New structure for recreation in Taber

At the Taber Recreation Board’s March meeting, it was announced how recreation management is being restructured in the Town of Taber.

Rob Cressman, director of Community Services gave an update to the recreation board of the change in structure in light of Jan Seweryn, former recreational facilities manager for Taber taking a similar post in British Columbia effective the end of February.

“That has provided us an opportunity to re-visit how we structure the recreation department,” said Cressman at the Taber Recreation Board meeting on March 6.

“One of the challenges we have seen this past year or so is a bit of a disconnect between two existing departments. There was leisure services that was managed capably by Aline Holmen and there was recreation facilities that was being managed by Jan Seweryn and we thought this was a good opportunity to address that challenge head on with a reorganizing of the department.”

Community services which Cressman is under as director will continue to be all the facilities, services and programs that has been offered, but will be under one unified recreation department that will be led by Holmen.

“Her role will go beyond the Aquafun Centre, programs and special events Aline has been involved in. It will apply her skills, abilities and experience to a broader area of the town to also include the community centre, like the arena and auditorium meeting rooms, sports fields, the cemetery and the day-to-day operations of those facilities,” said Cressman.

Cressman added to ensure Holmen has the necessary time and resources to do her new position, a position has been created that instead of back filling the vacant recreation facilities manager position, a new position will be made entitled recreation supervisor. The posting for the position was going out immediately according to Cressman.

“That person will report directly to Aline, that person will help assist in may ways. More so in the day-to-day operations of the department,” said Cressman. “What I want to do is help Aline as she learns the operations and employees and a lot of those people and operations Aline already has experience with. I truly believe Aline is going to thrive and will continue to build on the momentum Jan had made this past year and a half.  

Cressman continued to note the restructuring will lead to a more unified department and fits into the council’s strategic plan for recreation.

“When the new supervisor position comes on board that will allow me to do more long-term planning with the properties and buildings and handle oil and gas leases — more of the administrative side.”

Recreation board member Randy Sparks inquired if there was a clear and concise job description for the new recreation supervisor position so that the person knows exactly what their tasks would entail.

“The posting that is going out (March 8) weekend has a description that is very clear with duties and responsibilities of that position and distinguishes it from the other positions,” replied Cressman. “The answer is yes.”