Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Derek Donlevy, Milwaukee Recreation manager of Playgrounds and Community Centers, officially moved into the role as president of the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association (WPRA) board of directors on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
WPRA is “a membership association that represents over 1,500 individuals delivering a broad spectrum of services in Wisconsin… so that they may better service the needs of their communities and participants.” WPRA provides opportunities for parks and recreation professionals to discuss industry trends, participate in certification courses, enhance professional skills, and advocate for parks and recreation-focused legislation.
Throughout 2023, Donlevy served as the president-elect on the WPRA board. At the conclusion of his one-year term as president, he will serve on the board for another year as the past president. Donlevy has also held the following WPRA positions:
- 2008: Student Section Representative on the Board of Directors
- 2008 & 2017: Conference Committee Member
- 2018-20: Region 4 Representative on the Board of Directors
- 2021-22: Secretary Treasurer on the Board of Directors
Donlevy attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he earned his degree in recreation management while working various recreation positions. He later received his master’s degree in recreation administration from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Donlevy has held positions in campus recreation at SIU Carbondale and the University of Minnesota Duluth, as well as recreation supervisory roles with the Village of Greendale and Milwaukee Recreation.
“The experience I had attending my first WPRA conference in 2007 is what pushed me – and continues to push me – to be so active in WPRA,” Donlevy said. “The great thing about recreation is that there are so many different career avenues you can choose from with your degree. When you have that many potential opportunities, it can be kind of daunting to decide, ‘what am I going to be when I grow up?’ Attending my first-ever WPRA conference solidified that answer for me.
“The professionals were so welcoming, and the energy and passion amongst attendees was indescribable. I had this sense of belonging and self-realization that working in this field was what I was always meant to do. Since then, I’ve always felt this drive to serve my colleagues in leadership roles and do what I can to help better our profession.”
As president of the WPRA board of directors, Donlevy will study the information collected from the 2023 membership survey to assist with the development of the organization’s five-year strategic plan. “One of my goals from my time on the board of directors has been to continue to improve the membership experience of WPRA. I would like the board to look at some of the things we’ve always done and consider if making some changes would improve that experience, including professional development opportunities, leadership positions, and recognition.”
After seven years over two stints as a recreation supervisor with Milwaukee Recreation, Donlevy moved to his current role as manager of Playgrounds and Community Centers in August 2023, where he now works with full-time and part-time staff at Marshall HS Community Center, Hamilton HS Community Center, summer playgrounds, and mobile recreation to offer affordable programming for all ages and abilities. He also contributes regularly to some of Milwaukee Recreation’s most popular annual events, including the Daddy/Daughter Dance and Mother & Son Superhero Night.
Few, if any, are as passionate about recreation as Donlevy, who emphasizes the importance the industry can play for individuals and communities alike. “I believe so strongly in the role of parks and recreation agencies because they exist to improve the quality of life for the community. We support physical, mental, and emotional wellness by offering spaces and programs for people to exercise, learn lifelong skills, and connect socially. Parks and recreation can also play a big role in creating a sense of pride and belonging for residents.”