City of Hillsboro, OR
03/17/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/17/2023 16:20
Meet Jessica Stark: Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation Supervisor
Jessica Stark uses her experience in nonprofit work and her passion for equitable and accessible recreation to ensure Hillsboro residents have the support they need to participate in all that the City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department has to offer. We asked Jessica to share what makes her work so meaningful to her - and the Hillsboro community.
Jessica, tell us more about yourself.
I am the Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation Supervisor for Hillsboro Parks & Recreation. I'm originally from Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan - GO BLUE! I moved to Texas after college and worked in outdoor education at a camp that served kids experiencing disability. My now-husband Tom was originally from Oregon and wanted to move home, so we made the long road trip to the Pacific Northwest. I love living here and spend lots of time outdoors - either in my garden or camping with my family.What led you to work for the City of Hillsboro?
Before moving to Oregon, my work had always been with nonprofits. I knew I wanted to try working for a local government to build new skills and gain a different level of experience. I got my first role with the City of Hillsboro working with Youth Workforce Development programs: The internship program, Job Training Opportunity Program, and the Youth Advisory Council.
With my background, I knew I wanted to transition to Parks & Recreation and focus on Adaptive Recreation. When the opportunity to do that came - first at the Senior Center, and now full-time at Hidden Creek Community Center - I knew I had to throw my hat in the ring. My current role is truly my dream job - I feel so lucky I get to do it.
What is it like to spend a day doing your job?
My job at Parks & Recreation is truly like the show, Parks & Recreation - you never know what's going to happen and no two days are the same. My friends even call me "Jesslie Knope"! This week alone, I've attended meetings on the Inclusive Park & Playground, finalized activities for the Summer Activities Guide, subbed for a basketball class, and tonight I'm leading a cookie decorating party for Game Club at Tyson Recreation Center. Working in my role is all about flexibility, you never know what you're going to end up doing.
How does your job directly benefit Hillsboro community members?
My work is all about equity in action. It ensures that people of all ages experiencing disability are empowered to participate in Parks & Recreation offerings however they choose. I split my focus between offering Adaptive Recreation programs, classes intentionally designed for people experiencing disability, and Inclusion Services, which offers resources and support they need for successful participation.
I also organize special events, the like Americans with Disabilities Act Birthday Party, partner with nonprofits like Griffin's Place and Adaptive Sports Northwest and collaborate with my colleagues across the Parks & Recreation Department to emphasize the inclusion of people experiencing disability.
What is a personal favorite of yours in the City?
By living and working in Hillsboro, I get the benefit of spending most of my days enjoying all our city has to offer. I love walking through Rood Bridge Park - especially in the fall when the trees are changing. My husband Tom and I love to take our dog Maeve to Hondo Dog Park to let some energy out (though she acts like the fun police to other dogs). And there's nothing better on a Friday night than a visit to Noble Hop and then grabbing a burger from Hillsboro Bar and Grill.
What is something you'd like people to know about you?
Though I work in the Parks & Recreation Department, I am the Hillsboro Public Library's biggest fan. We are so lucky to have such an incredible Library system at our doorstep! I am an avid reader of thrillers, so I constantly have a stack of books on my nightstand that I'm powering through (and the Library does a great job of providing recommendations for my next read!).
Outside of books, our Library is so creative in what they offer our community and I love taking advantage of all the resources they provide. The Library of Things is the best - I love borrowing toys or gadgets for when my nieces and nephews visit.