Former Indiana Dunes State Park Property Manager Doug Lang is Portage’s new parks superintendent.
His first day on the job was Thursday.
Park Board President Andy Maletta said Friday he spent some time with Lang on Thursday.
“Our goal is for you to take a leadership role and for us to get out of your way,” Maletta told Lang.
Mayor Austin Bonta announced Lang’s hiring. “We had some great candidates apply, but he was absolutely the best,” Bonta said. “He’s just fantastic at what he does.”
More Top Picks Best Ski Goggles
“I am thrilled to have a man of his character, experience, vision and leadership ability in charge of our Portage parks,” Bonta said in his announcement.
“Our city’s parks are an essential part of our quality of life, and we as a city have recently begun a new round of investments in our parks, although the full scale of it has only just begun. With Superintendent Lang stepping into this role, I’m very excited about the future our parks are heading for.”
The last few park superintendents haven’t lasted long in the job. “When you look at Doug’s experience, that’s something our last couple have not had,” Maletta said.
Experience and leadership skills were key qualities the Park Board was looking for, Maletta said. “I think that’s what sets him apart from the last couple we’ve hired.”
At the state park, Lang had experience with handling events, dealing with the grounds of one of Indiana’s premier state parks and leading the staff.
“We interviewed several, and just from his interview, we really liked what he had to say,” Maletta said.
Lang did his homework before the interview, able to speak knowledgeably about the city’s parks system, Maletta said. Now Lang is getting to know the parks from the inside.
“He’s got a 30-, 60-, 90-day plan,” Maletta said.
“It’s really just a matter of getting his feet wet and seeing what needs to happen,” Maletta said.
Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.