After dedicating 40 years to parks and recreation, including 18 in Rock Island, it's time for Bill Nelson to retire. Friday will be his last day as Director of Parks and Recreation for the city.
Chloe Dale reports.
Looking back, Nelson says his favorite projects were the Whitewater Junction Aquatic Center, expansions of the Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center, and golf course improvements. But, there's still a few projects he wishes he could have completed.
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He's overseen about 25 park projects and other facilities such as golf courses.
Before landing the job in Rock Island, Nelson worked in the recreation department in Zion, Illinois, and then was the parks and rec director in Stillwater, Oklahoma for 14 years. He also received a masters degree in parks and recreation at Indiana University.
Nelson says he didn't realize what he wanted to study in college until his dad suggested recreation as a career field.
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His assistant director, John Gripp, will replace Nelson as director next week.
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After he retires, Nelson plans to travel, play golf, and help with a park foundation he recently helped start. He's also a chairman of the Quad City Botanical Center.