June 2024 Spotlight Professional

Jordanne Krumpols –  City of Shelton

Describe the scope of your position in parks and recreation.

I’m one of the Supervisors for our Parks, Recreation & Facilities department. I help oversee both park and facilities projects, run recreation programs and handle facility and park rentals. I also oversee both the Arts Commission, Parks Advisory Board and Adopt-A-Park program, which are all volunteer committees. I’m also the chairperson for our employee wellness committee. 

How long have you been with your present agency?

6 years

What did you do before your previous role? (Background experience and previous careers)

I grew up involved in the Olympia Parks & Recreation summer camps. I started as a camper and worked my way up the totem pole to running their summer sports camp. After college, my current position was my first official job in this line of work. I also did some high school coaching in women’s basketball and softball for about 3 years. 

How have you participated in WRPA?

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to attend a conference, but it’s on my list for the 2025 year! I’ve also taken the CPSI course just for fun to see what our field guys get to help manage. 

What inspires you about the parks and recreation field?

I love being outside and active. When I did camps growing up, I was in the zone and highly enjoyed interacting with both youth and the community. I also work in my hometown, so giving back to the community I grew up in brings great satisfaction. Interacting and participating in my programs and with my community is a big highlight. Plus, they get me away from my desk which is a huge plus because I like being engaged and active with the people who participate in my programs. 

What is one creative solution you and your team have applied to a professional challenge?

Our department went through employee cuts back in 2023 and it shrunk our department. We’ve adapted and have worked together to keep all current programs going fairly strong. Some things we put more effort into than others, but we still work together to get the work done. And everyone has had a good attitude about it.

Considering what you’ve learned throughout your career, what advice would you share with someone starting out in the parks and recreation field?

Have fun! This is a career where you can have a great time and still make a difference wherever you work. It doesn’t have to be serious all the time. I get told all the time by employees wishing they had my job. But guess what? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We get to serve and make a difference across the board for all individuals. It’s an amazing feeling and we should be proud of that. I will also say to be patient because you won’t see big changes right away and that’s okay. Enjoy the moments when they come!

What is one of your favorite moments as a parks and recreation professional? What was your job title?

I’m a Parks & Recreation Supervisor. I work in my hometown so getting to see people I grew up with and having their kids come through my programs is great to see. I also know a lot of people, so getting to interact with them on a different level is a great opportunity. Plus, I tend to see people I haven’t seen in a long time, and I get the opportunity to catch up with them. Then the time I get to participate in my programs is also a highlight for me. I try to make an effort to participate when I can and show my presence to the people I serve.