206562_BluefieldParksandRec_FlipBook

MEET OUR TEAM Director rshowalter@bluewv.org | (304) 325-5707 ext. 4 Rick joined the City of Bluefield Parks and Recreation team in 2022 as the Director, bringing with him a strong commitment to enhancing community well-being through recreational programming. Rick graduated from Radford University with a degree in Parks and Recreation Tourism Administration, where he developed a passion for creating enriching experiences that foster connection and joy in communities. With a focus on delivering quality recreational programs, Rick is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all community members, believing that accessible and engaging activities can make a significant difference in people's lives. Rick Showalter jhawkins@bluewv.org | (304) 325-5707 ext. 5 Justin was born and raised in Bluefield, WV. He graduated from Bluefield High School in 2005 and earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing from Bluefield State College in 2015. The next year, he undertook a six-month thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, covering 2,189 miles. Since then, Justin joined the City of Bluefield's Parks and Recreation Department as the Program and Special Event Coordinator. Justin has a deep passion for sports, games, and all things outdoors. He thrives in environments that promote physical activity, teamwork, and community engagement. Whether organizing local sporting events, outdoor festivals, or team-building activities, Justin is dedicated to creating fun and inclusive experiences that encourage people of all ages to get active and enjoy the outdoors. event coordinator Justin Hawkins Brennan has worked for the City of Bluefield Parks and Recreation Department since 2021. He has a decade of experience in Parks & Recreation, starting his career leading DNR work projects in the backcountry and wildland firefighting. Afterward, he was a Park Ranger in the National Park Service, as well as in Washington State Parks and West Virginia State Parks. He also has a background in the recreational facility field, having previously worked for the YMCA for over five years in Aquatics and Youth Enrichment. He has a bachelor’s degree in History and holds certifications as an Aquatics Instructor, Certified Pool Technician, and Red Cross Instructor in Lifeguarding, First Aid & CPR, and Basic Life Support. He is married with one daughter, and the whole family enjoys gardening and keeping their plants alive. Rachael has lived in Bluefield since 2002 and she has enjoyed learning about this beautiful area since then. For the past two years, Rachael has served as the Aquatics/Fitness Coordinator at the Bluefield Fitness and Recreation Center. She has used her passion for fitness to teach a wide range of fitness classes and work alongside instructors and employees with similar goals and passions, and she continues to inspire others to lead healthier, more active lives. rwilson@bluewv.org | (304) 325-5707 ext. 3 aquatics & fitness coordinator Rachael Wilson mboothe@bluewv.org | (304) 325-5707 ext. 1 Marianne moved to Bluefield in 2020 and has worked as the head of Marketing for the City of Bluefield's Parks and Recreation Department since April of 2024. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Media Arts in 2023, and she is happy to be here for her first position in the marketing field. Before joining the Bluefield Parks and Rec team, Marianne owned and operated a small online business creating and selling handmade craft products. In addition to crafting, Marianne enjoys singing, playing guitar and piano, reading books, and spending time with her three dogs and one cat. marketing specialist Marianne Boothe bbredl@bluewv.org | (304) 325-5707 ext. 2 deputy Director Brennan Bredl