Carter Duerkop begins new position as City of Waukon Park and Recreation Director
New Waukon Park & Recreation Director Carter Duerkop ...
by Abigail Waters
A new face can be seen around the Waukon Park and Recreation realm, as Carter Duerkop was hired by the City of Waukon as its new Park and Recreation Director at the July 18 regular meeting of the Waukon City Council. Duerkop began his tenure at his new position August 22, replacing former director Kim Kraus, who left the position for a new employment opportunity in the Allamakee Community School District.
Duerkop says he was exposed to Park and Recreation activities at a young age as his father also works in the field. In fact, his father, Chad Duerkop, served as Waukon’s Park and Recreation Director for a two-year stint just over 20 years ago and is currently Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Black River Falls, WI.
Carter grew up in Eau Claire, WI and recently relocated to Waukon for the director position after graduating with a degree in Parks and Recreation from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He says that he is eager to get involved in a smalltown community.
Hoping to be able to bring a unique and fresh perspective to the Park and Recreation Department in Waukon, Carter says he gained valuable experience throughout his young adult life from having helped his father in Parks and Recreation activities. He also is equipped with a wide range of skills. From attending college and working in various job positions, Carter feels he has a lot to offer that he is ready and willing to share.
Carter was drawn to the Park and Recreation Director position in Waukon because it offered a variety of growth opportunities and fit his skillset well. Having been on the job for about a month, he is working on learning more about the current programs before moving on to creating new ones.
He will oversee the Waukon City Park and campground, the community aquatic center, the softball complex and corresponding fields. Carter believes that in the future it would be beneficial to work on creating a softball league for teenagers and making the flag football and volleyball programs for local youth stronger and fuller programs.
“The Waukon Park & Rec Wellness Department is excited about the addition of Carter,” Waukon Park, Recreation & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub shared. “He has experience with several other Park & Rec Departments and is working on adding programs for all ages. If you see Carter around, please introduce yourself and welcome him.”
