Attorney Richard Samek was re-elected President of the Board of Park Commissioners on Friday, February 15.

“Our team is grateful to have Rick continue in this role,” said Steve McDaniel, Director of Parks and Recreation. “His commitment to the ongoing success of the park system is appreciated by everyone in our department.”

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, and McDaniel was re-elected Secretary for the board.

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.