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
Amanda Oleson, Executive Board Member, President
A West Des Moines resident for over 20 years, she has a background in education and program development. She enjoys building partnerships that expand access and opportunity for all.
My Why: Amanda got involved because she values conservation and preservation of parks. Her experiences in national, state, and local parks have taught her how parks help people reconnect with what matters most.
Favorite Park: Ashawa Park
Will Morrison, Executive Board Member, Vice President
Will 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. Three big dogs share my house (60, 90, and 130 pounds) and they love the park system like it was built for them! When they're not pulling us around, my wife Toni and I are out biking the trails.
My Why: The recent Parks and Rec project slate (Friends very much included) is what drew me in. Green spaces shape what kind of community we get to live in. I wanted to be part of the work that keeps ours strong.
Favorite Park: Southwoods Park
Lukas Ankeney, Executive Board Member, Secretary
Lukas is a proud West Des Moines native, bringing a deep appreciation for our community’s natural spaces and a passion for preserving and enhancing them for future generations. Whether exploring local trails or supporting conservation efforts, Lukas is inspired by the intersection of community and the outdoors. "I am honored to serve in a role that allows me to give back to the city that shaped me."
My Why: I got involved with the Friends of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation because I genuinely believe parks and recreation are foundational to healthy communities. They create spaces where people connect, families make memories, kids grow, and individuals can recharge and reconnect with nature. I want to help support a future where West Des Moines continues investing in accessible, vibrant, and sustainable spaces that improve quality of life for everyone.
Favorite Park: Raccoon River Park
Orion Lee Nauman, Executive Board Member, Treasurer
Orion has been living in West Des Moines since 2018 and has come to enjoy the many parks of the city. Whether it is riding his bike on a trail to enjoy the murals or finding a great place to read when the weather is nice.
My Why: Coming Soon
Favorite Park: Crossroads Park
Theresa Macdonald, Board Member
Since planting roots in West Des Moines in 2020, Theresa has been inspired by the power of parks to bring people together. With a background in marketing and past experience supporting Des Moines Parks and Recreation, she’s excited to lend her creativity and community spirit to the Friends of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Board. From trails to playgrounds, she believes great things happen when we invest in the places that connect us.
My Why: Coming Soon
Favorite Park: Jamie Hurd Amphitheater and Pond
Jordan Hildreth, Board Member
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.
My Why: I got my start in the workforce working for different Recreation services. Parks provide an essential service in giving kids spaces to play outside with other kids. I believe the Parks and Recreation mission does an excellent job providing those opportunities, and I wanted to help in any way I could.
Favorite Park: Willow Springs, it is off his favorite walking trail near where he lives.
Maureen (Christensen) Kenney, Board Member
About Me: West Des Moines is the community my husband, Vince, and I have proudly called home for nearly ten years, where we are raising our two young children. Our family loves spending time enjoying the city’s parks, trails, and recreation amenities. We are actively closing in on a goal of visiting all of West Des Moines' parks.
My Why: I believe quality parks, recreation facilities, and community programs are essential to a thriving community. The Friends of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation is committed to enhancing and supporting our public parks, facilities, and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Investing in these shared spaces strengthens our community today while ensuring future generations can enjoy and benefit from them for years to come.
Favorite Park: Jaycee Park - it's our neighborhood park and we're there almost daily!
Mujo Ramic, Board Member
As a West Des Moines resident since 2020, Mujo has always had a love for the outdoors, from fishing at local hotspots to enjoying a walk around the park. He is excited about joining the Friends of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Board and offering his skills as a creative to highlight the beauty and value of the parks while ensuring more people see just how special these spaces are to the West Des Moines community.
My Why: Coming Soon
Favorite Park: Raccoon River Park
Nick Shelton, Board Member
Since moving to West Des Moines in 2022, Nick has been passionate about expanding access to parks and recreation for all. He has a strong interest in aquatics and youth programming and believes learning to swim is a vital life skill that builds safety and confidence. Nick is proud to support efforts that remove barriers and create inclusive opportunities for individuals and families to grow and thrive through recreation.
My Why: Coming Soon
Favorite Park: Raccoon River Park
Jillian Lare, Board Member
Jillian has lived in West Des Moines since 2017 and is the co-owner of Morris Lare Interior Design, a residential design studio in Valley Junction. With a background in industrial engineering and several years teaching at Iowa State's College of Design, she brings a problem-solver's eye and a love of well-considered spaces to everything she does. Outside of work, she's usually walking her dogs, visiting the library, or attending one of her son's games.
My Why: I got involved because my husband and I care deeply about the natural beauty of West Des Moines. We're passionate about preserving our shade trees as well as improving and maintaining our parks and trails for everyone to enjoy.
Favorite Park: Meadowview Park, since that is our neighborhood park. My second favorite to visit regularly is Willow Springs.
Brian Farrell, Board Member
Brian is a life-long resident of West Des Moines. He has been married for over 37 years to his lovely bride with three wonderful adult children.
Brian is an avid cyclist and enjoys fishing & camping.
My Why: I'm a big believer in conservation, preservation and outdoor recreation - so I can't think of a better way to contribute than to support WDM Parks & Recreation. Aside from my own personal use, I think it's important that we leave our community alittle better than we found it. We're not going to be here forever, but maybe the work we do today will provide our residence with recreational opportunities for generations to come.
Favorite Park: Fairmeadows. Because I grew up just two doors from the park! Countless hours spent playing there with great memories!
Chris Burch, Board Member
Chris enjoys volunteering his time in City Parks, including Earth Day Trash Bash, Wreaths Across America, Adopt A Trail, and Adopt A Block programs. It's a great way to spend time outdoors while trying to leave the Park a little cleaner for the next person to enjoy.
My Why: Serving my community in this capacity is a great opportunity to promote and encourage improvements to our City Parks and to encourage their use as gathering places for recreational activities and events.
Favorite WDM Park: Holiday Park
Diane Witt, Acting Officer, Past President
Diane is a Founding Member and past President, 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.
My Why: Coming Soon
Favorite Park: Raccoon River Park for the diversity of amenities.