Local news- Press Release
Kenosha County Wisconsin - Parks Director Matthew Collins appointed Public Works Director for Village of Whitefish Bay 19 December 2023 ( news )
Kenosha County , state Wisconsin ( By Press Release office)
Dec 19,2023
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Kenosha County Parks Director Matthew Collins will depart his position effective Jan . 14 as he pursues a new opportunity as Public Works Director for the Village of Whitefish Bay , County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today .
In his new role , Collins will lead the Public Works operation in the suburban Milwaukee village where he and his family have lived throughout his tenure with Kenosha County , Kerkman noted .
“Matt and his talents have been a tremendous asset to Kenosha County Parks , and we wish him well in his new role with Whitefish Bay , ” Kerkman said . “Matt has taken our parks to the next level with outreach , programming and public - private partnerships and collaborations . Going forward , we will seek a director with the skills to continue this momentum . ”
County Public Works Director Shelly Billingsley will serve as the Interim Parks Director until a successor to Collins is identified , Kerkman said .
A former Park Unit Coordinator with the Milwaukee County Parks system , Collins joined Kenosha County in 2015 as Assistant Director of Parks . He was promoted to Parks Director following the retirement of then - Director Jon Rudie in 2016 .
“The first task when I was hired in 2015 was to wear out the grass , ” Collins said . “I can say with certainty that I have accomplished that goal . This past year , we welcomed over 3 million park visitors and offered 280 events and programs within the Kenosha County Parks system . ”
Collins said the growth mindset of the county’s parks has enhanced the quality of life for Kenosha County residents and visitors , increasing opportunities for families to get outdoors through creative programming , partnership opportunities , and an ongoing drive to provide high - quality park operations .
Among the highlights of his time with Kenosha County Parks , Collins cited the transformation of a former gravel pit into the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park , the restoration of the Pike River within Petrifying Springs Park , an expanded trail network , and the construction of a band shelter at Old Settlers Park .
Collins also oversaw the development of public - private partnerships such as the Petrifying Springs Biergarten , the Boundless Adventures aerial adventure park at Bristol Woods Park , and the Flip Flops concession stand at the Silver Lake Park Beach .
Kenosha County twice won the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association’s Silver Star Award during Collins’ tenure — in 2016 in recognition of the parks system’s work with the county’s Summer Youth Employment Program , and in 2019 for creative service delivery and marketing related to the partnership with Boundless Adventures .
Last month , the county received a Beautification Award from the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the Old Settlers Park band shelter project . The most recent new Parks event was held Dec . 2 , when Collins joined Kerkman at the first - ever county Christmas tree - lighting in Petrifying Springs Park .
“I am proud to have had the opportunity to work alongside my dedicated park staff that emphasize high - quality public service , focused on a positive guest experience , ” Collins said . “I am also appreciative to have worked with two supportive county executives , Jim Kreuser and Samantha Kerkman . Both leaders have prioritized the County Parks , and their respective visions have enhanced the system greatly . ”
Billingsley said she is thankful she had the opportunity to work with Collins since she began serving as the county’s Public Works Director in August 2022 . She commended Collins for his contributions to the county .
“Matt certainly had a dream for the Parks Division , and I think he accomplished his dream plus some , ” Billingsley said . “Matt will be missed by the Department of Public Works and Development Services , but I wish him well in his future endeavors . ”
About Kenosha County Parks:
Established in 1927 , the Kenosha County Parks system offers more than 1 , 500 acres of managed recreational land at eight parks dotted across the county , plus 14 miles of paved cycling trails . More details about park locations and amenities are available at
https://parks . kenoshacounty . orgor on the Kenosha County parks mobile - optimized app , accessible at
https://kenoshacounty . org/ParksApp
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