Warm Welcomes to Mallary Herring, New Aquatic Manager

A Maryville, Missouri native, Mallary Herring graduated from Northwest Missouri State with a degreein corporate recreation and wellness, which she describes as "Lots of muscle body stuff, biomechanics with a bit of business." Her favorite class was specialized populations. "It was the teacher. She's a great communicator, and it was a fun class." This is her first full-time job, following part-time employment as in both Ankeny's and West Des Moines' Parks and Recreation Departments. She began her duties here March 1.

"I've been in aquatics since I was sixteen," she explained. "I like it. I've always been around water, part of a swim team or a life guard, just working my way up!"

Part of her enthusiasm for aquatics no doubt comes from her experiences with a supervisor in Maryville. "She was the recreation coordinator, in charge of aquatics and programming," Mallary said. "She's really what a supervisor should be. I still look to her for advice and counsel. She's who I would like to be."

She has put her triathlon plans on hold, temporarily. She was planning to compete in her first this summer, but really wants to be in Pella the full summer "to learn what's going on here and get to know the people. It's just not the right time for me personally to take off for a triathlon. My time will come!"

In her spare time, Mallary enjoys biking and running. She has a nine pound Yorkiepoo named Zoe. "I wanted a dog to play with - little did I know!" As for reading, she says "I'd rather be outside!"

Looking to the future and bringing an outside perspective, Mallary is hoping to implement a few small changes at the pool, things that she has seen done differently in other facilities that she thinks will work well here. She would like to computerize more in the department. She is also a proponent of bettering herself, and intends to take advantage of training opportunities that will expand her own professionalism and allow her to do her job well.

She will also be assisting with the continued renovation of the indoor pool. A new air ventilation system and a new water filtration system are on the horizon. The improperly installed underwater lights are being replaced now.

"This is a good town," she says. "The warm welcomes I've received have been amazing, both at the pool and in town. I am really excited for this summer. It will be a good season with lots of patrons! We've got the scheduling ready and are hiring lifeguards."

She adds that she is always open to new ideas and suggestions to better the facility or programs, and welcomes input from the public. "I'll certainly listen. It might not be workable, but if it's reasonable and feasible, I'd like to hear it."

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