In Episode 6 of Star City Stories, Alexis sits down with Recreation Division Manager Shelby Spurlock to talk about her career journey, her passion for recreation, and the role Parks & Recreation plays in creating traditions that bring a community together.

Shelby shares how her own interests—including a love of running—have found their way into her work, helping inspire programs and events like the Pumpkin Spice 5K. It’s a great example of what can happen when personal passion, creativity, and community service come together.

The conversation also explores the impact of recreation beyond a single event or program. From annual traditions families look forward to year after year to new experiences that may become tomorrow’s traditions, recreation creates opportunities for people to connect, make memories, and feel part of their community.

And with fall right around the corner, Shelby gives us a sneak peek at what’s ahead—including some of the fun planned for this year’s Harvest & Glow Festival!

Join us for a conversation about careers, creativity, running, fall fun, and the traditions that help make Miamisburg feel like home.

What starts as a summer job can sometimes become something much bigger.

In this episode of Star City Stories, Alexis turns the microphone on Parks & Recreation Director Ryan Davis to talk about his own career journey—from starting out at the pool as a teenager to eventually leading the department.

Along the way, Ryan reflects on the people, experiences, lessons, and opportunities that helped shape his path, while also pulling back the curtain on just how many different careers exist within Parks & Recreation. The conversation explores what young employees can learn from a first job, how seasonal work can open unexpected doors, and why skills like dependability, initiative, service, and teamwork matter far beyond the summer season.

Whether you’re looking for your first job, thinking about your future, or simply curious about the people behind Miamisburg Parks & Recreation, this episode is a reminder that you never really know where that first opportunity might lead.

A summer job may be temporary. The skills, relationships, and direction it gives you can last a lifetime.

In Episode 4 of Star City Stories, Darren Miller and Katie Quackenbush return to go beyond the pools themselves and explore the many details that will shape the guest experience at Miamisburg’s new aquatic facility.

From admissions, concessions, bathhouses, shade, and seating to customer service spaces and staff planning, this episode highlights the intentional choices being made to create a facility that is welcoming, comfortable, and built for community. The conversation also takes an honest look at the challenges of construction, the uncertainty that comes with planning a brand-new operation, and the balancing act of building something exciting while keeping safety, service, and trust at the center of every decision.

More than just a construction update, Episode 4 is about the vision behind the project—and the people working every day to create a place where families will make memories for generations to come.