Cowan creates fun in the city
Glen Cowan, Indianola Parks and Recreation Director, likes to see people having fun. Part of his job for the past 20 years has been working with Indianola residents to make sure the opportunities and facilities to have a fun and active lifestyle are in place.
People place a higher emphasis on their leisure time. They want to be involved instead of passive in their recreation. So theres also been an increase in the importance of recreation and park facilities, Cowan said.
Keeping facilities in Indianola up to date in order to meet demands of an active community is no small feat. As director, Cowan oversees the entire parks and recreation department operations. He works with different community organizations and schools to create partnerships and programs or develop projects. And when the Indianola Memorial Aquatic Center opens each summer, its Cowan who is responsible for hiring help, making sure any repairs from the winter are completed and reporting to the Memorial Building Commission, which is in charge of the pool.
If that didnt keep Cowan busy enough, he also tries to get out to various activities to see whats going on. He might be helping with a softball tournament at Pickard Park or popping in at a youth swim meet at the pool.
Cowan credits Indianola residents with helping to create and maintain the high quality of recreational facilities the city has such as the youth softball fields at Pickard Park and the new playground equipment at Dayton and Memorial parks and soon to be installed at Barker Park.
Without the interest and involvement of people, we wouldnt have these facilities, said Cowan.
Outside of work, Cowan and his wife Wanda are content to follow the activities of their three children, Katie, Kara and C.J. The family also enjoys outdoor recreation such as camping and boating.
