Rock Hill Public Library's Community Spotlight series features outstanding people in our community. This month, get to know more about Katy Nieman, the Superintendent of Rock Hill's Parks and Recreation Department, and what the Parks Department has in store for the summer!
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1. When did you start working for the Parks and Recreation Department?
A. I started my career in Parks and Recreation in 2003 with the Richmond Heights/Maplewood aquatics department. I was hired for the City of Rock Hill in February of 2020.
2. How have the day-to-day operations of the Parks Department changed since the pandemic began?
A. As a Parks and Recreation professional, I am always looking for fun ways to bring the community together. The pandemic has been a unique challenge with a new goal of keeping people apart. It’s important to me to still give residents the opportunity to enjoy the benefits that recreation programs provide. We have shifted programs to allow social distancing by offering “front yard” programs where we drop off activities, decorations or even a visit from Santa! We have provided online activities as well as socially distant in-person programs, such as our Parking Lot Bingo program.
3. Which park in Rock Hill is your personal favorite?
A. Each park in Rock Hill offers something to our residents so I enjoy them all for different reasons. Right now I am most excited about Turner Park. The city was given a small piece of land next to the park that we will be incorporating into the existing park. We are currently working with a design company and residents will be given the opportunity to give input on what they would like to see in the renovation.
4. What are you reading right now?
A. I am currently reading Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn. It was Overdrive’s February Together We Read book. The main character designs invitations and planners with unique hand-drawn fonts. I am enjoying how creativity is a big part of the book. It’s a light, fun read!
5. What have you been doing to de-stress during these trying times?
A. I have a 3 year old who does a great job making me laugh on a daily basis. She doesn’t really remember life before the pandemic so it hasn’t made as big of an impact on her. Although at the start of the pandemic, when playgrounds were closed; that was hard for her. Our weekend trips to new parks/playgrounds is the perfect way for both of us to practice self-care.
6. What does the Parks Department have in the works for the upcoming year that you're excited for?
A. We are continuing to offer safe, social distancing programs. This month we are offering a Family Bingo Night at the Webster Rec Complex on the 23rd. We will also be offering a virtual Arbor Day towards the end of the month. We are looking forward to offering Day Camp again this summer. Online registration is now open. To find information about these April programs, Day Camp and all we are offering, check out our webpage: www.rockhillmo.net/parks-recreation-department
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Thank you to Katy for speaking with us and sharing all the exciting things the Parks Department will be doing this summer! Visit https://www.rockhillmo.net/parks-recreation-department for more info.
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