EDEN PRAIRIE— The City of Eden Prairie has appointed Amy Markle as its new Parks and Recreation Director.
Markle is currently the recreation services director for the City of Richfield where she has been employed for 20 years. Earlier in her career she worked in various roles for the National Park Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Colorado State Parks.
In her time leading Richfield’s Recreation Services Department, Markle has overseen award-winning projects, including construction of the community’s first dog park and first inclusive playground. She has also led Richfield’s sustainability initiatives and spearheaded an effort to raise funds for $24-million in improvements to the 150-acre Wood Lake Nature Center.
“We are thrilled to welcome Amy to the community,” said Getschow. “Her vast experience and exceptional leadership qualities will serve Eden Prairie well as she guides the stewardship of our highly regarded and diverse system of parks, open space and recreational amenities.”
Markle succeeds retiring director, Jay Lotthammer, who headed the department for 16 of his 35 years of service in the field of parks and recreation.
“I am eager to carry on the strong tradition of excellent customer service, programming and top-notch facilities that have made Eden Prairie into a world-class park system,” said Markle. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve as the new parks and recreation director, and I can’t wait to meet and learn from my new coworkers as I get to know the community.”
Markle earned her bachelor’s degree in resource management and biology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, master’s degree in resource interpretation from Stephen F. Austin University and doctorate in education from the University of Missouri.
