West Side Stories has been on a bit of a hiatus the last couple months, but it's back, featuring the many great things happening in West Des Moines. In the 13th episode of the podcast, Allison is joined by two new staff members of the Parks and Rec Department. Marnie Strate and Shayne Ratcliff, along with Department Director Sally Ortgies, discuss their new roles in the department, their job “to-do” lists, and what excites them about their new positions. They also divulge lots of information about the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater and the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex which are both currently being built in West Des Moines. So sit back, listen and enjoy this episode titled, “New Faces. New Places.”Guest BiosMarnie Strate - Arts, Culture and Enrichment CoordinatorAfter growing up in Des Moines and graduating from Roosevelt High School, Marnie attended Drake University where she earned her BFA in Theatre. She has been a Video Producer (Screenscape Studios), Education Director and Events & Volunteer Coordinator (Des Moines Social Club), and Assistant Guest Services Manager (Des Moines Performing Arts). Marnie began working for the City of West Des Moines on December 31, 2019. She resides in Des Moines with her husband, 8-month-old son, and terrier dog. Shayne Ratcliff - MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex General ManagerShayne grew up in Mankato, Minnesota, and graduated from Minnesota State University in Mankato where he earned a degree in Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services. Shayne has been an Arena Manager in Lakeville, MN, an ice arena General Manager in Orono, MN, and  an Athletic Facilities & Equipment Manager at Lake Forest College. He joined the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department in November of 2019. Shayne lives in Waukee with his wife and two young sons.Sally Ortgies - Director of Parks and RecreationSally began her career in the parks and recreation field in 1989 when she first interned with the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She then advanced through the department, becoming a Landscape Designer, Landscape Architect, and Superintendent of Parks. She now serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation. Sally earned Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Bachelor of Science-Horticulture degrees from Iowa State University. Sally lives in West Des Moines with her husband and MinPin dog. Their daughter lives in Des Moines.

West Side Stories

New Faces. New Places.

Guest BiosLynnae Hentzen - Friends of WDM Parks and Rec Board MemberAfter growing up in LeMars, Iowa, Lynnae attended Silliman University in the Philippines, Iowa State University, and Keller Grad School of Management. Lynnae earned her BA in Sociology and also has a MBA. She has held positions in her career as a business analyst, yoga instructor, nonprofit co-founder and Executive Director, and a property manager. Lynnae resides in West Des Moines and has four children and one daughter-in-law.Eric Tabor - Friends of WDM Parks and Rec Board PresidentEric grew up in Baldwin, Iowa, and graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Juris Doctor degree. Eric also attended Harvard and was a farmer for 11 years. Eric has served as the Chief of Staff and is the current Chief Deputy in the Iowa Attorney General's Office. He also is Legislative Counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives. Eric lives in West Des Moines with his husband and has a 32 year old son.  

With Friends Like These

In this fun episode, Allison once again invites Sally Ortgies, Director of the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department, to join her in talking about the top 10 reasons they love West Des Moines. Both are residents of West Des Moines, have raised or are raising children in West Des Moines Community Schools, and serve on various West Des Moines nonprofit organizations' boards. Needless to say, they love West Des Moines! Listen in to hear Allison and Sally discuss the following top 10 reasons they love West Des Moines:1. Parks and Trails                                                            6.  Safety  2. Recreation Program and Events                       7.  Great Neighborhoods  3. Shopping and Dining                                                8.  City Services  4. Schools                                                                             9.  City Planning  5. West Des Moines History                                      10.  Arts and Culture   

Top 10 Reasons We Love West Des Moines

In the tenth episode of West Side Stories, Allison visits with Sally Ortgies and David Sadler to discuss the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department's role in the management of the Jordan Cemetery and Huston Cemetery. Each cemetery has a rich history that most West Des Moines residents may not be aware of. Listen in as they discuss how each cemetery came to be, who maintains the grounds, and what operational logistics are involved with the management of both. Guest Bios Sally Ortgies - Director of Parks and Recreation Sally began her career in the parks and recreation field in 1989 when she first interned with the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She then advanced through the department, becoming a Landscape Designer, Landscape Architect, and Superintendent of Parks. She now serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation. Sally earned Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Bachelor of Science-Horticulture degrees from Iowa State University. Sally lives in West Des Moines with her husband and MinPin dog. Their daughter lives in Des Moines. David Sadler - Parks Superintendent David Sadler earned is Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University and his Masters of Public Administration from Drake University. David has worked as a Park Planner for the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department, a Landscape Architect for a private firm, and a Contract and Purchasing Manager for National Home Builder. In 1999 David was hired as a Landscape Architect in the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. David became Parks Superintendent in 2016. He lives in West Des Moines with his wife and three children.

Resting in Peace

In the ninth episode of West Side Stories, Allison sits down with Kevin Conn and Jodie Weeks to discuss the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater and Illumifest. The Jamie Hurd Amphitheater will be constructed between September 2019 and September 2020 on the WDM City Campus at 4200 Mills Civic Parkway. Illumifest, West Des Moines' annual city celebration, will once again be held in September on the City Campus. Episode Guests Jodie Weeks - Recreation Program/Facility Supervisor Jodie grew up in Osage, IA, and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Leisure Services. She has been a Recreation Program Supervisor for the South Suburban Park District in Littleton, CO, and a Recreation Coordinator for the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. For nearly 20 years, Jodie has been a Recreation Program/Facility Supervisor in the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She supervises the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge, Archery Facility, and Dog Park. She also coordinates the department's travel programs, several special events, and various classes and camps. Jodie lives in Ankeny with her husband, two daughters, and their Australian Labradoodle puppy. Kevin Conn - Landscape Architect Kevin's hometown is Keokuk, Iowa. He also attended and received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree for Iowa State University. Kevin worked many years in the private sector as a Landscape Architect. He was employed by Civil Engineering Consultants, Crose Gardner and Associates, BBS Architects/Engineers, Simonson and Associates, and OPN Architects. Kevin was hired in 2017 as the Landscape Architect for the City of West Des Moines. He lives in Beaverdale with his wife and two sons.

City Campus Culture

In the eighth episode of West Side Stories, Allison speaks with Jodie Weeks, Sally Ortgies and Ryan Penning about the exciting developments that are going to begin soon at Raccoon River Park. A Boathouse will be built beside Blue Heron Lake that will offer several new services to the public. They discuss Boathouse operations, the construction timeline, and future amenities. Jodie Weeks - Recreation Program/Facility Supervisor Jodie grew up in Osage, IA, and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Leisure Services. She has been a Recreation Program Supervisor for the South Suburban Park District in Littleton, CO, and a Recreation Coordinator for the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. For nearly 20 years, Jodie has been a Recreation Program/Facility Supervisor in the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She supervises the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge, Archery Facility, and Dog Park. She also coordinates the department's travel programs, several special events, and various classes and camps. Jodie lives in Ankeny with her husband, two daughters, and their Australian Labradoodle puppy. Sally Ortgies - Director of Parks and Recreation Sally began her career in the parks and recreation field in 1989 when she first interned with the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She then advanced through the department, becoming a Landscape Designer, Landscape Architect, and Superintendent of Parks. She now serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation. Sally earned Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Bachelor of Science-Horticulture degrees from Iowa State University. Sally lives in West Des Moines with her husband and MinPin dog. Their daughter lives in Des Moines. Ryan Penning - Recreation Superintendent Ryan has over 12 years of experience in the parks and recreation field. From 2006-2018, he worked for the Ankeny Parks and Recreation Department. He began his career in Ankeny as a Recreation Coordinator, then became a Recreation Supervisor-Athletics, and finally a Recreation Superintendent. Ryan became the Recreation Superintendent in West Des Moines in June of 2018. He holds a BA degree in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services from the University of Northern Iowa. Ryan lives in Ankeny with his wife, three children, and English Bulldog.

Building a Boathouse

In the seventh episode of West Side Stories, Allison sits down with the department's three interns. They discuss how their internship has impacted them, what they have learned, and what they will take away from their time in the department. **Erik Culp - Parks Division Intern ** Erik is from Urbandale, Iowa and attended Iowa State University where he majored in Landscape Architecture and minored in Horticulture. Marco started his career as an intern for the Jackaline Baldwin Dunlap Park and Arboretum for the City of Urbandale. He has worked as a summer resort horticulturalist in Keystone Colorado. Erik completed his internship with the City of West Des Moines in June of 2019. Erik lives in Ankeny. Almost all of his family lives in the Des Moines metro area. ** Sadie Schoenfelder - Recreation Division Intern** Sadie's hometown is Dimock, South Dakota. After completing her internship in West Des Moines, Sadie will be a graduate of the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Sport Management. She has been a junior high volleyball coach, a personal trainer, a group fitness instructor, a lifeguard, and a water safety instructor. Sadie currently lives in West Des Moines with her fiancé who will become her husband in August. ** Anderson Goncalves - Public Art Intern ** Anderson Goncalves comes to West Des Moines from Margate, Florida. He is a current student at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, majoring in Fine Arts: Painting, Printmaking, and Drawing with a strong interest in Printmaking. Anderson’s most recent internship was with the City of Jacksonville Cultural Council where he worked with the Art in Public Places branch, working on public artwork placements and community relations.

Concerning Interning

In the sixth episode of West Side Stories, Allison speaks with one of the department's Recreation Program/Facility Supervisors and a Recreation Coordinator. They discuss what it takes to operate and manage the two aquatic facilities in West Des Moines. If you've ever wondered how many lifeguards get hired each summer or why swimmers have to take breaks every hour, you will enjoy this episode. Because there is so much information about aquatics, this episode is divided into 2 parts. Part 1 is available on June 1, 2019. Part 2 is available on June 15, 2019. Guest Bios Mark Brewick - Recreation Program/Facility Supervisor Mark grew up in Mitchell, South Dakota and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from the University of South Dakota. Mark has been with the WDM Parks and Recreation Department for almost 31 years. He currently oversees the Valley Junction Activity Center, Valley View Aquatic Center, and Holiday Aquatic Center. Mark and his wife live in Cumming. He enjoys spending time with his two step-children and six step-grandchildren. Trevor Hoth - Recreation Coordinator Monona, Iowa is Trevor's hometown. Trevor attended the University of Iowa where he earned a BA in Political Science and a MA in Social Studies Education. Before joining the WDM Parks and Recreation Department in January of 2019, Trevor was an Aquatics Manager in Coralville, Iowa and an Assistant Aquatics Manager in Pella, Iowa. Trevor currently resides in Norwalk. He enjoys spending time with his parents, sister and brother-in-law and nephew.

Diving Into Aquatics: Part 2

Diving Into Aquatics: Part 1

In the fifth episode of West Side Stories, Allison speaks with the department's Park Planner, Director, and Recreation Superintendent. They discuss how far West Des Moines’ trail system has come in 30 years, the Bicycle Advisory Commission, and future plans for trail extensions and connectors. They get a little silly at the end, though, so make sure to listen all the way through. Guest Bios Marco Alvarez-Park Planner Marco is from Sioux City, Iowa and attended Iowa State University where he received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 2007. Marco started his career as a intern Planner for the City of West Des Moines. He then was hired full time as the Park Planner for the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department in 2007. Marco resides in Clive with his wife and three children (the youngest two are twins) aged 2 and 4 years old. Sally Ortgies - Director of Parks and Recreation Sally began her career in the parks and recreation field in 1989 when she first interned with the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She then advanced through the department, becoming a Landscape Designer, Landscape Architect, and Superintendent of Parks. She now serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation. Sally earned Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Bachelor of Science-Horticulture degrees from Iowa State University. Sally lives in West Des Moines with her husband, daughter, and MinPin dog. Ryan Penning - Recreation Superintendent Ryan has over 12 years of experience in the parks and recreation field. From 2006-2018, he worked for the Ankeny Parks and Recreation Department. He began his career in Ankeny as a Recreation Coordinator, then became a Recreation Supervisor-Athletics, and finally a Recreation Superintendent. Ryan became the Recreation Superintendent in West Des Moines in June of 2018. He holds a BA degree in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services from the University of Northern Iowa. Ryan lives in Ankeny with his wife, two children (soon to be three), and English Bulldog.

Biking in West Des Moines

In the fourth episode of West Side Stories, Allison speaks with the chair of the West Des Moines Public Arts Advisory Commission and the Director of Parks and Recreation. They discuss how public art in West Des Moines came to be, where they see it heading, and what citizens can do to become involved. Guest Bios Ryan Crane - Public Arts Advisory Commission Chair Ryan is from Council Bluffs, Iowa and attended the University of Northern Iowa where he double majored in Communications Studies and Spanish. Ryan is Director of Charitable Giving with the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation. Ryan joined the Public Arts Advisory Commission in 2015, served as Vice Chair in 2017 and became Chair in 2018. Ryan lives in West Des Moines.. Sally Ortgies - Director of Parks and Recreation Sally began her career in the parks and recreation field in 1989 when she first interned with the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She then advanced through the department, becoming a Landscape Designer, Landscape Architect, and Superintendent of Parks. She now serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation. Sally earned Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Bachelor of Science-Horticulture degrees from Iowa State University. Sally lives in West Des Moines with her husband, daughter, and MinPin dog.

Public Art in West Des Moines

In the third episode of West Side Stories, Allison speaks with two members of the recreation division of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She asks them how they came to be professionals in the field, what steps are involved in creating a new program, and how they stay on top of recreation trends. They also provide insight into program inclusivity and program staffing. Episode 3 Guests Melanie Perry - Naturalist Melanie is from Klemme, Iowa and attended Simpson College where she received a BA in Environmental Science. Melanie started her career as a Naturalist for Cass County Conservation in Atlantic, Iowa from 1983-1999. In 2000, she was hired as the Naturalist for the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. Melanie resides in Ankeny with her husband and dog, Hazel. She has two grown children and two grandchildren that all live in the Des Moines metro area. Kevin Fitzgerald - Recreation Coordinator Kevin's hometown is Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended and received a BA in Leisure Services from the University of Northern Iowa. From 1998 to 2001, Kevin was the Parks and Recreation Director in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Kevin was hired in 2001 as a Recreation Coordinator for the City of West Des Moines. He lives in Granger with his wife and three daughters.

How Programs Are Planned

In the second episode of West Side Stories, Allison speaks with two members of the parks division of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She asks them how they came to be professionals in the field, what steps are involved in creating a new park, if there are any common myths about their job they want to debunk. They also provide insight into playground safety certification and what their favorite parks are. Episode 2 Guests Marco Alvarez-Park Planner Marco is from Sioux City, Iowa and attended Iowa State University where he received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 2007. Marco started his career as an intern Planner for the City of West Des Moines. He then was hired full time as the Park Planner for the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department in 2007. Marco resides in Clive with his wife and three children (the youngest two are twins) aged 2 and 4 years old. Kevin Conn-Landscape Architect Kevin's hometown is Keokuk, Iowa. He also attended and received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree for Iowa State University. Kevin worked many years in the private sector as a Landscape Architect. He was employed by Civil Engineering Consultants, Crose Gardner and Associates, BBS Architects/Engineers, Simonson and Associates, and OPN Architects. Kevin was hired in 2017 as the Landscape Architect for the City of West Des Moines. He lives in Beaverdale with his wife and two sons.

How Parks Are Planned

In the debut episode of West Side Stories, Allison speaks with the administrators of the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She asks them why they chose careers in the parks and recreation field, what a typical work day looks like, and if there are any common myths they want to debunk. There are also a few funny stories of experiences that they often say could have been scripted into the sitcom "Parks and Recreation". Episode 1 Guests Sally Ortgies - Director of Parks and Recreation Sally began her career in the parks and recreation field in 1989 when she first interned with the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She then advanced through the department, becoming a Landscape Designer, Landscape Architect, and Superintendent of Parks. She now serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation. Sally earned Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Bachelor of Science-Horticulture degrees from Iowa State University. Sally lives in West Des Moines with her husband, daughter, and MinPin dog. Ryan Penning - Recreation Superintendent Ryan has over 12 years of experience in the parks and recreation field. From 2006-2018, he worked for the Ankeny Parks and Recreation Department. He began his career in Ankeny as a Recreation Coordinator, then became a Recreation Supervisor-Athletics, and finally a Recreation Superintendent. Ryan became the Recreation Superintendent in West Des Moines in June of 2018. He holds a BA degree in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services from the University of Northern Iowa. Ryan lives in Ankeny with his wife, two children, and English Bulldog. David Sadler - Parks Superintendent David Sadler earned is Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University and his Masters of Public Administration from Drake University. David has worked as a Park Planner for the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department, a Landscape Architect for a private firm, and a Contract and Purchasing Manager for National Home Builder. In 1999 David was hired as a Landscape Architect in the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. David became Parks Superintendent in 2016. He lives in West Des Moines with his wife and three children.

Parks and Rec in Real Life

A monthly podcast featuring the staff and friends of the West Des Moines, Iowa, Parks and Recreation Department

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West Side Stories

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