Noah Minnick, and Jaaron Paugh
Spotlight Series: Meet the Park and Recreation Team
We are excited to highlight the outstanding work of one city department each month. This month, we are focusing on the Park and Recreation Department! Jaaron Paugh serves as the Park and Recreation Assistant, and Noah Minnick is the Director of Park and Recreation.
Jaaron enjoys serving the Orange City community in this way. He loves developing relationships with the kids and their families, saying,
“Our community is very kind and always willing to help out with our recreation programs and other tasks our department might need help with” shares Jaaron.
He is engaged to Randi Wielenga, and they will be married in October. In his free time, he can be found golfing with family and friends, enjoying walks around town, or time at the park with their nieces.
As the director, Noah oversees the City parks, trails, swimming pool, recreational programs, and City facilities within the parks.
“None of my days ever look the same. One day, I may be getting fields ready and coaching a youth baseball team; the next day, I may be helping trim trees along the Puddle Jumper Trail or helping with a parks project. That is the great thing about being in park and recreation, and it is something that I really enjoy” shares Noah.
He grew up in Orange City and previously served as the assistant director before moving into the director role last summer. He enjoys meeting Orange City residents and interacting with them as they enjoy our many parks and activities. When he has free time, you can find him fishing or golfing at Landsmeer!
Jaaron and Noah are vital to community life in Orange City. Their hard work, servant leadership, and investment in our kids are a blessing to our town!
Noah Minnick
How many years have you served in this role?
1
Are you the head of your department?
Yes
What areas (broad-scope tasks, projects, etc.) do you oversee?
I oversee the city parks, trails, swimming pool, recreational programs, and city facilities within the parks.
In what ways does your department’s work most impact the general public?
When people participate in recreational events, go to our parks, use our trails, or rent one of our facilities. These are all things that the Park and Recreation department is in charge of.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
None of my days ever look the same. One day I may be getting fields ready and coaching a youth baseball team, the next day, I may be helping trim trees along the Puddle Jumper Trail or helping with a parks project. That is the great thing about being in Parks and Recreation, and something that I really enjoy.
What do you most enjoy about serving the City of Orange City?
I really enjoy meeting and seeing the people of Orange City. I get to meet and know a lot of different people through my work in the city. Getting to interact with them and see people enjoy our many different parks and recreation activities and opportunities is something that I enjoy most.
How long have you lived in Orange City?
25 years
If you’re willing, tell us about your family.
My mom, Ann (Vander Kooi) Minnick, My dad Bill Minnick, and my brother William Minnick all live in Orange City.
What do you love about living/working in Orange City?
I love how it is a small and safe community. I also enjoy the people. You can go downtown and see people you know and have a conversation with them.
How do you enjoy spending free time in the community?
When I have free time, I enjoy fishing, and golfing at the Landsmeer Golf course.
Jaaron Paugh
How many years have you served in this role?
1
Have you previously served in any other roles for the city? If so, feel free to share.
no
What do you most enjoy about serving the City of Orange City?
The thing I enjoy most about serving orange city is the community itself. With a very small community, working with children and their families your able to develop well rounded relationships. Our community is very kind and always willing to help out with our recreation programs and other tasks our department might need help with.
How long have you lived in Orange City?
1
If you’re willing, tell us about your family.
I will soon be married in October to my fiancé Randi Wielenga. Randi is very kind hearted and has been very supporting to me while I have taken on my role as Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation this year. She works at OC Sanitation in their office dealing with the business side of the job.
What do you love about living/working in Orange City?
I work within a great department with Noah Minnick and Brian Goslinga. Both of them have been exceptional co-workers that have great insight of our jobs and are great to be around. I love living in Orange city because of the community and being able to be around my family and nieces.
How do you enjoy spending free time in the community?
During my free time, I love to spend time golfing with family and friends, walking around town with Randi and or spending time with our nieces at our parks.
