Crain tapped to lead Port Parks and Rec Department

Longtime city forester called a perfect fit; new senior center director hired

Longtime Port Washington arborist Jon Craine, pictured at the Brichwood Hills Nature Preserve where he and his crew have done extensive work, has been named director of parks, recreation and forestry. Press file photo
By 
KRISTYN HALBIG ZIEHM
Ozaukee Press staff

PORT WASHINGTON - Jon Crain, who has been the City of Port Washington’s arborist for the last 13 years, was named director of parks, recreation and forestry by the Common Council last week.

Crain is the second new department head announced by the city in the past week — the other is Diane Chilinski, who was named director of senior life enrichment and outreach.

Crain, who had been the interim parks and recreation director since former Director Tyler Mentzel left on Sept. 5, told the Common Council last week that he had “always worked with parks.”

“I think there are a lot of opportunities to mesh things together,” he said.

City Human Resources Director and Assistant City Administrator Emily Blakeslee said the city staff decided that the parks and recreation and forestry departments should be combined before posting the position.

“Jon Crain kind of fit perfectly in this role,” she said of the director’s job.

In a release from the city, Crain noted the department staffs have worked well together for many years, saying the consolidation “will help with efficiency and create a clearer picture of what is best for residents. We have a very talented staff that handles not only the maintenance requirements and programming offerings but also exciting projects within our parks and green spaces.”

Crain was hired by the city as its arborist in 2011 and in 2017 was promoted to superintendent of parks and forestry.

In this capacity, he increased the inventory of city-owned trees planted in the community by 50% and established the city nursery.

He also led the woodland and prairie restoration of Birchwood Hills Nature Preserve, removed acres of invasive species from city parks, successfully applied for hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding and beautified city facilities and green spaces.

He and his crew also detected and corrected a major leak in the outdoor pool, saving the city more than $15,000.

“Whether through his work to increase the city’s tree inventory, rebuild the playgrounds in Bley Park and Whitefish Park, work with local students to build and install shelters for Sauk Creek or ensure safe access to the community pool, Jon has truly made a positive impact on this community,” City Administrator Melissa Pingel said.
Chilinski, who started work with the city on Wednesday, replaces former Senior Center Director Catherine Kiener, who recently retired.

Chilinski most recently was the center manager for the Washington Park Senior Center in Milwaukee County. Prior to that, she owned her own business and served as workforce and development director and vocational services manager for the Waukesha Training Center/Easterseals of Southeastern Wisconsin.

“I have a passion for supporting seniors to be the best versions of themselves at any age and live by the mantra that age is just a number,” Chilinski said.

Pingel said, “Diane’s incredible knowledge and wealth of experience with a wide range of senior and aging services and activities will continue to move Port Washington forward and ensure a premier senior experience for our community.”

Feedback:

Click Here to Send a Letter to the Editor

Ozaukee Press

Wisconsin’s largest paid circulation community weekly newspaper. Serving Port Washington, Saukville, Grafton, Fredonia, Belgium, as well as Ozaukee County government. Locally owned and printed in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

125 E. Main St.
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-3494
 

CONNECT


User login