Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey prepared this interview. City Administrator Brian Melton took the picture.
On Friday, January 13, 2023, the City of Morrison welcomed Nathan Jacobs as the new Parks and Recreation Director. Jacobs fills a position that will create and manage the sports and recreational activities throughout the community. With major focus on the utilization of the Morrison Sports Complex, complete community involvement throughout the various facilities will remain at the forefront of his challenges as Parks and Recreation Director.
Nathan, also answering to Nate, was born and raised in the area. He received his education after being home schooled in Sterling, IL, and receiving needed course assistance for graduation through the Sterling school system. He received an Associate Degree from Sauk Valley Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, with a minor in Nutrition, from Illinois State University.
The Jacobs family includes his wife, Karen, and two children, Jameela and Hanna’a. Nathan noted the girls’ names carry a special, defining element: Jameela means “beautiful,” and Hanna’a means “happy” in Arabic.
He spent two six-year tours in Kuwait. His assignment was creating activities that improve morale and provide recreational activities and entertainment, for the military personnel assigned to the area.
The key, initial challenges of the new position are knowing the processes and procedures in place and defining programs to fit the available facilities. Softball and Baseball will be joined by other activities at the Sports Complex, in an attempt to keep all diamonds active, and developing a positive environment for all ages to gather and compete. Additional activities including Art and Fitness programs will be considered. They would be scheduled as the year progresses and familiarity with the communities’ interests develop.
Jacobs emphasized how important it is for his recognition of the community’s likes and individuals’ strengths and weaknesses, when seeking assistance with his programs.
“As I identify others strengths and weaknesses, I can place the ‘right people in the right places,’ and all will come together,” he explained confidently.
In closing the interview, Jacobs said, “I’m excited to be here and anxious to meet each and every individual, who cares and wants to make everything better. I will need the help of everyone!”
