Ken Ottenbreit, SPRA's Director for Cities, brings over 20 years of experience in parks and recreation to our Board of Directors. As the former Director of Community Services in the City of Melfort, Ken has a solid understanding of Saskatchewan’s recreation community. After retiring in the fall of 2014, he has since transitioned to enjoying a full-time ‘life of leisure.’
What do you find most rewarding about the parks and recreation sector?
You work with people that are committed to fun, whether it's through organizing community recreation events and programs, developing a park or planning a community facility. These people are dedicated to improving the quality of life in their communities.
Why did you decide to become a SPRA Board member?
Being on the Board has been a rewarding experience for me. It allows me to keep in touch with the recreation field and stay connected to the people that work in the sector.
What do you like to do for fun?
Golf, exercise, hiking and sitting around an open fire, and just enjoying the great outdoors.
What does recreation mean to you?
Recreation is the mechanism that provides quality of life to people. Once the basic needs are met (food, water, shelter), recreation serves to enhance people's lives by satisfying their social, physical and personal needs and wants. When people are old and grey, they don’t reflect on the cars or homes they lived in, they remember all the fun and memorable things they did with family and friends through recreation activities.
What advice would you give to people considering becoming a SPRA Board member?
If you have been in the field for a few years - and wish to continue following that path, please seriously consider becoming a member of the SPRA Board of Directors. You learn so much about how the field of recreation impacts people's lives in Saskatchewan. In addition, the knowledge you gain from being on the Board has a direct benefit to the work you perform back in your community.
Strengthen your connection to Saskatchewan’s recreation community by joining the SPRA Board of Directors.
Candidate nominations are being accepted until Midnight, May 30, 2019.
To learn more about this opportunity, visit www.spra.sk.ca/news-events/top-stories/join-our-board-of-directors-2019/.
