The Waukee Parks & Recreation Department recently recognized a long list of volunteers and community supporters who help make the department’s programs and initiatives successful.The 2019 honorees were:
- YOUTH VOLUNTEER: Riley Taylor volunteered at various department festivals and events. She handed out eggs and candy at the annual Easter Egg Hunt, helped kids learn about safety during Home Alone Awareness Camp, and served cookies and hot cocoa at WinterFest.
- SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEER: Cameron Stotz has spent years capturing photos and videos of Waukee facilities, parks, special events and the Sugar Creek Municipal Golf Course during all seasons.
- SERVICE GROUP: Hilltop Church members, led by Pastor Brandon Beaman and Katie Beaman, volunteered serving free popcorn and water to Movies in the Park attendees. They will keep up with this tradition in 2020 as well!
- BUSINESS GROUP: NCMIC has been a generous sponsor of the Movies in the Park series for two years now, allowing seven moves to be screened for free in Centennial Park! They will be sponsoring the 2020 series as well, which will include four movies.
- YOUTH SPORTS VOLUNTEERS:
- Ryan Clayton coached a total of 26 softball and t-ball teams from 2009-2019. He coached more than 275 players and often coached two teams in different divisions in the same season.
- Joel Romey coached a total of 17 softball teams from 2009-2019. He coached more than 200 players and was instrumental in the creation of the fall girls softball league in 2012.
The department would also like to thank these businesses, organizations and volunteers who help make Waukee more fun: MidAmerican Energy Company, mi-fiber.net, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Central Bank, Autumn Ridge Apartments, Waukee Downtown Businesses, Stivers Ford Lincoln, Companions for Life, Charter Bank, Grace Baptist of Waukee, Waukee APEX, Boy Scout Troop 178, Jerry C., Renae and Ben H., Erin Y., Beth E., Sarah S., Shane B., Erin C., Preston & Damon P., Jamie H., Matt H., Madeline H., Asher H., Kia P., Sarah N., Aubrey V., Samantha F., Laura F., Madison A., Addy J., Ava L., Ellie W., Morgan B., Aniston C., July E., Gabe P., Haley H., Jenna O,. Hayden P., Leah L. and Ava H. Thanks for a great 2019!
 |  |  |
| Riley Taylor and Park Board Member Ethan Owens | Park Board Member Ethan Owens and Cameron Stotz | Park Board Member Troy Taylor and Hilltop Church - Pastor Brandon Beaman and Katie Beaman |
 |  |  |
| Gayle Welter from NCMIC and Park Board Member Troy Taylor | Ryan Clayton and Asst. Parks & Recreation Director Josh VandeKamp | Joel Romey and Asst. Parks & Recreation Director Josh VandeKamp |