The city of Marshalltown parks and recreation advisory committee met at parks department headquarters Wednesday. City administrator randy wetmore says the search continues for a new director of the parks department being sought after director terry gray retired at the end of January. It was indicated that temporary help would be hired next month to help with the load.

Also of concern is the need for lifeguards to help staff the Marshalltown aquatic center this summer, shelly leckner of the community y’s says so far just four lifeguards are available for work. It appears that the job of a lifeguard is not as desirable as it has been in the past. Leckner says the y is offering classes and certification and at this point are willing to pay for them if individuals will step forward.

Meanwhile new to the summer programs being offered by the parks department is combined swim lessons for those three to five years old according to spokeswoman Jennifer hart.

Also moving along full speed ahead is this years softball competition being facilitated by the parks department as the Marshalltown softball association oversees the overall process.