‘We’ve had so much happen since I’ve gotten here’

He began as director of the Ottawa Recreation Commission last year and since then, has overseen the additions of programs and staff, as well as plans that will ensure the progress of the ORC in areas like facilities and programming.

“I’ve been here seven months and it feels like seven years,” he said. “We’ve had so much happen since I’ve gotten here.”

Though the ORC did see its share of challenges last year­ — particularly  the flooding of the Don Woodward Community Center in the summer — the organization persevered and has continued to improve, Dieckmann said.

He said among the ORC’s more notable developments in 2007 was a master plan for recreation and parks.

Covering such areas as programs, facilities and long-range planning, the master plan will provide direction to the ORC and the two entities that support it — the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa School District — as well as help all three prioritize, Dieckmann said.

“It helps them plan accordingly for the future,” he said.

Dieckmann said the ORC also was responsive to the community’s needs for more diverse program options. Some of the new programs in 2007 included an Easter Egg Hunt, line dancing and bridge lessons.

Participant numbers in different programs increased anywhere from 5 percent to 50 percent, Dieckmann said.

“We’re feeling pretty good about the services we’re offering,” he said. “At the same time, there’s always room for improvement.”

So what’s ahead for the ORC?

Dieckmann said residents can expect to see more visible results, including such infrastructure improvements as a new playground at the Orlis Cox Complex and possibly the development of permanent soccer fields.

He said the addition of more staff will help direct specialized areas like aquatics, special events and senior programs.

Dieckmann said he and staff enjoy listening to requests and suggestions from the public about what programs they’d like to see and want residents to look to the ORC as a reliable recreation provider.

He said the ORC will be more visible in Ottawa and will continue to build trust and relationships throughout the community.

“We want to be inclusive and get the word out there, and we want the community to be part of this process,” he said.