AMY CONKLING
Hutch Rec
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Recreation Commission announces the hiring of two new members to its leadership team and a promotion within the team.
Kelsey Loutensock started at Hutch Rec as the Aquatics and Special Events Manager on April 1. She comes to Hutch Rec with past parks and recreation experience at Hesston Recreation, where she was the Assistant Recreation Director/Aquatics Director. Loutensock attended both Hesston College and Tabor College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in sports management.
In her role at Hutch Rec, Loutensock is responsible for the daily operations of Salt City Splash Aquatic Center, as well as the implementation of various community events and assistance in community festivals. Her office is located at Hutch Rec Downtown, 17 E. 1st Ave.
“I’m looking forward to serving the Hutchinson community, as well as building relationships with co-workers, patrons, and community members. I hope to bring new ideas and offerings at the pool to expand opportunities for a wide variety of patrons,” Loutensock says. “Serving a community in the recreational environment brings me much joy.”
Loutensock and her husband live in Hesston with their two goldendoodle dogs, Archie and Wrigley. They enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, and going to sporting events, with a lifetime goal of seeing all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums.
Tim Shaffer started at Hutch Rec as the Youth Services Coordinator on March 8. He comes to Hutch Rec with past parks and recreation experience at the City of Wichita’s Park & Recreation department, working at the Lynette Woodard Recreation Center as the recreation assistant. Schaffer graduated from Wichita State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and competed on their track and field team.
In his role at Hutch Rec, Shaffer is responsible for the coordination and implementation of youth programs, including summer camps, after-school programs, youth enrichment programs, adaptive recreation programs, and youth special events. His office is located at Hutch Rec Downtown, 17 E. 1st Ave.
“I am excited to advance my career by learning from everyone in the organization and providing services to the community,” Shaffer says.
Shaffer is originally from Leavenworth but grew up in Conway Springs. He currently lives in Wichita and enjoys going to country concerts.
Hutch Rec also announces the promotion of Jeff Conaway to Senior Center Manager at Hutch Rec’s Senior Center at Elmdale Park, effective March 25.
Conaway began his career at Hutch Rec as a youth sports coordinator in 2018. In his new role as Senior Center Manager, he is responsible for assuring quality programs and services at Elmdale, including food service, wellness programs, enrichment activities, and special events. He is also responsible for the management of the facility. Conaway’s office is at the Hutch Rec Senior Center at Elmdale Park, 400 E. Ave. E.
“What excites me about working at Hutch Rec is the strong team assembled here,” Conaway says. “Each staff member is really passionate about their divisions.”
Conaway lives in Hutchinson and has three children and 11 grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending Kansas State football games, and is an avid upland bird hunter.
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