SPRINGFIELD – Willamalane officials announced last week that Board of Directors member Greg James has retired from the board after 23 years of service. This resignation was effective Jan. 14.
Over more than two decades of board service, James served as president and vice president, and on numerous committees, playing a central role in guiding Willamalane through growth.
During his tenure, the district created the 97,000-square-foot Bob Keefer Center for Sports and Recreation; earned the National Recreation and Park Association’s Gold Medal Award for Excellence and CAPRA accreditation; secured voter approval on a 2012 bond measure supporting critical investments across parks, athletic fields, and natural areas; completed signature regional trail projects including the Middle Fork Path and Mill Race Path; expanded Thurston Hills Natural Area into hundreds of acres of protected habitat and recreation; launched Willamalane’s park ranger program; grew essential childcare and youth services through districtwide after-school care and preschool partnerships; and adopted a community-driven 20-year Comprehensive Plan.
Willamalane is accepting applications to fill the vacancy. Apply at willamalane.org/board. Applications are due by Feb. 4.
