New recreation director hired at Winnipeg Beach

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By Jim Mosher
Friday April 13, 2007

Interlake Spectator - WINNIPEG BEACH - Julianna Roberts, formerly of Gimli, will assume the role as this resort town’s recreation director. She fills the void left in February after the departure of Lee Hanson.
Roberts was selected from among 17 applicants, chief administrative officer Marion Grogan said. The key in Roberts’s CV was municipal experience.
“That’s something we really needed,” said Grogan, noting that taking on a role as head of a municipal department requires experience dealing with budgets, elected officials and the general public. As well, managing sport and rec facilities is important. Roberts managed a 70,000-sq.-ft. recreation centre in Gillam.

Roberts has extensive experience working in recreation and rec programming in Riverton, Gillam, Thompson and Leaf Rapids. She served as rec director in Riverton (1995-97), then travelled north to a variety of assignments, including work as Norman Region manager with Sport Manitoba. Roberts holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation studies.
Grogan says Roberts will work with the town’s neighbouring municipalities on programming and events. “That’s big for us -- we have to work better with our neighbours,” Grogan said.
The new rec director arrives as the future of the municipal recreation centre remains an open question. A public workshop session to explore options and ideas is set for May 26.