Medfield Hires New Parks and Recreation Director

2023 Begins with a New Medfield Park and Recreation Director

Medfield welcomed Katie Walper as Director of Parks and Recreation beginning January 3, 2023.

Ms. Walper comes to Medfield after working as the Assistant Director of Recreation for the Town of Norwood and brings over 6 years of experience.

“I’m thrilled to be here in Medfield as I love working in Parks and Recreation. I wanted to work for a smaller community and Medfield had been a town that I collaborated with when in Norwood. I was aware that Medfield is a very supportive community for recreation.”, said Walper.

Mel Seibolt, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission stated, “After an extensive search, Katie Walper was appointed Medfield Parks and Recreation Director, by the Commission on December 13, 2022. The Commission was extremely impressed with her background and work history. As Assistant Recreation Director in Norwood, she was at the forefront of the administration of all aspects of recreational best practices, staffing, grants, programming, facilities and field management. The Commission is confident that going forward, Katie will lead the department to an even higher level of success."

Director Walper received her Undergraduate degree from Curry College with a dual major in Communication and Education and received her Master’s Degree from Northeastern University in Higher Education Administration. Outside of her work, she loves sports, theater, travel, volunteering and the beach. She is also involved with the National Recreation and Parks Association.

The new Director is excited about the great things already happening within the Parks and Recreation Department and she is looking forward to working with the “Hinkley Helpers” in their efforts fundraising for a new Hinkley Playground. She is also looking forward to adding some special community events to the Parks and Rec calendar.

“Pickleball is very popular”, she stated, “so adding opportunities for Medfield residents to play in a league with other towns is something I’m looking into.”

In addition to Pickleball, she is thinking about Puzzle Palooza, Food Trucks at Hinkley Pond and Summer Movie nights, just to name a few. She also mentioned that outdoor events and programs are something she thinks Medfield residents will enjoy as this town has a lot of green space. She welcomes ideas and feedback from the community with new ideas.

As she begins her new role in Medfield, her biggest challenge is prioritizing what needs to get done first but feels strongly there are many opportunities for growth within the department. Determining what works best for the staff and community is her ultimate goal.

“Recreation has been a part of my life since I was a camper myself and it can truly impact an individual’s life.”

Director Walper is excited to meet the people of Medfield and added, “I have significant hearing loss, so if you see me out and about and I don’t answer your “hi” or “beep”, it’s likely I didn’t hear you. I love meeting new people so please stop by the Pfaff Center to introduce yourself and say hello.”