SPRINGFIELD – Eleven Willamalane Park and Recreation District employees who have achieved 20 or more years of service with the district have been honored with new trees in parks throughout Springfield.
“Planting trees is a meaningful reflection of these long-standing employees. As the new trees take root, they are setting a strong foundation that will serve the Springfield community for decades to come,” said Michael Wargo, Willamalane Executive Director. “Creative efforts like these also help the district rebuild its tree canopy after losing more than 600 trees to the 2024 ice storm, all while honoring our dedicated, long tenured staff.”
Honored employees were invited to help select their tree and choose a location that was meaningful to them. Candice Baker, one of the 11 honored employees, spent many of her 22 years at the district as a lead preschool teacher. After the preschool expansion at Willamalane, Candice was promoted to recreation coordinator, a role in which she’s been an invaluable leader for the preschool team. She chose a Coral Japanese Maple and helped plant it at Meadow Park (851 Mill St).
“A tree to represent the many years that I have committed to Willamalane is an awesome idea. I wanted it planted in my neighborhood park where I know lots of families play,” Candice said. “Being involved in early childhood for over 20 years, I have interacted and impacted many families’ lives, and it’s nice to see something in the community to represent that.”
Mert Mansur was another employee honored. He has been with the district for 26 years, starting as a lifeguard and now acting as the Willamalane Facilities & Fleet Operations Manager. Mert selected a Western Hemlock to be planted at Willamalane Park (1276 G St).
Willamalane’s work culture is people-centered. Through one of the region’s most competitive compensation and benefits packages, clear internal career pathways across many departments, board-adopted strategic plans, and formal recognition systems, the district intentionally invests in staff recruitment, retention, and development. These management practices strengthen employee engagement, reduce turnover, and protect institutional knowledge, enabling consistent, high-quality service to the community. Earlier this year, the district was also recognized by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce as Employer of the Year.
Willamalane’s employee count varies throughout the year, with peaks in the summertime for lifeguards and camp staff. As of last week, the district employs 482 people. Currently, Willamalane is still hiring for part-time summer and full-time positions.
