Jody is a graduate of the SIAST Kelsey Campus Recreation Technology Program. He has worked in many areas of recreation, including working at a Waskesiu Youth Centre for a Summer, and at the Courtyard Fitness Centre. Now, for the past 28 years, he has been working in the Municipal Recreation field and has worked in the following town and cities:
- Town of Leader - Recreation Director
- City of Yorkton – Community Program Coordinator
- City of Yorkton – Director of Leisure Services
- City of Moose Jaw – Director of Parks and Recreation
- City of Saskatoon – Manager of Recreation Facilities and Programs
Jody likes spending time with his family including his wife, Denise and their two children – Nicolas who is 15 and Cassidy who is 13. In his spare time, he enjoys participating in recreation and sport activities; recreational hockey in the Winter and baseball in the Summer.
We asked Jody a few questions about what recreation means to him, and why he loves working in the field. Here's what he had to say:
What does recreation mean to you?
Recreation is about having fun, doing the things that you enjoy, doing things that make you happy, and make you feel good. It is a personal experience and is based on what you, as an individual like to do.
What do you love about working in recreation?
We provide opportunities to improve an individual’s quality of life. The end result of our work is that people are having fun with their friends and family; enjoying the facilities and programming opportunities that we offer. I enjoy seeing people participate in the programs and services that we provide.
Why do you work as a recreation professional? 
I strongly believe in the benefits of recreation and like the fact that the work that we do provides opportunities for people to experience these benefits.
I have had the opportunity to experience the benefits of recreation personally through my own participation.
Why is recreation so vital to communities in Saskatchewan?
Recreation brings communities together. It creates opportunities which help build stronger communities.
Recreation Professionals Week is June 18-24, 2018 in Saskatchewan.
For more information on Recreation Professionals, visit sarponline.ca.
