PENDLETON — When longtime Pendleton Falls Park Superintendent Ron Barnhart retired earlier this year, the park board president commented on plans to hire two people to replace him.

“It gives you an idea of how hard Ron has worked the past few years,” Park Board President Bryan Williams said during a February party in Barnhart’s honor.

Since then, the park board has hired Aaron Burris as park director and Donnie Meyer as director of maintenance as the park department continues to grow with its amenities, such as Falls Bark Dog Park, and its program offerings.

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Below are some biographical information and responses from Burris and Meyer to questions posed by The Times-Post.

Park director

Name: Aaron Burris

Town department: Parks Department

Direct report: Park Board

Start date: March 25

Age: 33

Residency: Lapel

Family: Wife Saralyn Burris (DeWitt)

Education: Pendleton Heights, Purdue (turf management)

Previous work experience: Old Oakland Golf Club (assistant superintendent)

1) Why did you apply for the job?

I have spent the past 10 years in the golf industry as the assistant superintendent at Old Oakland Golf Club (Lawrence, Indiana). I have always enjoyed the outdoors, especially spending time at Falls Park. The park director opportunity is the perfect blend between the two.

2) What do you think makes you qualified for the job?

Over the past three years, Old Oakland Golf Club has gone through major renovations. These projects gave me the wonderful opportunity to work with various groups of individuals — course architect and designers, contractors and suppliers, to name a few. I was able to be more hands-on in handling expenses and monitoring our budget for day-to-day operations. I was also given the opportunity to lead our maintenance team with daily planning and tasks; hand and heavy-duty equipment usage, drainage and sprinkler system repair, turf care, weed control, tree/shrub management.

3) What aspects of the job do you think will keep you interested/motivated once you get settled in?

Our community is so incredibly lucky to have such a beautiful park and amenities. The ever-changing needs and expectations of our community will always keep me motivated to provide a wonderful experience at the various locations of Falls Park — the Falls, Falls Bark Dog Park, Pendleton Sports Complex, Brown’s Pool, Fall Creek Golf Club, trails system and much more. The town is well positioned for continued growth. We will need the ability to adapt our amenities and offerings to meet these ever-changing demands.

4) Do you have any short, medium and long-term goals at this point?

Short term: My primary focus is getting out and meeting those who utilize Falls Park to find out what they value and enjoy most. Also, to gain insight into areas that they would like changed and improved. I would also like to meet and have conversations with business and community leaders to see how we can work together to better serve the community now and in the future.

Medium term: The park has a capital project that is going to start in the coming months that will provide much-needed upgrades to the front of the park. The project will also entail a new fitness trail around the soccer fields at East and Water streets.

Long term: We are in the process of preparing and working through a Five Year Master Plan that, with the help of the community, will serve as a roadmap in guiding our team on future projects at Falls Park.

5) Outside of work, do you and/or your family use the park amenities in Pendleton? Which ones?

We love the park, especially the trails. Our two dogs, Mable and Tucker, live for trail walks. The addition of the dog park will be so fun. A personal favorite of mine is Fall Creek Golf Club!

6) What park feature is your favorite? Why?

My favorite aspect of the park is the trail system. There is no better place to take a walk and enjoy the beauty of nature — and get some steps in!

7) Which feature do you think is the best overall for residents? Why?

You often see the community near the lighthouse pond and the Falls. Both spots are great for relaxing and reading a book, riding your bike, feeding the ducks, letting the kiddos loose on the playground, to name a few. The sport amenities are a special, added bonus for additional activity. There is truly a little bit of everything for everyone!

8) Is there one interesting/quirky fact about you that you care to share?

Well, I am not a fan of toads/frogs! They belong near the woods and streams, not hopping out of flower beds and hanging on the side of my home in summer. They make me a little jumpy!

Name: Donnie Meyer

Job title: Director of Maintenance

Town department: Parks Department

Direct report: Aaron Burris and park board

Job responsibilities: Grounds and building maintenance

Start date: Feb. 16

Age: 54

Residency: Pendleton

Family: Laura, wife of 28 years, son Tyler, 23, and daughter Jessie, 20

Education: High School graduate from Pendleton Heights High School (1983) with a focus in vocational building trades, certified firefighter and EMT

Previous work experience: Richard Godbey Construction 1983-96; Town of Pendleton Water Department as a certified water operator; volunteer firefighter for Pendleton Fire Department for 35 years (currently an assistant chief); volunteer EMT for Pendleton Emergency Ambulance service for 35 years (currently the ambulance chief)

1) Why did you apply for the job? To better myself and challenge my abilities

2) What do you think makes you qualified for the job? Work ethic is strong and various knowledge of maintenance to grounds to buildings

3) What aspects of the job do you think will keep you interested/motivated once you get settled in? To continue having guest return to the park from all around knowing there are many things for a family to do.

4) Do you have any short, medium and long-term goals at this point? Maintain the grounds including the buildings and trails; continue to have something for all family members to do, no matter their age or ability.

Long term: Would like to see a walking covered bridge over fall creek to the trails/north side of the creek; possibly adding more area for expansion for sporting events; have a place to have a concert in the park.

5) Outside of work, do you and/or your family use the park amenities in Pendleton? Which ones? Yes, we walk the trails, use the golf course and use the recently added dog park.

6) What park feature is your favorite? Why? Sports complex and golf course, because I’m an avid sports person.

7) Which feature do you think is the best overall for residents? Why? Can’t single out just one feature — every family has their own amenity they like. That is what Falls Park is about, having something for everyone.

8) Is there one interesting/quirky fact about you that you care to share? I’m a true small town, family person that loves to see people succeed.