Attorney Richard Samek was re-elected President of the Board of Park Commissioners on Thursday.

“We value Rick’s dedicated and effective service on the board,” said Al Moll, Director of Parks & Recreation. “He’s a true partner in our mission to make Fort Wayne’s park system the best it can be.”

Along with his association with the Parks and Recreation Department, Samek is an attorney with Carson Boxberger, LLP, is on the Bike Fort Wayne Task Force, is a board member for Metro YMCA, Friends of the River and Headwaters Junction, and Samek currently chairs the Board of Park Commissioner’s Riverfront Advisory Committee.

Pamela Kelly, M.D. was re-elected as Vice President.

William Zielke and Justin Shurley are currently serving as a Park Board Commissioners.

Overall policy and management direction of the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is provided by a four member bi-partisan Board of Park Commissioners appointed by the mayor for staggered four year terms.

Following provisions of the Indiana statute (I.C. 36-10-4), the Board approves budget revenues and expenditures, passes bond issues, acquires and improves property, adopts new programs, establishes management policy and regulations, and provides a public venue for community debate and input.