Hall County Parks and Leisure Director Greg Walker has only been on the job for a week, but said he is already excited about the projects ahead of him.
"I like this area. My little bit of experience in this area has been great," Walker said. "I’m very proud of all the facilities we have here."
Walker spent much of his first week on the job visiting different parks and facilities throughout the county, and said he was impressed.
"They all have different charms," Walker said, pointing out that there are a number of parks he liked. "Allen Creek Soccer Complex is a first-rate facility."
Walker said he is looking forward to working on some of the proposed parks and recreational facilities, such as Mulberrry Creek Community Center and the Healens Mill park, which are in the works.
"We’re very fortunate with what we have here," Walker said.
Walker has spent 20 years in the recreation industry and feels his experience will help him lead the Hall County department.
"It’s what I love," Walker said. "I’ll have a good background in knowing how to handle the folks that work for us."
Walker said one of the unique qualities that drew him to the county is the foresight the board of commissioners has had by preserving land for parks.
"Hall County’s got an outstanding recreation department with not only great facilities but more great facilities planned," Walker said. "In some communities in Georgia recreation has been forgotten about. Growth has sort of overwhelmed the community with out any future plans and Hall County has been very good about preparing for the future and requiring park space for the future. It’s refreshing to see that."
Walker has served the director of parks and recreation for three other Georgia counties — Wayne, Ware and Pickens counties.
He will be moving to Hall County with his wife, Paula, and children Kaycee Lee and Ripken Aaron.
Walker said he is a big baseball fan and named his son after baseball legends Cal Ripken and Hank Aaron.
"I just think it’s a fantastic opportunity to raise my family here. It’s a great place to live. It just looks like the quality of life is outstanding. The school systems are good, the people are friendly, and it’s just a beautiful place," he said.