Today is the last day to register for Youth Volleyball! Sign your athlete up here: https://www.willardparks.com/o/wprd/page/youth-volleyball
My name is Joe, and I’m a dedicated maintenance professional with a strong background in leadership, operations, and hands-on problem solving. I currently work in Parks and Recreation, where I take pride in keeping our facilities, grounds, and equipment safe, functional, and well maintained so our community can enjoy them every day.
I bring a strong work ethic, dependability, and a team-first mindset to everything I do. I believe in doing the job right the first time, being proactive, and finding practical ways to solve problems. I’m comfortable working independently or as part of a team, and I’m not afraid to jump in and help wherever I’m needed. My hands-on skills include maintenance and repairs, construction, plumbing, mechanical troubleshooting, equipment care, and general problem solving.
Outside of work, my family is very important to me. I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, working on projects around the house, being outdoors, and simply making memories together. I also enjoy fixing things and learning new skills, but family time is about being present with the people I love and enjoying life together.
I take pride in treating people with respect, being reliable, and being someone others can count on. Whether it’s maintaining a facility, solving a mechanical or plumbing issue, helping with a construction project, or supporting my team, I’m committed to keeping things running smoothly and making a positive difference in my workplace and community.
I bring a strong work ethic, dependability, and a team-first mindset to everything I do. I believe in doing the job right the first time, being proactive, and finding practical ways to solve problems. I’m comfortable working independently or as part of a team, and I’m not afraid to jump in and help wherever I’m needed. My hands-on skills include maintenance and repairs, construction, plumbing, mechanical troubleshooting, equipment care, and general problem solving.
Outside of work, my family is very important to me. I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, working on projects around the house, being outdoors, and simply making memories together. I also enjoy fixing things and learning new skills, but family time is about being present with the people I love and enjoying life together.
I take pride in treating people with respect, being reliable, and being someone others can count on. Whether it’s maintaining a facility, solving a mechanical or plumbing issue, helping with a construction project, or supporting my team, I’m committed to keeping things running smoothly and making a positive difference in my workplace and community.
Activities and Marketing Coordinator - Emily Mills
Emily Mills is the Activities and Marketing Coordinator for Willard Parks! Emily’s passion for working with children, her deep roots in our community, and her wealth of experience make her the perfect leader for camps and community events.
Emily is a proud graduate of Willard Schools and a long-time community member who has dedicated her career to enriching the lives of children and families. After graduating from Cosmetology school, she became a stylist and continues to do that career in her "free-time". Emily and her husband, Matthew, have been married for 16 years and are raising four Willard Tigers, ranging from first to eighth grade. She loves coordinating Willard Parks camps and strives to give children a rewarding and safe experience with every season.
Who’s ready for Trivia Night? It’s not too late to sign up! Register your team here: https://www.willardparks.com/o/wprd/page/trivia-night
Aquatics & Facilities Coordinator - Liz Aiello-Murphy
Liz brings a diverse background and a wide range of experience to the Willard Parks and Recreation Department. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Recreation Administration from Missouri State University and an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality and Culinary Arts from Ozarks Technical Community College.
Throughout her career, Liz has worked extensively in the service industry and successfully owned and operated her own bakery. Her commitment to exceptional customer service, passion for serving the community, and enthusiasm for learning make her a valuable member of the Willard Parks and Recreation team.
Outside of work, Liz enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking, and tending to her garden. She also loves tackling DIY home improvement projects and finding new ways to stay creative.
Liz brings a diverse background and a wide range of experience to the Willard Parks and Recreation Department. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Recreation Administration from Missouri State University and an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality and Culinary Arts from Ozarks Technical Community College.
Throughout her career, Liz has worked extensively in the service industry and successfully owned and operated her own bakery. Her commitment to exceptional customer service, passion for serving the community, and enthusiasm for learning make her a valuable member of the Willard Parks and Recreation team.
Outside of work, Liz enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking, and tending to her garden. She also loves tackling DIY home improvement projects and finding new ways to stay creative.
Showcase your business while helping us create a fun afternoon for the Willard Community! Register to be a trunk here: https://www.willardparks.com/o/wprd/page/halloween-events
Youth Volleyball registration closes this Friday! Secure your spot here: https://www.willardparks.com/o/wprd/page/youth-volleyball
Sports Coordinator - Mallory Cramer
Mallory Cramer is the Sports Coordinator for Willard Parks and Recreation, where she gets to combine her passion for sports with her love for bringing athletes, families, and the community together.
Sports have always been something Mallory is passionate about. She loves the energy, teamwork, competition, and the way sports bring the community together. Whether she is on the sidelines, out on the field, or on the courts, being around athletes, teams, and families is something she truly enjoys. She takes pride in helping create positive experiences and lasting memories through sports.
Outside of sports, Mallory loves being at the lake with her family, walking the trails while listening to her current audiobooks, or unwinding at home with a good binge-worthy show.
Mallory’s overall goal is to create a fun and positive experience for young athletes and their families while bringing the best of her abilities to everything she does.
Mallory Cramer is the Sports Coordinator for Willard Parks and Recreation, where she gets to combine her passion for sports with her love for bringing athletes, families, and the community together.
Sports have always been something Mallory is passionate about. She loves the energy, teamwork, competition, and the way sports bring the community together. Whether she is on the sidelines, out on the field, or on the courts, being around athletes, teams, and families is something she truly enjoys. She takes pride in helping create positive experiences and lasting memories through sports.
Outside of sports, Mallory loves being at the lake with her family, walking the trails while listening to her current audiobooks, or unwinding at home with a good binge-worthy show.
Mallory’s overall goal is to create a fun and positive experience for young athletes and their families while bringing the best of her abilities to everything she does.
Monday night soccer is here! Don’t forget to stop by the concession stand during tonight’s games!
Grab a friend and join us for our 5th Annual Spooky Sprint 5K on October 24th at 7:00PM! Register here: https://www.willardparks.com/o/wprd/page/halloween-events
Reminder: Soccer Picture Day is today! For more information visit halliwphoto.com
Director of Parks and Recreation - Edward Sands
Edward is a Floridian turned Missourian. He is a graduate of Evangel University where he majored in Recreation. Edward was a two-sport collegiate athlete participating in football and track & field. After college, he coached high school football before transitioning to the collegiate ranks where he became the head track coach and assistant football coach for 10+ years. Since coaching, Edward was a director for the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield, and Assistant Athletic Director for New Covenant Academy. Edward has a passion for trying to make things better than he found them. He is a people person who wants others to feel welcome around him. Edward has been married for 15 years to his wife Ashley, and they have three kids.
Don’t miss out! There is only one week left to register for Youth Volleyball! Sign your athlete up here: https://www.willardparks.com/o/wprd/page/youth-volleyball
Do you have a business, friend, or coworker that you're wanting to surprise? Our Boo Crew will do all of the work by filling their yard with black and orange flamingos! The flamingos will make their getaway after 24 hours and head back to the Boo Crew! Order your delivery here: https://www.willardparks.com/o/wprd/page/boo-mingo
How well do you know sports? Gather your team and put your knowledge to the test at Trivia Night on October 6th! Register here: https://www.willardparks.com/o/wprd/page/trivia-night
Youth Volleyball is almost here! Sign your athlete up at: https://www.willardparks.com/o/wprd/page/youth-volleyball
Want to be part of Trunk or Treat? Decorate your trunk and join us October 24th for a fun afternoon! Learn more here: https://www.willardparks.com/o/wprd/page/halloween-events
Willard's favorite nighttime 5K will be here on October 24th! Sign up here: https://www.willardparks.com/o/wprd/page/halloween-events
Send a Boo-Mingo to someone you know, and our Boo Crew will take care of the surprise by filling their yard with black and orange flamingos. They will stay for 24 hours before flying off to their next stop! Order your delivery here: https://www.willardparks.com/o/wprd/page/boo-mingo
Heading to the soccer fields tonight? We’ll have concessions available, so come hungry! Prices are listed below.
