Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department Staff Information

Director of Parks, Recreation & Forestry since 2000, previously served as Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Greenfield (1989-2000) and Superintendent of Recreation for the City of La Crosse(1985-88). B.S. degree in Park & Recreation Administration and M.S. degree in Recreation Management from UW- La Crosse. He is also a Certified Park & Recreation Professional (CPRP) and Adjunct Instructor for Recreation Management Program - Carroll University. Recipient of Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association's highest recognition, the "Professional Award of Merit" (2006) and Recreation Section "Professional of the Year" (2001).  Leisure Pursuits include hiking, fishing, trail running, biking, and watching/coaching 3 daughters in sports.

rgrall@ci.waukesha.wi.us
262-524-3734

Pat has been with WPRF since 1995. Pat is responsible for the Recreation Division, overseeing the year-round recreation programs offered to all ages, including aquatic programming and community special events. Other areas of responsibilities include managing the recreation division budgets, developing community partnerships, seeking alternative revenue sources, employee training and playground community builds. Pat is professionally involved in the Waukesha Youth Collaborative and the Wisconsin Parks and Recreation Association. She believes everyone should take time from their busy lives to play and her hobbies include walking, biking, reading and spending time with family and friends.

pgrulke@ci.waukesha.wi.us
262-524-3716

Mary graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Recreation administration. She has worked in the recreation field for sixteen years, six of which have been for the Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department as a Recreation Supervisor. She establishes, evaluates and operates a variety of programs including: adult enrichment, fitness, preschool, afterschool, before school, special events, senior enrichment, senior fitness, teen and youth program and assists in managing the Schuetze Recreation Center. She works hard to be responsive to the communities needs and is committed to providing high quality programs and services. She believes that the Parks, Recreation and Forestry department is a focal point of the community in bringing the community together through parks, programs and places.

mberg@ci.waukesha.wi.us
262-524-3718

Sasha Snapp, Recreation Programmer

Sasha, one of the newest members of our team, came to us in March of 2012 as Recreation Programmer.  She oversees the school based programming, summer playground programs, adaptive recreation and manages the Schuetze Recreation Center.  Sasha obtained a Bachelors of Science in Recreation and Leisure Services from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 2003 and is also a Certified Park and Recreation Professional.  Her first full-time position was with the Elmhurst Park District in Elmhurst, IL as the Park Ambassador Supervisor and then continued her professional pursuits north as the Director of Recreation for Hartland, WI. Sasha is very active in the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association and has served on the board of directors as well as a member of the 2010 conference committee.  Like most recreation professionals, Sasha has many hobbies that include fitness, kayaking, camping, hiking and traveling.

ssnapp@ci.waukesha.wi.us
262-524-3715

Mary Kay has been with WPRF since 2002. She is our Recreation Facilities Coordinator for all rentals, public events, and outside athletic rentals. Mary Kay also supervises the Park, Garden and Building Attendants and is working with the Police Department on expanding security in our Park System. Mary graduated from Mount Mary College with a degree in Art Therapy. Mary Kay is a Registered Art Therapist and a licensed Art Therapist in the State of Wisconsin. Mary Kay is currently the chair of the Waukesha and Pewaukee Sports Committee. Her hobbies include: permanent art media (glass, clay, stone), photography, gardening and being outdoors.

mpalmer@ci.waukesha.wi.us
262-522-2953

Karen Richards, SPARS Coordinator

Karen is responsible for coordinating sponsorships, partnerships and alternative revenue sources for the department initiatives, programs and events.  In addition, she serves as the departmental liaison for The Park Foundation of Waukesha, Inc.   Karen is a graduate of UW-Madison and has experience at various levels of community involvement including building partnerships, program development, event planning and fundraising initiatives.  Karen is excited to build community associations that allow the WPRF to continue and enhance its award-winning offerings.  Recreation interests include walking, running and biking.

krichards@ci.waukesha.wi.us
262-524-3741

Everett has been with WPRF since 1982. He was with the Forestry crew and was promoted to Building Maintenance Supervisor which oversees the builidings, structures, tennis courts, pools and hardscapes in the Park System.

ebunzel@ci.waukesha.wi.us
262-524-3721

Keith has been with WPRF since 1998. He started out on the Forestry crew and was promoted to Grounds Maintenance Supervisor in 2009. He is responsible for the maintenance of over 1000 acres of park land, 12 soccer fields, 42 tennis courts, 28 formal playgrounds, 31 natural areas, 28 baseball fields, 5 volleyball courts, 10 basketball courts, island boulevards and the formal garden His hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping, home brewing and gardening.

kmjohnso@ci.waukesha.wi.us
262-524-3722

Sara has been with WPRF since 2008 as our Marketing Coordinator. Her job duties include: assistance with our websites and Activity Guide, logo design and development, brochure/flyer design and production, other advertising/marketing needs for our departments, partner groups or events including: Waukesha JanBoree, Spooka Minooka, 4th of July, TrailBreaker Marathon, Civic Band, The Park Foundation, Friends of WPRF, Fox Tale Preschool and others. She is a graduate of UW Milwaukee (Bachelor of Fine Arts). Her hobbies include attending art shows/museums, baseball games and outdoor recreation with family and friends.

sliszews@ci.waukesha.wi.us
262-524-3741