Ottawa County next Parks Director selected

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 05/21/2019 01:13 PM EDT
General Press Release

May 21, 2019

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Three things to know about Ottawa County’s next Parks Director

After wading through a pool of 82 candidates, Ottawa County Administrator Al Vanderberg announced today that Jason Shamblin has been selected to serve as the next Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Director.

“Jason’s extensive background in parks management coupled with his enthusiasm and passion for parks service provision made him the best candidate to take the helm,” said Al Vanderberg.

Here are three things to know about Ottawa County’s new Parks and Recreation Director:

The new director hails from Ohio.

But, he is not an alumnus of that Ohio. Shamblin earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management from Ohio University. Before that, he received his Associate of Applied Science degree in Recreation and Wildlife Technology from Hocking College.

Shamblin will be leaving his current post as the Assistant Director of MetroParks of Butler County, Ohio where he has served for nearly seven years. Previously, Shamblin worked in leadership positions at several parks organizations in the greater Columbus, Ohio area. In one of those roles as Director of Reynoldsburg Parks and Recreation, the system received the first Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Governor's Award. 

Jason Shamblin

His love of nature runs deep.

Growing up on a farm in the hills of southeastern Ohio, Jason spent much of his childhood unearthing the great outdoors with his twin brother. That upbringing in the rural countryside translated to a connection with nature that led to a career in Parks and Recreation.

“I am most excited about exploring and learning about Ottawa's amazing Parks and Open Spaces and meeting and getting to know all of the staff, volunteers and community leaders,” said Jason Shamblin.

When he is not working, Shamblin enjoys photographing and identifying wildflowers, geocaching and visiting parks with friends and family. When Shamblin comes to Ottawa County for this next chapter, he looks forward to discovering the farmer’s markets, beaches and festivals.

Jason Shamblin has a Goldendoodle named Rosie.

Along with one new dog license coming to Ottawa County, Jason will bring with him his wife Allison and three children, Grayson (11), Griffin (9) and Madelyn (8). The family has enjoyed their past four summer vacations visiting Michigan. While they have not decided exactly where they will settle in Ottawa County, please help the Shamblins feel that they are where they belong.

Shamblin will begin his duties as Parks Director on June 24. The parks director manages acquisition, development, operations and maintenance of 27 county parks and 12 open space lands totaling nearly 7,000 acres and leads 22 permanent staff and 89 seasonal staff.

Jason Shamblin will replace John Scholtz who is retiring at the end of June after 32 years at the helm.