New Director Values Small Town Feel, Big Impact of Davidson Parks

In a space and time with so much uncertainty, at least Leslie Willis has summer camp season in Davidson. As the town’s new director of parks and recreation, the camps provide at least some connection to a “normal” summer.

“I love summer camp time,” said Willis. “It’s such a good and welcome relief from what’s been happening over the past couple of months.”

Davidson Parks and Recreation has been able to provide a limited number of in-person, offsite, and virtual summer camps. Like many folks, Willis and her four-person department have been working a hybrid schedule between home and the Parks and Recreation office, juggling responsibilities of both work and family. Willis said she’s grateful that her kids are old enough to play with each other, make their own lunch, and safely explore their Davidson neighborhood.

A former college volleyball player, Willis met her husband Chris when they were both coaching at the college level in Missouri. She took a job with the parks department in 2011 when Chris got an opportunity as head coach at Davidson.

Willis said she was encouraged to apply for the top job by former director Kathryn Spatz, who retired in December. Willis got the position after a nationwide search—  and a six-month stint as interim director. At Davidson, Willis has managed projects for Plum Creek Park, the Mary Beaty “Tot Lot,” and plans for Beaty Park. Even after nine years with the department, there will be plenty of new opportunities ahead to keep things interesting.

“Navigating through COVID and all of those changes will be a challenge,” admitted Willis, “and recognizing what residents want and need from park and recreation— and how can we move forward to meet those needs safely.”

Willis said her department will provide more outdoor and mobile programming— to spread out people and services— and do more to connect with pockets of the Davidson community that aren’t as easily reached. There will be capital projects to manage, the addition of new parks, and other amenities, too.

Ultimately, parks are for people. Willis recognizes the power in that, and the partnerships she has fostered with neighboring programs in Cornelius and Huntersville.

“I am a people person, and park and recreation gives me the chance to be a people person,” said Willis. “There’s no better job than being able to work in and around the outdoors… helping people see their vision for a piece of land come to life. You really get to see the benefits of what open space does for a person.”

Never visited Davidson parks? Check them out at https://www.townofdavidson.org/130/Parks-Recreation