About Friends of WDM Parks and Recreation
Our Mission
At Friends of WDM Parks and Recreation, our mission is to support the development and enhancement of public parks, facilities, and recreation programs for the benefit of the citizens of West Des Moines, Iowa.
Learn more about the Friends below.
Our Board Members
Diane Witt, President
Virginia (Ginny) Barrette, Treasurer
Orion Lee Nauman, Vice President
About: Diane is the current President and a Founding Member. Diane is passionate about the integral role access to nature, recreation, and inclusivity play in building resilient communities. She is dedicated to encouraging quality recreation and amenities for All in West Des Moines.
Favorite WDM Park: Raccoon River Park for the diversity of amenities.
Favorite Tenant: Enrichment
Orion Lee Nauman, Vice President
Virginia (Ginny) Barrette, Treasurer
Orion Lee Nauman, Vice President
About: Coming soon!
Favorite WDM Park: Coming soon!
Favorite Tenant: Coming soon!
Virginia (Ginny) Barrette, Treasurer
Virginia (Ginny) Barrette, Treasurer
Virginia (Ginny) Barrette, Treasurer
About: Virginia is a Senior Leader with experience in nonprofit, healthcare, and public policy; She has expertise in developing, implementing and managing initiatives. Relentless passion for serving the community and helping others. Strong community advocate who has led impactful project and fundraising efforts.
Favorite WDM Park: Valley View (For the tennis, of course)
Favorite Tenant: Foster
Meggan Guns, Secretary
Virginia (Ginny) Barrette, Treasurer
Virginia (Ginny) Barrette, Treasurer
About: Coming soon!
Favorite WDM Park: Coming soon!
Favorite Tenant: Coming soon!
Amanda Oleson, Board Member
Denika Almburg, Board Member
Denika Almburg, Board Member
About: As a resident for over 20 years, Amanda is passionate about education and inclusivity for all in WDM. She is dedicated to bringing adapted recreation to communities across Iowa.
Favorite WDM Park: Ashawa Park
Favorite Tenant: Foster
Denika Almburg, Board Member
Denika Almburg, Board Member
Denika Almburg, Board Member
About: Denika enjoys restoring vintage homes, traveling and spending time in the great outdoors with her husband and young son.
Favorite WDM Park: Southwoods Park
Favorite Tenant: Preservation
Jordan Hildreth, Board Member
Denika Almburg, Board Member
Jordan Hildreth, Board Member
About: Jordan is originally from El Paso, Texas and moved to the metro a month after graduating college. He has been involved in some capacity with Parks and Recreation since 2015. Jordan hopes to bring passion and knowledge to the board to help spread our message and benefit West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department.
Favorite WDM Pa
About: Jordan is originally from El Paso, Texas and moved to the metro a month after graduating college. He has been involved in some capacity with Parks and Recreation since 2015. Jordan hopes to bring passion and knowledge to the board to help spread our message and benefit West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department.
Favorite WDM Park: Willow Springs, it is off his favorite walking trail near where he lives.
Favorite Tenant: Preservation
Lukas Miller, Board Member
Denika Almburg, Board Member
Jordan Hildreth, Board Member
About: Lukas is a committed public servant, devoted to helping Iowans access a quality, higher education at a distinguished land-grant university.
Favorite WDM Park: Raccoon River Park.
Favorite Tenant: Preservation
Will Morrison, Board Member
Suzanne Meyers Warrick, Board Member
David McCluskey, Board Member
About: William is a longtime resident of West Des Moines who enjoys exploring the outdoors and has a love of all things in the animal kingdom. He seeks to improve the quality of life and greenspaces for his fellow citizens.
Fav Park: Southwoods Park
Tenant: Involvement
David McCluskey, Board Member
Suzanne Meyers Warrick, Board Member
David McCluskey, Board Member
About: David grew up in Grinnell, IA, and has been a resident of West Des Moines for over 25 years. He is very passionate about the 5 waters project, the river and bike trails in West Des Moines and surrounding community. He is dedicated to serving the West Des Moines community through advocacy with a servant heart.
Favorite WDM Park: Raccoon River Park
Favorite Tenant: Preservation
Suzanne Meyers Warrick, Board Member
Suzanne Meyers Warrick, Board Member
Suzanne Meyers Warrick, Board Member
About: Suzanne is passionate about connecting people with nature and fostering a love for the outdoors. She hopes to contribute to the exceptional work of West Des Moines Parks & Recreation by highlighting the value of our city's parks and green spaces and the advantages of spending time outdoors.
Favorite WDM Park: Southwoods Park (W/the Disk Golf Course)
Favorite Tenant: Foster