Kassandra Humke to run programs

By Angie Landsverk

Kassandra Humke is the city of Waupaca’s new recreation program supervisor.

She began her job duties on Aug. 20.

“I’m excited to explore the community, get involved with the community and meet people,” Humke said.

Humke was one of 16 people who applied for the position.

The position became vacant after Andrew Whitman was appointed Waupaca’s parks and recreation director.

He had been the city’s recreation program supervisor since early 2014.

Whitman said five people were selected for interviews.

Humke rose to the top.

“She has had experience in programs that match closely to ours,” Whitman said. “Kassandra had some great ideas to add programs and some exciting changes to our existing community events.”

He said she will fit in well in the community and help make the department’s offerings better.

Humke grew up in Greenwood, a rural community of about 1,000 people in Clark County.

During high school there, she played volleyball and basketball, was in band and choir, and also involved in student council and National Honor Society.

After graduating from Greenwood High School in 2014, Humke headed to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

She graduated from there this past May with a bachelor’s degree in recreation management.

Humke initially majored in sports management at UW-La Crosse.

An experience job shadowing someone in recreation management resulted in her deciding to change her focus.

“It was the community engagement and then the organizing and planning,” Humke said in describing what she liked about recreation management.

She did a three-month internship with Eau Claire’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry last winter and was then Marshfield’s recreation program supervisor for several months.

“I finished that Aug. 17 and came here Aug. 20,” she said.

Her first goals are to “get a hang of the programs, learn from Andrew what he did the past years and keep things running smoothly,” Humke said.

The department is getting ready for flag football, volleyball and basketball.

It is also preparing for its annual Halloween Party, which this year is on Friday, Oct. 26.

She has some new ideas for that party.

When the showing of “Coco” was canceled at Swan Park on Aug. 24, due to the weather, Humke suggested showing the movie during the Halloween Party. That is now the plan.

She also wants to add a photo booth to the event.

Humke hopes to bring more new ideas to the department in the coming years.

One thing she is currently working on is to revamp the department’s brochure.

She wants to add more details and make registration more convenient for parents signing their children up for programs.

“That’s my biggest goal right now for a big change,” she said.

Humke is also interested in bringing 3-Sport Ball to Waupaca.

She became familiar with the program while working in Marshfield.

It is for children ages 3 to 5 and includes soccer, kickball and baseball, with two weeks introduction to each sport.

Humke says it is important for people of all ages to get outside and enjoy the sounds of nature, or participate in physical activities.

“My biggest interest is the outdoors,” she said.

Her interests include kayaking, camping, fishing, hiking, reading and painting.

“I love coming to new places that have outdoor recreation opportunities to explore,” Humke said.