NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio – The recent departure of Chris Wetmore, North Olmsted’s deputy commissioner of recreation and leisure, resulted in an adjustment of the department’s personnel and responsibilities.
“When Chris left to become the new recreation director for the city of Brook Park, we did not fill his position,” said Tim Pinchek, North Olmsted’s director of recreation and community engagement. “We simply reassigned duties and even hired another program director to help us with the programs.”
“So the position is open. We will be able to fill it in the future, but right now we need more programmers.”
The recreation department has hired its sixth programmer.
Together, the positions are responsible for fitness, water sports and facility programming.
While Wetmore previously earned $72,000 a year, the new position will be in the range of $49,000 to $56,000.
The salary details for the new employee have not yet been determined.
While hiring a programmer instead of a new assistant recreation director will save costs, Pinchek stressed that the idea is more to strengthen the department’s youth and adult sports programs.
A special focus is the new sports center.
“We’re going to do a lot of things in the fall where the weather isn’t cooperating,” he said. “We’ve had lacrosse practices and schools and different organizations have participated.”
“We really try to focus on that as well. So we have lacrosse, soccer, football, indoor track and field, wiffle ball stuff, Nerf battles. Anything that can create more programs for the community.”
As for the departure of Wetmore, who was at North Olmsted for more than 20 years, Pinchek said he was sad to see him leave the recreation department.
“It’s a great opportunity for him and the city of Brook Park,” he said. “I always encourage the staff. If they get another opportunity, I won’t stand in their way.”
“It’s incredible. You always want them to do their best.”
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