City welcomes new park director

Since Mark Huff’s retirement in December, the city has been searching for the perfect candidate for the Creston Parks and Recreation Director.

After a number of candidates and interviews, Rusty Zimmerman was chosen, officially becoming director after being approved by Creston City Council during Tuesday’s meeting. Zimmerman began his duties the next day.

Zimmerman has experience working outdoors, working in agriculture and road engineering. He said he applied partly due to the outdoor nature of the job.

“It’s kind of an area of interest,” Zimmerman said. “I like to be outside, I like recreation, and what better way to do that every day and enjoy what the city has to offer?”

Zimmerman said he wants to continue to improve the parks and programs already in place.

“I want to upgrade equipment for the parks as well as bring new attractions to the parks that may not cost the city a lot of money, but in return gets a lot of bang for your buck back to the citizens,” Zimmerman said.

The new director spends much of his free time outdoors with his wife Hillary and three daughters, Emerson (6), Lydia (2) and Riley (8 months).

“I love to watch them enjoy the outdoors and be excited to go to the park. Yes, they have a playground at home, but it’s not the same as going to the park,” Zimmerman said. “In my spare time, we spend time at the lake camping, hunting and fishing when time permits, but a lot of time spent with family and doing things out at the farm.”

Zimmerman can be reached at rzimmerman@crestoniowa.org or 641-782-2000 Ext. 208.