February 2024 - Parks and Recreation - 38

30 UNDER 30
Martin Martinez, 30
Management Analyst, City of Perris (CA)
As a management analyst for the City of Perris, California, Martin Martinez played a critical role in the
transformation of an illegal dumping site into a beautiful 10-acre park in an underserved area called the
Enchanted Hills Community. Martinez played a pivotal role in securing an $8.5 million state grant
along with an additional $3 million in allocated city funding for park construction. Surveys indicated
that the local residents felt neglected because funding had not been invested in their neighborhood
for accessible recreational amenities and green spaces. Martinez facilitated the partnerships,
collaborations and relationships with residents, local businesses, neighboring schools and elected
officials to make this park a reality.
Wesley Norwood, 29
Parks Superintendent, City of Boynton Beach (FL)
As parks superintendent for the City of Boynton Beach, Florida, Wesley Norwood's oversight extends
across parks maintenance, right-of-ways maintenance and cemetery/mausoleum sections, while ensuring
the upkeep of 32 parks. He also manages a $4.5 million budget, which has included overseeing the
construction of the city's first permanent pickleball courts and new playground equipment installations
at various parks, the resurfacing of multiple outdoor basketball courts and mausoleum improvements.
He also led multiple field renovations like the department's Little League Park. Norwood
also has been instrumental in various key initiatives, such as contributing to the department's
new Parks System Master Plan and the CAPRA accreditation process.
Dagne Ode, 27
Liberty Program Manager, U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa (MWR - JP)
Dagne Ode manages programming at the Single Sailor Liberty Program and Center at U.S. Naval
Air Facility Misawa in Japan. The Liberty Program offers healthy lifestyle opportunities for sailors.
Ode's marketing and design background has elevated the program's overall look. Working
without a marketing department, she created marketing materials and promoted the program
through social media, email, radio and print. Ode partnered with multiple organizations on the
installation and in the local Japanese community to provide events and cultural and nature trips
for sailors. She also partnered with the Air Force's Outdoor Recreation Program to develop tours
and build camaraderie between Air Force and Navy service members.
Rosie Pahl Donaldson, 30
Land Acquisition Supervisor, City of Ann Arbor (MI)
In 2022, Rosie Pahl Donaldson, land acquisition supervisor for the City of Ann Arbor (Michigan) Parks
and Recreation Service's Greenbelt land conservation program, and her colleague Remy Long launched
the first land preservation program in the state to use the buy-protect-sell method to create equitable and
affordable farmland purchasing opportunities for land-insecure farmers. The Greenbelt purchased a
farm to reserve a conservation easement on it and sell the farm again at a reduced price based on
eligibility criteria. Pahl Donaldson developed the eligibility and scoring criteria for the proposals
mostly from scratch and is now managing the proposal and selection process.
38 Parks & Recreation | FEBR U AR Y 2 0 2 4 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G

February 2024 - Parks and Recreation

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