Andy Davis was hired in May of 2017 to serve as the City of Marion’s Director of the Splash House under the Parks & Recreation Department. Each year, Davis diligently coordinates the hiring of summer employees at the Splash House to serve as life guards and support staff. He also oversees the daily operations of the water park and works with Parks staff to keep it maintained and make improvements.
In the spring of 2020, when the new coronavirus, COVID-19, broke out, Mayor Jess Alumbaugh made a tough decision. “As a result of the pandemic, we were unable to safely open the Splash House for the season. Andy stepped up and took on new responsibilities, not only in helping manage the Parks Department office, but in assisting our staff at the Gardens of Matter Park. His contributions have been invaluable. Andy is a true team player!” expressed Mayor Alumbaugh.
Citywide Maintenance Superintendent, James Loftis, is Davis’s direct supervisor overseeing the maintenance of all city parks. Loftis shared the Mayor’s sentiment regarding Davis being a true team player. “Andy has had to alter his duties temporarily, but has remained positive. He has worked in the Gardens of Matter Park this spring and summer, processed vouchers and payroll for the Parks & Recreation Dept.…all with the most positive disposition.”
The two employees assigned regularly to work in the Gardens of Matter Park, Julie Fauser and Taylere McCoy, expressed gratitude for Davis’s help and teamwork. Fauser said, “Taylere and I appreciate all of Andy’s hard work in the Gardens this season. We know how much he loves weeding, mulching, and watering! He has been a tremendous asset to our team. Andy is a bright ray of sunshine every morning, and we’ll miss him when he goes back to the Splash House.”