Oakdale Parks Commission Confirms New Leadership

Oakdale's Parks and Recreation Commission opened its Tuesday evening meeting by ensuring continuity of leadership through 2014. 

Within 10 minutes of calling the meeting to order, the commission confirmed the nominations of acting chair Rich Thielman and vice chair Bill Rasmussen.

"Congratulations to both of you," Parks Superintendent Randy Bastyr said after the quick appointments. "I look forward to continuing to work with you both." 

The commission also welcomed the addition of 12-year Oakdale resident Michael Wiener to his first three-year term.

"This is a great opportunity for me to give back to the community that I’ve enjoyed for so long. I’d like to thank the commission members that have accepted me," Wiener said in response to his appointment.

A veteran sales and marketing director at 3M, Weiner understands the importance of listening to the people he serves. 

"Somewhere down the line I’d like to get more input from our citizens to hear what they’d like to see us do more of and less of," Weiner said. "We welcome people to these meetings to voice their opinions and concerns."

Weiner's biggest reason for throwing his hat in the ring for the vacant Parks and Recreation seat is his concern for the city's youth.

"When my children were young, at least 30 weekends every year we would go to the parks. I wonder if people understand what this city is providing," Weiner told Patch.

He concluded: "I worry about the kids not having enough to do; they might turn to other things. I’m not sure what I can change but I’d like to try."

Check back later today for an update of Parks and Recreation projects.