with all those various amenities – that’s exciting as a rec director because the sky is the limit on how you can potentially expand your programs to an even higher level,” Pearce said.
The CWJRD is operated jointly by the city and Canal Winchester Schools, which provides facilities.
CWJRD board members began interviewing candidates late last year after Canal Winchester City Council approved a multiyear funding plan Nov. 1 to help support the position.
The city provided $20,850 last year and will provide $83,400 in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 to support the position. A “pro-rated” $62,550 will be paid in 2026, the final year of the city’s agreement.
Jill Amos, a member of the Canal Winchester City Council and who also serves on the CWJRD board with Councilman Patrick Shea, said Pearce will support the board’s vision of creating a joint recreation district that will “encompass communitywide programs and not just youth athletics, and some adult programming.”
“Unfortunately, COVID-19 put a slow-down on our ability to bring some programming to fruition,” Amos said. “Our hope, after Greg becomes acclimated with our current program offerings, is to grow our programs so that all residents can find value in utilizing the JRD programs. How this will look and what will be offered is still a work in progress, but we are all excited to bring new options to our community in the coming years.”
Pearce is working to add more programming, including summer camps and music, arts and STEM/STEAM offerings.
“We’re looking to expand, so if anybody has ideas of programs that we want to offer, we could definitely explore those,” he said.
The recreation district currently offers football, baseball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, volleyball, tennis, swimming, karate and cheerleading.
Adult programs include softball, soccer, basketball, tennis, Zumba and ultimate frisbee.
Fees to participate are approximately $100 or more, depending on the sport or activity.
“I live in the area, so I’ve been able to immerse myself into the community,” Pearce said. “I see this as an opportunity to ‘leave your mark,’ and that’s something that’s exciting – meeting the needs of the community and putting your best foot forward.”
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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: New director excited by future of Canal Winchester Joint Recreation District
