News : Vinton Parks and Recreation Director moving on to Hiawatha

In a note shared with his friends, Vinton's Parks and Recreation Department Director, Matt Boggess shared the following:Dear Vinton Friends and Neighbors,I want to share some personal news with you all. After many meaningful years serving as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Vinton, I've made the difficult decision to step down from my role, as I've accepted a new position as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Hiawatha.My last day will be Thursday, June 5th.This has not been an easy decision, because this job has meant so much to me - not just professionally, but personally. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this incredible community and to work alongside such passionate and dedicated colleagues.Together, we've built parks, programs, and events that have brought people together, created memories, and made Vinton a place we're all proud to call home. I've felt so much joy and pride in this work, and I'm beyond grateful for the trust and support you've given me over the years.As I prepare to move on to a new chapter, I do so with deep sadness and so much fondness for this community. I will miss the people, the energy, and the shared commitment to making Vinton the best it can be.Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me to be a small part of your lives through the work we've done. I'll always be cheering for Vinton - and for all of you.With gratitude,MattI am sure that many of you feel the same way that I do. My reaction was to utter, a heartfelt, "No!" Professionally, I'm supposed to say something like "we wish you the very best in your next endeavor," and we really do, but man...I will say this. Matt has made such an impact on our community. Every park in town has had Matt's touch put on it. New parks like the Veterans Park were a creation under Matt's leadership. New equipment at Riverside Park, the Splash Pad at Kiwanis, Pickleball courts at BL Anderson, new equipment at BL Anderson and well, the list goes on. The Glow Trail will probably be the most impactful addition that he added to the town, and something he still gets calls about. The thing that always amazed me about Mat was that he never seemed to run out of ideas for Vinton. Every time there was something new, I had the same reaction, "Huh, that's a cool idea!" He's one of those guys that you really hate to see leave the community. He's also one of those guys that has done nothing but good to make the place more enjoyable. I know in all that he did, he had the help of an awesome board behind him and they deserve thanks as well, for being the support behind the projects.Usually, I saw Matt at the council meetings. If Matt was talking, it was about something good. It was never the mundane work of the government. However, it was always fun to see him present projects to the City Council. I found myself thinking, "What's he got up his sleeve now?" The thought and planning that went into each of his projects were obvious. He always seemed to have anticipated possible scenarios and questions thought out and usually had answers ready, and the rare times he didn't, he'd get an answer for the next meeting.He dreamed big and it shows all over Vinton. Now he's going to be doing that for Hiawatha and we'll get to see his work there. I hope that they're ready to class the place up! (Not that it isn't already, I'm sure!) When they say someone will be leaving some very big shoes to fill, they were talking about guys like Matt. As much as we hate to see him leave, we do wish Matt and his family the very best in their new location, and hey, it's not like the Boggess' will be too far away! Matt and Cyanna, here's wishing you and your family the very best in this new adventure!