My name is Brandt Patz, and I have been with the Parks and Recreation Foundation since 2020, currently serving as President. I work at Purdue Research Foundation in the University Development Office. My wife and three kids moved to West Lafayette in 2014, and our kids love playing at the different parks--University Farm Park is their second home! I enjoy everything the Wellness Center offers and the available programming in our parks system.

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My name is Clay Koehler, and I have been on the  Parks and Recreation Foundation Board since 2021, currently serving as Vice President. As a life-long resident of West Lafayette, I grew up utilizing the parks. My wife and our newborn now enjoy the trail system and visit Happy Hollow Park. My community focus extends to my career at Centier Bank as a Small Business Banker.

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My name is Chris Bradford, and I have served on the Parks and Recreation Foundation Board for nearly three years. I am the managing broker for Bradford Real Estate. What I enjoy most about the Parks system (aside from the great parks, trails, and amenities) are all the fantastic programs and events that the Parks Department helps to bring to the community.

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My name is Dr. Martin Jischke, and I am in my sixth year on the board. I am retired from Purdue University, where I served as President. My interest in the Parks and Recreation Foundation Board grows out of the opportunities the board provides to help the young people of our community play, participate in physical activities and enjoy sports.

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My name is Dr. Chris Ladisch, and I have served on the board for three years. I am employed as a member of the faculty at Purdue University in public health. I participate in fitness and yoga classes at the Wellness Center, enjoy the nature trails, bird watching at the Celery Bog, and am an avid tennis player.

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My name is Jim Whelan, and I have served on the Parks Foundation Board for over one year. I work at Purdue Federal Credit Union, leading the Accounting and Finance Department. The West Lafayette park system has always been part of my life. Now, as part of the Foundation, I’m so excited to be able to contribute to the next great park in our community, Cason Family Park. As a new father, I’m looking forward to watching my son, Mitchell, explore all that we have planned.

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My name is Dr. Tom Turpin, and I have served on the Parks and Recreation Foundation Board for three years. I am Professor Emeritus of Entomology at Purdue University. I enjoy walking/jogging trails, picnic facilities, natural habitats, and available programs.

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My name is Joan Foord Low, and I have served on the Parks and Recreation Foundation board for over two years. I have spent most of my life as a homemaker, raising five children. Once the youngest was in school, I began teaching German from 1990 to 2004. Now, I try to keep track of 19 grandchildren! We love hiking, so we are thrilled with the trail system here in West Lafayette.

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My name is Dustin Smith, and this is my 4th year on the board. With three school-aged kids in West Lafayette and an avid outdoor family, it makes sense for me to serve in a manner that helps the community. Our family frequents Cumberland Park, the Celery Bog, and Happy Hollow Park.

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When Dennis retired in 2015, he realized he wanted to continue to be active in the community and neighborhood of Arbor Chase where he is the VP of the Home Owners Association. He then became involved with, and chair of, the West Lafayette Tree Friends.

My name is Kathy Lozano, and I have served as the Executive Director of the Parks and Recreation Foundation for three years. As Parks Superintendent, I bridge the relationship between the Foundation and the department. Our parks build community by providing places, facilities, and programs to enhance lives. Seeing families playing on our playgrounds or working a booth at one of our festivals makes me realize how privileged I am to be able to represent these two entities.

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