The City of Manitowoc is showing what a stand-alone parks and recreation department would look like in the future.
The Common Council spoke in closed session about the reorganization of the department, but did not take any action.
However, city documents show the breakdown of how the new Parks and Recreation Department, Tourism Department, and Department of Public Works would be organized.
Mayor Justin Nickels previously requested in the city’s 2026 budget to make Parks and Recreation its own department again after the city couldn’t fund it in years past due to budget cuts.
He told the council that some jobs will be eliminated; however, that doesn’t mean city staff will lose their jobs, but their job titles will change.
As we’ve previously reported, there would be a Director of Parks and Recreation, followed next in line by the Parks Supervisor and Recreation Supervisor.
The newly formed department would also be in charge of the Manitowoc Senior Center, Aquatic Center, Zoo Staff, and others.
The Director of Tourism would lead the tourism department, followed by a marketing manager, and some administrative staff for the Manitowoc Farmer’s Market, Seasonal Visitor Services, among others.
The Department of Public Works would have a person in charge, followed by managers for engineering, operations, buildings and grounds, and transit.
There would also be eliminations of the admin assistant and transit clerk, while adding an engineering position and an assistant electrician.
With the department changes, the Department of Public Infrastructure would be eliminated to create the new departments.
Who will lead the departments has not been announced by the city at this time, but the Common Council is looking for possible approval in April for the changes.
