Meet Steve Lovering: Q & A With Director of Queensbury Parks & Recreation
For anyone who lives in or visits the Queensbury NY area, our parks and recreation facilities and programs are one of the greatest features of our community. For decades, the Rec Department has maintained a vital and active role in enhancing the lives of our residents and our community through development and careful stewardship of nearly a dozen parks, recreation sites, and programs for children and families. We recently connected with Steve Lovering, the Director of the Queensbury Parks and Recreation Department to learn more about what it takes to manage and improve this incredibly valuable asset to our region.
Q. When and how did you become the Director of Queensbury Parks & Recreation?
A. I became the Director of Parks & Recreation in 2005 upon the retirement of Harry Hansen (Director from 1978 – 2005). Prior to becoming the Director, I served as the Assistant Director for 15 years (1990 – 2005). I am entering my 27th year with Queensbury Parks & Recreation.
Q. What’s new at Parks & Rec? Are there any major improvement or growth projects in the works?
A.Our goal is to always having something new or exciting planned for each year. We recently received funding approval that will effect nine of the Town of Queensbury 11 park locations. The park improvement plan focuses on three different categories:
- Safety/Maintenance
- Improved/Added Amenity
- Aesthetics/Functionality
On the program side of operations, we have a myriad of new and exciting programs and activities for all ages. The Department’s 2017 Summer Program Guide will be released mid to late May and is bursting with opportunities for all age categories (infant – seniors).
Q. Your thoughts on the importance of recreational facilities and programs?
A. Recreational facilities and programs are one of the leading indicators to the health and well-being of a community. They lead the charge toward personal health which leads to community health. Show me a community that has good, diverse recreational opportunities to explore the outdoors, in both passive and active ways, a community that allows creative programming that challenges the mind and body, and I will show you a healthy community.
Q. Tell us about your team.
A. Our Parks & Recreation team includes some of the most talented and hardworking members of our community, they are dedicated to making our programs and facilities second to none.
Q. How does the Queensbury Parks & Rec serve the Queensbury area in terms of numbers of people who participate in the programs?
A. We serve thousands of participants in our diverse, year round program offerings and tens of thousands that explore our outdoor opportunities (walking/mtn. biking trails, swimming pools, picnic pavilions, boat launches, sports fields and courts, play grounds and nature areas).
What has been your greatest challenge in this position?
A. Finding enough recreational programming space to accommodate our growing needs and the needs of a healthy community. We are so fortunate to have the Queensbury Union Free School District as our partner in providing recreational opportunities to the community – it has been an outstanding and prosperous relationship since the Department started in earnest in 1978. It is one of the community relationships that we are most proud of, as we are actively involved with the district students on a day-to-day basis.
Q. What do you want residents and parents to know about the Queensbury Recreation Department programs?
A. I would like them to know 1) that Queensbury Parks and Recreation cares about our community that we strive every day to make a difference to the families of our community through the physical, mental, active, and passive opportunities we provide and that 2) quality recreational programs and facilities is that first, important step towards a healthy lifestyle.
Q. What are some of your favorite things/hobbies outside of your job?
A. I enjoy many forms of outdoor recreation such as mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, snow shoeing, skiing and spending time with family.
Q. Something no one knows about you?
A. Sailing is a sport that I miss and during an earlier time in my life it was my favorite thing to do, with many summers spent windsurfing and sailing Hobie Cats with friends.
Related Queensbury Recreation Articles:
- Top 10 Things To Do In Queensbury NY
- Queensbury Hiking, Biking, and Walking Trails
- Things To Do In Queensbury NY!