GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The City of Gridley is reshaping the future of its recreation services, moving to restore full leadership to a department that has operated without a director for years.

On Feb. 17, the city council approved a new recreation manager position, adopting a job description and salary range that clears the way for recruitment.

City Administrator Elisa Arteaga said the manager will oversee programs, supervise full-time and part-time staff, coordinate with public works on park maintenance, and take the lead on budgeting, grants and program development.

"There's a lot of grants out there for parks and recreation," Arteaga said. "So, we need somebody that will take the leadership on making sure that we have these areas covered."

City leaders framed the move as a response to growing community expectations. Participation in youth sports continues to rise, residents have pushed for more diverse and better-organized programming, and the city is constructing a new sports complex, a project that will require dedicated scheduling, maintenance coordination and long-range planning. The manager is expected to help expand leagues, improve customer service, and strengthen partnerships that support both youth and adult recreation.

Councilman J Angel Calderon, before approving the position, stressed the need for stronger soccer opportunities and emphasized that the new recreation manager should bring a clear vision for expanding the program.

"This is an area that actually is greatly needed in Gridley because our kids are going to Chico,” Calderon said. “They travel all the way to Chico just for practice and then games outside, even outside the state. So, it's a very important concept for our city.”

The council approved a monthly salary range of $4,301 to $5,764, structured across seven steps. The recreation manager will report directly to the city administrator and serve in a mid-management position responsible for guiding the department’s daily operations and long-term direction. Officials said they want the new manager to also pursue grant opportunities for a future community center.

Arteaga said the 2025-26 recreation budget includes funding for one full-time position and limited part-time staffing, though the transition may require adjustments to existing hours and a reorganization of departmental resources to remain within the adopted budget. She also noted that adding a recreation manager would relieve the city’s finance director, who has been carrying temporary leadership responsibilities in the department for several months.

The job description for the position outlines responsibilities that include facility oversight and community engagement. Employment standards call for knowledge of public recreation practices, major sports and recreational activities, personnel management, budgeting and facility operations. A bachelor’s degree in recreation administration, public administration, business or a related field is preferred, along with at least three years of progressively responsible experience in recreation or community services, officials said.

The City Council unanimously approved the recreation manager position so recruitment can begin immediately.