Director's Welcome

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Seward Parks & Recreation's "Mountains of Recreation." I hope you find your way around our website and around our services easily. Our website goal is to answer most of your questions here, at your convenience, so you can enjoy your time recreating without confusion.

Our Department mission statement lists lofty ideals about improving the quality of life... What does that mean? We feel that parks and recreation services are vital for a healthy community. And by healthy, we do not limit our thinking to the body. We work for healthy relationships; healthy economy; healthy minds and healthy individuals. When we mix all of our programs and parks together with you, we feel we can accomplish those lofty goals.

It is my hope that each person in your family can enjoy at least one part of parks and recreation. Whether it be in the campgrounds, on the trails, or playing at the TYC... or whether it be in the racquetball court, in the sauna or in the classroom... we hope your experience is meaningful and high in quality. If not, please contact us. We are always interested in improving our programs or adding new class ideas.

Director's Biography
Karin Sturdy holds the distinction of the longest serving parks and recreation director for the City of Seward. She began her career in Seward as the Community Schools Coordinator. After a season there, Sturdy became the first SPRD Campground Coordinator to manage Seward Municipal Campgrounds after the City regained the contract from private enterprise. What a huge benefit for the tax-payers! Instead of receiving a flat $20,000 per season, the City's General Fund now brings in over $200,000 after campgrounds' expenses. These revenues help off-set the costs of other divisions of parks and recreation.

Karin shown here with future & current sports nuts and gym rats.
July 2004. click to enlarge photos.

In 1989, two positions were combined to create a Program Coordinator to run programs and sports from the AVTEC Student Service Center. Sturdy was selected for this job. Sports leagues were expanded, public use hours were added and special events grew. During this time, Sturdy had the opportunity to serve several times as Acting Parks & Recreation Director in the absence of various leaders.

In early 1993 Sturdy was appointed the Parks & Recreation Director, and the growth, teamwork and vision began. Since then, SPRD has added trails, ballfields, parks and sports courts. We have moved the TYC from its then unattractive site, to its now-bursting location in the Community Center.

The Sports & Recreation Division (formerly known as "AVTEC") is able to offer far more convenient hours to the public, as well as improved recreation equipment. Leagues and special events continue to boom and grow, including the Polar Bear Pink Cheeks Triathlon which has to be limited in size. Sponsorships from local businesses have become generous partnerships in providing recreation, especially to youth. Softball (which was dying in the late 80's) is now back with contagious fun on the new, Citizens' Ballfield. These and other improvements are proud accomplishments for Karin Sturdy and the team. Sturdy is quick to give credit to the SPRD crew. Of special note are two team leaders: Shari Adelmann and Mark Stauble, each with over 15 years serving the community of Seward. Both these professionals are daily held up to high standards for responsible growth and quality recreation.

Sturdy's management philosophy continues to be one of enthusiasm combined with leadership and teamwork. Some of the ideals of the SPRD's director are reflected in the Department's goals, plans and resolutions on the Administration's page. Though born through a team effort, it is Sturdy's leadership which pulls the best and brightest ideas and future challenges from the team.

"I am proud to say that Seward Parks & Recreation is strong. We are finally catching up to our growth burst which we feel the community asked for. Yes, we are doing more, and we hold the support of many diverse groups in town to try new programs.

"I am also very proud of our leadership team. The community is simply lucky to have this crew of professionals who care to the core about people. Shari, Mark, Erika, Kris, Melanie, and Mike are the glue right now. They are supported by other hard-working employees and volunteers, but ... but, when you get to know the hearts of these few, you know why Seward Parks & Rec is so appreciated.

"I love Seward, and I'm proud to live here. Mt. Alice daily pulls my eye and tugs at my heart. Resurrection Bay's tide seems to sync perfectly with my own life cycles. I love to play, learn and grow here. There's nowhere else I'd rather be working. I look forward to the challenges ahead."

"Surely the things we do on a day-to-day basis should lead to something meaningful, should serve others more than ourselves, and should come from the most authentic part of our being."
From "Inspire! What Great Leaders Do" by Lance Secretan

Last Modified 08/16/2004
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