Ozark, Mo. - The City of Ozark is excited to announce Hayden Ponsar as our new Parks and Recreation Director.
Ponsar has been serving as interim director since November 2023 and has been with the department since March 2019, serving as Recreation Supervisor.
“I am beyond excited at the opportunity to continue serving my community. After years of working with our summer camps, holiday and special events, and senior day trips, this new opportunity to have a greater impact on our city and lead our team to make Ozark better every day is one that I am eager to take on,” said Director Ponsar.
Before joining the Ozark Parks and Recreation team, Ponsar worked for the Ozarks Regional YMCA in Springfield, Missouri, and Camp Carson YMCA in Princeton, Indiana.
Ponsar has been integral in completing Phase 1 of the Garrison Springs Park project and has overseen the Ozark Community Center Facility Assessment, which will assist with long-range planning for facility maintenance and repairs.
"I am excited about the recent hire of Hayden Ponsar as Director for the city's Parks & Recreation Department. His five years of service with the department provides him with a good understanding of the role, plus his love for the city and vision for the department gives me the confidence that the city's park department programs are in good hands," said Ozark Mayor Don Currence.
Ponsar, a Springfield native, graduated from the University of Missouri and is a National Parks and Recreation Association Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.