By Seth Truscott

Editor

The Snoqualmie City Council has confirmed former Black Diamond administrator Gwendolyn Voelpel as the city’s new interim parks director.

Voelpel will head the parks department through Dec. 31, after which the city plans to hire a permanent parks head.

Council members approved a $73-per-hour contract with Voelpel, Mayor Matt Larson’s choice to head the department following the departure of former parks director Al Frank, on Monday, Oct. 26.

As parks director, she will be expected to marshal city resources and connect with community groups to move the new Snoqualmie community center forward.

While Voelpel has not developed parks facilities before, she did help pass a bond for a new police headquarters. She spoke positively about the transition to parks.

Snoqualmie is already in a good position for a new community center, Voelpel told the council following confirmation last month.

“It seems like a good juncture to step in and be able to move you forward,” she told council members. “You have a firm network of partners in place. You want to keep the momentum going.”

“I’m excited to see what you can do,” said councilman Kingston Wall.

Snoqualmie Parks Crew Chief Larry White will supervise day to day maintenance and continuing operations in the department.

City Administrator Bob Larson told the council that the city prefers interim directors not seek the permanent position. That limits the city’s ability to recruit candidates, he said.