February 3, 2020 – West Bend, WI – The West Bend Common Council unanimously approved the appointment of Mike Jentsch as the new Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry for the City of West Bend.
The Parks and Recreation Commission also recommended the appointment on Thursday, January 30, 2020. An employee of the City of West Bend since 1999, Jentsch will transition from his current role as Parks and Forestry Superintendent.
“Mike has been a standout employee with the City of West Bend for 21 years. It is with great excitement to welcome him to our department head team,” said City Administrator Jay Shambeau. “Mike’s knowledge of our community and his ability to complete projects made this promotion an easy decision for the Parks and Rec Commission and Common Council. Congratulations, Mike.”
Jentsch, 50, said there are a couple projects he’s eager to tackle including the update on Carl Kuss Field and the remodel of the west side of the downtown River Walk.
“If we were to pencil something on the calendar we’re targeting utility work this year,” he said. “It means we’ll tear out the west side of the River Walk and We Energies, Charter and AT&T and all the utilities will be upgraded. In 2021 we’d upgrade from the north pedestrian bridge to Veterans Avenue and then the next year target north of the bridge to Highway 33.”
Jentsch expects that work to begin around June 2020.
The Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry is responsible for implementing acquisition and development plans for new and existing park facilities, and for ensuring the provision of park and recreational programs and facilities for the public.
As department head, Jentsch will administer the operational budget, policies, plans and projects, and the Parks and Recreational Facility Developmental Program. He will engage in community and media relations, and coordinate cooperative activities with other city, county, state, and private organizations.
“I look forward to working with the Council, Parks and Recreation Commission, service clubs, and local businesses to keep moving West Bend forward,” said Jentsch. “Team Green is a group of highly dedicated professionals who enjoy serving the community. Our staff goes above and beyond to make West Bend a place we can all take great pride in.”
The position of Park, Recreation and Forestry director opened in mid-July 2019 after Craig Hoeppner resigned to take a similar job in Oconomowoc.