Sheler gets state award

The Washington Recreation & Park Association (WRPA) has named Jim Sheler, former Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Lacey, as a recipient of the association’s 2010 Distinguished Service Award. The WRPA, an affiliate of the National Recreation and Park Association, recognizes individuals and organizations for their commitment and contributions

to the field of parks and recreation. Sheler, who was appointed as Lacey’s first parks director in 1974 and retired in 2009, received the award during the association’s annual conference in Tacoma earlier this month.

At the start of Sheler’s tenure with Lacey, the community had three parks— Wonderwood, Lake Lois and Homann—with a combined total of 54 acres.

Over the next thirty-five years, Sheler oversaw expansion of the park system to 26 locations encompassing more than 500 acres, including the Lacey /Thurston County Regional Athletic Complex and the city’s community and senior centers. He also initiated a highly-regarded comprehensive outdoor recreation program within the community, as well as shared-use agreements for school district facilities.