Nov. 5, 2024

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Josh Johnson, park operations manager for the city of Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation Department.

Name: Josh Johnson

Age: 40

Hometown: Ireton, Iowa

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

In 2006, I began attending Southeast Tech to study turfgrass management and horticulture.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I love the big-city opportunities mixed with the small-community feel. My wife, Kendra, and I have grown a life in Sioux Falls with our four kids. We love the environment for our family to develop, whether it is through the great schools or numerous activities and groups we are active in.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The people. Parks & Recreation is full of talented and dedicated individuals who will be there to take on any challenge. When floods, tornadoes or snowstorms hit, they will put aside their lives and serve our community with positive attitudes and a desire to bring our community back. I enjoy the collaboration between the many city departments — Public Works, PD, Fire, etc. — that work to help everyone in these emergency situations. In my 15 years, it has been a great experience working with everyone.

How did you get connected to your industry?

While in school in 2006, I was looking for a job, and a few classmates and a family member worked for Parks & Recreation. I was fortunate to start as an open-gym and after-school assistant/supervisor and later transitioned to park operations in the spring of 2007 at Harmodon Park, working on the maintenance team. In August, I started my position as park operations manager.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Passionate, fast-paced, service.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I enjoy upcycling old, tired or worn furniture and finding it a new use. For example, I created a Barbie house for my daughters from an old bookshelf. My wife and daughters added furniture and accessories to the house and played with it for many years.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Coaching youth sports has always been entertaining and rewarding. With four kids who are active in multiple sports, I have been fortunate to work with really great kids and families. Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Furniture Mission and really enjoyed the time there. Assisting provided great perspective.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Raising Cane’s – Their sauce and lemonade are elite!

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

If given the chance, I would love to open an indoor basketball, soccer, batting cage and tumbling practice space in west Sioux Falls. I have always had a love for sports, and being able to help others reach their goals would be — and is — extremely satisfying.