An individual that has been working with the Jefferson Parks and Recreation Department for the last five years, has been promoted as the new leader.

Nathan Kral started as the assistant director in September of 2019. Being originally from Minnesota, Kral talks about what attracted him the most to originally take the job as assistant director and has kept him in Jefferson to start a family with his wife and young daughter.

“It’s a similar sized town is where I’m from, about 4,000 people. I like the small town, not really a big city guy, and Jefferson has a lot going on for a town this size. (There’s) A great rec center and then great parks, pool, a lot of different choices, even for eating. So I like that.”

Kral notes his main responsibilities as the assistant director was mostly with programs, from planning, to coordinating, and executing each one. Since his time with JPRD, the programs have expanded to add other activities than just athletics. 

“Being a community center, I wanted to kind of include everyone or have something for everyone. So we’ve added laser tag, nerf war, we’ve had bouncy houses in here before, we’ve added art classes, we’ve had Bonnie Silbaugh (owner of) and Fudge’s Flowers do plant classes. So just trying to get more of the community involved.”

Kral thanks now retired director Denny Hammen for his leadership and guidance, along with continuing to work with the board that consists of community members that help drive certain projects, programs and other types of decisions that can also go before the Jefferson City Council for final approval. Kral officially took over as the director on September 1st.