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The Blade (Toledo, OH)
By Mike Jones, Blade staff writer
11-04-00
The retired director of the Arlington, Tex., parks department has been named the director of the Toledo Area Metroparks and is scheduled to begin his duties in mid-December.
James Spengler, 51, was chosen during a brief meeting of the Metroparks board yesterday. He will replace Jean Ward, who is retiring at the end of the year after about 15 years as director.
Spengler: He has worked in or directed three parks systems. PHOTO BY RICK MOON
Susan Horvath, president of the board, said a number of applicants were interviewed and the decision wasn’t easy, but "we’re very happy we could attract [Mr. Spengler] here."
Over nearly 30 years, Mr. Spengler has worked in or been a director of three parks systems. Mrs. Horvath said one of the reasons for hiring him is the hope that he will bring the benefit of his ideas and experience in other districts to the Metroparks.
Mr. Spengler said that after about 10 years with the Arlington parks system, "I might not have taken it as far as it can go, but creativity comes from new situations. Because of the Texas system, I was able to take a partial pension and look for a challenge."
In Arlington he headed one of about 15 different departments of the city, he said.
"You don’t get the same focus as a single-purpose park district like the Metroparks," he said.
He said he had met some of the Metroparks staff as well as the trustees and was impressed with them.
Mr. Spengler added that he was pleased with the system’s land acquisition programs, in which the environment is protected.
"They don’t just acquire the land and then lock it up. They let the public use it and enjoy it," he said.
Mr. Spengler said he began his career managing swimming pools at a YMCA in Washington in 1974.
He eventually served as executive director of the nearby Prince William County, Virginia, park system from 1979 to 1985. From 1985 to 1991, he was general manager of the recreation and parks department in Bakersfield, Calif., then took over the Arlington department.
He has bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Mr. Spengler said that he was interested in working in Ohio because the state has a strong reputation for good parks systems.
He has experience in working with the National Park Service, he said, and hopes to put it to use as the Fallen Timbers battlefield site is developed.
Mr. Spengler’s three-year contract calls for a salary of $95,000 with use of a car and a cell phone. The Metroparks will pay for a trip so he can look for a home.
He said he has been married for 30 years, and he has a son in the sixth grade.
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