Waite Park has a new face overseeing park maintenance and programming.
Anthony Bates was named recreation supervisor for Waite Park in late May. He previously held the same position at Harrison Park, just west of downtown. The role includes managing upkeep and safety for the park grounds, indoor space, and amenities such as the wading pool, as well as supervising 15 to 20 part-time and seasonal employees who run youth sports, child-care and other activities.
The Waite Park Voice recently spoke with Bates about his new role at the park.
Q: How long have you worked for the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and what led you to this type of work?
A: It’ll be three years in December of this year, but I’ve been working in parks and rec for a very long time — this will be my 18th year. (Previously Bates work for the City of Brooklyn Park.) What brought me to this organization was the opportunity to work with more neighborhood-based programming and facilities, along with the diversity of MPRB as an organization, and the work they were doing around upgrading facilities and making sure the community gets what they need.
Q: What's been your impression of Waite Park so far?
A: What stands out the most, I would say, is the amenities. It’s the first thing you notice. I see the grass. I see the ball fields. I see the tennis courts. Inside, what I notice is the youth that have been here over the summer. I noticed the community involvement and community engagement from residents who care about what’s going on here at Waite Park. I noticed the care and the impact of the adults and parents that are here.
Q: What kind of activities and programming can people expect this fall and winter?
A: We will be offering some adult opportunities in the way of fitness classes, yoga and strength classes. Youth sports will be underway. I’m still learning what that looks like here. When going into a new organization, it takes a year just to see the seasons, to see how that community functions and learn the interests and needs. So I’m excited to see what that looks and feels like so I can have a better idea of what the needs are.
Q: What kinds of things do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: So I like spending time with family. I love watching sports. I’m a big Green Bay Packers fan. I like going to movies, spending time outdoors. Winter is my favorite season. I know that’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but I like the snow. I just like walking in the snow, being in the snow, sledding with my kids; anything they want to do I’m going to do when it comes to being outdoors.
Contact the Waite Park Recreation Center at 612-370-4959 or waite@minneapolisparks.org.
