South Haven will soon have a Community Recreation Director.
During Monday’s city council meeting, the council approved an agreement to hire a part-time staff member from South Haven Public Schools to fulfill this new role, in partnership with the school district.
Although some community members raised questions about the position, South Haven Area Recreation Authority Director Scott Reinert provided an explanation of how the role will function.
“It’s our intent that that person will come back identifying what are the needs of the community both recreationally as well as with the individual programs and so forth,” Reinert said. “It’s not intended this person is not going to be running youth leagues, they’re not going to be administrating, they’re not going to be coaching, they’re going to be helping. That’s going to vary by particular position and particular groups how best they can help.”
In August 2024, voters in South Haven approved a recreation millage aimed at enhancing community recreational opportunities. Following this, the city approached South Haven Schools to collaborate on fulfilling one of the millage’s goals: to develop, plan, and organize recreational needs in alignment with the school district, the city, South Haven Charter Township, and SHARA.
This agreement will last for two years, with an option for renewal. The first-year budget is set at $90,000, which will cover the director’s salary, benefits, and any necessary startup costs. The new director is expected to present a proposed three-year plan within the first 120 days of employment.
A committee made up of representatives from South Haven Public Schools, the city of South Haven, South Haven Township, and SHARA will be responsible for interviewing and hiring the new Community Recreation Director.
