PRESCOTT – After a successful year behind the scenes at Friends of Freedom Park, Linda Schenk has been named the new operations director, replacing Israel Haas. Haas left for a new job opportunity in November.

“Linda may be a bit of a newcomer to Prescott, but she is not new to Freedom Park and certainly not new to event planning, fundraising and educational programming,” said Board Chair Jeff Ruehle. “She’s been a delight to work with and does really well with the community.”

Schenk has been working for Freedom Park since April 2022, which helps for a smooth transition.

Schenk has devoted her entire 30-plus year career to this type of work, most notably as the former Director of the Festival of Nations, Minnesota’s largest ethnic festival.

The building refresh project at the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center is nearly complete, thanks to the generosity of donors, Ruehle said.

“And, we are adding an exciting new element to our exhibit space. Interactive touch screen monitors will be strategically placed by key exhibits to allow visitors to learn more about what makes the confluence region so special,” he said.

Various touch screens will have information on eagles, migratory birds, geological history, history of steamboats, lumbering, fishing, indigenous peoples, our cultural heritage, and so much more.

“It’s an exciting improvement,” Ruehle said. “Linda continues to partner with Community Ed, the Prescott Public Library and volunteers to keep the Center’s winter calendar full of free, family friendly activities.”

Coulee by Candlelight was a huge success for Coulee River Trails with well over 100 people enjoying the beautiful new trail system being developed in Magee Park. Friends of Freedom Park has a full calendar of events planned for the upcoming season, kicking off with an Earth Day Celebration and Plant Sale at Freedom Park in April.

“We are delighted to have Linda as our new Operations Director. Come by the center to say hello, again!” Ruehle said.

For more information, visit Freedomparkwi.org.

Submitted by Freedom Park