After eight wonderful years with the city, and 40 years in Recreation and Parks administration, Jody Yungers, Director of Recreation & Parks for the City of Brooklyn Park has decided to retire. During her time with the city, Jody had many accomplishments. To name a few, the development of a Natural Resource Management Plan to support the redevelopment and improvements of many of our city parks as well as the complete redesign of River Park, which re-opened this past July. Jody has been such an asset and was instrumental in making our park system one-of-a-kind, and advancing the partnership with the Brooklyn Park Police Department in creating the Youth Services Division.
Jody started her career in recreation as the Recreation Manager with the City of Roseville and went on to work for the Ramsey County Park System for 23 years before coming to Brooklyn Park. When asked what she enjoyed most about working for the city, Yungers said, “I truly believe our diversity within the city is what has made my work so enjoyable. Our diversity is what makes Brooklyn Park so special…and working with the community has truly enriched my professional growth.”
Jody and her husband are expecting their first granddaughter in October and are excited about this new chapter in their lives. They plan on a warm winter retreat in Arizona for a month each winter, as well as traveling abroad to Europe, Australia, and Korea. Jody says she could see herself teaching part time in a university, helping others find the same love for Recreation & Parks as she did. All of us thank Jody for her tireless efforts and innovative ideas that have helped form the future direction for the park system; she will be greatly missed. Jody’s last day with the City of Brooklyn Park will be August 31.