New recreation director hits the ground running

Greg Westfall faces a full plate as he assumes the job of Monticello Recreation director. In addition to filling the shoes of Eddie Allred, who recently retired after 35 years coordinating recreation programs, Westfall is facing the opening of a new swimming pool during the busiest time of the year for a recreation director.
“I’m knee deep in it already,” joked Westfall, who had spent the morning replacing a leaking water line in a baseball field. “The softball and baseball programs are in full swing, the swimming pool will open soon, and the softball tournament is just around the corner.”
There are teams from Monticello playing in no less than eleven baseball and softball leagues and Westfall reports that they are doing well. The majority of the youth teams are in position to qualify for state tournament play in July. “If you haven’t seen the teams play, you are missing something,” said Westfall.
The new seasonal swimming pool will open soon and Westfall states that local residents will be pleased. A non-swimming open house will take place on Saturday, July 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. and the pool will open for free swimming on July 12.
After the festivities are complete, the pool will open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with availability for rental. The pool will be reserved at various times for lap swimming, youth swimming, and free swim.
Westfall reports that the city plans to open the pool from May through September each year. This means that the pool will be open about five months a year, rather than the three months the previous swimming pool was opened.
The Blue Mountain Fast Pitch Softball Tournament has grown into one of the most successful tournaments in the area and anchors the annual Pioneer Day celebration in Monticello. Westfall reports that early registration for the tournament looks strong.
Westfall has been living in La Sal and working in Moab for the past two years. He and his family have recently completed the move to Monticello.
Westfall says that he is considering a number of good ideas to expand existing programs and add new programs. However, the initial task is to try and keep up with the existing workload.
“It is the busiest time of the year and we are moving as fast as we can,” he said.