Thomas Bonner
Tonopah,AZ
Summary
Parks and Recreation Director with extensive experience in team leadership and budget management. Expanded departmental budget from $135,000 to $6.8 million, enhancing community engagement and recreational opportunities. Developed multiple recreational spaces and youth programs, resulting in increased participation and improved community resources. Proven track record in implementing innovative strategies that boost customer satisfaction and engagement. Experienced in county/city government processes and procedures.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Parks and Recreation Director
Wasatch County
Heber City, Utah , Utah
06.1995 - 08.2025
- Established department as first full-time director, leading growth from $135,000 to $6.8 million budget.
- Built strong team with most members serving 27 to 28 years.
- Oversaw development of Southfield Park and Veterans Memorial Park, totaling 75 acres of recreational space.
- Directed construction of 45-acre event complex hosting equestrian events, including Utah High School Rodeo Finals for 45 years.
- Managed Rebranding of Bear Creek Soup building into a Recreation Center featuring multiple sports facilities.
- Implemented youth programs, including Little League baseball, Jr. Jazz basketball, and after-school activities.
- Collaborated closely with the County Manager to navigate City and County government operations.
- I was the fair board chair, overseeing all aspects of the county fair, including the Mountain Valley Stampede PRCA Rodeo, which is in the top 15 in the country.
- For the past 12 years, I have hosted the Wilderness Circuit Rodeo Finals. This rodeo sends numerous contestants to the National Finals Rodeo each year.
- Pursued opportunities for continued community engagement post-retirement.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Utah State University
Logan, UTSkills
- Program development and assessment
- Budget and facility management
- Event and special events coordination
- Grant writing and community outreach
- Sports administration and team leadership
- Risk and volunteer management
- Activity scheduling and youth engagement
- Senior programs and recreation programming
- Employee evaluation and wellness promotion
- Participant monitoring and recruitment
- Safety promotion and emergency plan implementation
- Crowd control and branding strategy
- Teamwork and time management abilities
- Sponsorship acquisition and media relations
- Event promotion and marketing strategy
- Professional demeanor, coaching, mentoring, multitasking
Affiliations
- Husband and father
- Avid golfer
- Self starter/Team player
- Experienced in City/County Government
- Love to travel with my wife
- Dog Lover
Accomplishments
- URPA Department of the year 3x
- URPA Outstanding Facility- Southfield Park
- URPA Outstanding Facility- Recreation Center
- URPA Best Innovation- Recreation Center
- Balance Budget
Certification
- 30+ years as parks and recreation director
- Excellent employee retention
- CPR Certified
- AED certified
Languages
English
Professional
Websites
About Me
- Love to travel to Maui and New York City
- Love warm weather
- Avid Golfer
- Love watching my wife run barrels on her horses
- Father to 2 adult kids
- Hoping to be a grandfather soon
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Parks and Recreation Director
Wasatch County
06.1995 - 08.2025
Some College (No Degree) -
Utah State University