Aquatics director psyched by post

Archive for Thursday, April 3, 2008

Pool opening in May is initial focus job

April 3, 2008

Lauren Ozburn

Although her bachelor's degree is in psychology, Lauren Ozburn has been working in parks and recreation departments for the past eight years.

Ozburn is the new director of aquatic programs for the Bonner Springs Parks and Recreation Department. Her previous position was at Overland Park's Matt Ross Community Center.

"I just realized that communities rely on recreation," Ozburn said in explaining the relation of her degree to her occupation. "So I see the roles that people in parks and recreation have."

While a psychology degree may not seem a natural fit for her career in recreation, Ozburn said, "My education allows me to get along with people and understand their perspective, and understand what's going on. My experience in parks and recreation - that puts me where I need to be, so I think it's a good combo."

As far as her plans go for changes and new programs for the Bonner Springs Aquatic Center, Ozburn said that would have to wait; her focus is preparing the swimming pool for its May 24 opening.

"As of now, I'm just trying to get people hired, and inventory," she said, with hiring as the No. 1 priority.

Ozburn, who began her job Monday, has a new organizational system for the pool's administration, which will consist of a list of protocols for every employee's duties each day.

"I like to have a defined organization for that," Ozburn said. "I like to keep consistent."

Ozburn will also be "very involved," she said, in the technical aspects of the pool, including its filling and the chemicals used to keep it clean.

"I have my hands in everything," she said.

The reason Ozburn likes working in recreation, she said, is "When people come out to the pool, or take any activity or class, they're looking to have fun. I enjoy providing that."

As for her new job, "the main reason I'm here at Bonner Springs, is that this department is really interested in providing programs for the community," Ozburn said. "I really agree with the mission statement - providing for the community."