William (Bill) Nelson

William (Bill) Nelson – Bill is married to Mary (Jacki), and they have a son, Kyle (married to Makenzie), a daughter, Katherine (Kat), and two granddaughters, Evie and Emilia.

 

His interests include being a volunteer Conductor for Iowa Interstate trains (once or twice a year) and his membership in the Antique Tractor Association, where he runs the train at their fairgrounds. He is also a board member for The Botanical Center and Niabi Zoo.

 

Bill’s career started in Zion Park District and grew to become Park and Recreation Director in Stillwater, Oklahoma, then became the Director for Rock Island Park and Recreation. During his professional career, he was fortunate to be involved in numerous notable projects, including the upgrading of two golf courses, four pools, rebuilding a large lake, and constructing a six-mile bike and hike trail around that lake.  He served as Chairman of the Southwest Region of the National Recreation and Park Association and was President of the American Park and Recreation Society. President of the Oklahoma Park and Recreation Society, and Legislative Chairman of the Oklahoma Park and Recreation Society for ten years.  Bill has been very active in many community events in Zion, Stillwater, and Rock Island. His philosophy for life: “Do not make a decision that you may have to apologize for later.”

 

Why is he part of the Foundation? “I started work on the Foundation when it became apparent that there was not enough tax support to provide the park and recreation services needed.”

 

What the board knows about Bill: Where there is a will, there's a way, and Bill will find it!