Amanda Rogers’ career with the City of Owensboro began in a lifeguard chair at age 15. Nearly three decades later — after helping reshape the city’s parks system from neighborhood pools to a nationally recognized riverfront — she’s preparing to step away.
Rogers on Tuesday announced her retirement as director of the City of Owensboro’s Parks and Recreation Department, concluding nearly 28 years of service to the city and almost 25 years within the department. Her retirement will be effective Nov. 1.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve my hometown in this role,” Rogers said. “I am incredibly proud of the strong support our department has consistently received from city management, our elected officials, and the community.”
Rogers began her career with the city as a lifeguard at age 15, working at Kendall-Perkins, Cravens, and Combest pools for five summers before returning to Owensboro after college to join the Parks Department as a recreation supervisor.
She worked her way up through the ranks, eventually becoming director in 2010.
Rogers said one of her proudest accomplishments was the department’s growth in recreational amenities and its focus on meeting community needs.
“We really tried to listen to the community and determine where we were lacking, giving people a home where they didn’t have one before,” Rogers said. “And we worked to improve quality of service — making processes quicker, easier, and smoother for citizens.”
During her tenure, the city more than doubled its park acreage, growing from about 407 acres to more than 960 following the acquisition and operation of Ben Hawes Park and Golf Course.
Rogers said that the transition was one of the largest undertakings of her career.
“It wasn’t just getting a park — it was about 500 acres with woodland management, amenities, and a golf course,” she said. “We went from nine holes to 27 almost overnight.”
The department also oversaw the opening of Smothers Park along the riverfront, development of the Rudy Mine Trails, construction of the Soap Box Derby track, and the addition of the Travis Aubrey Skatepark at Chautauqua Park.
More recent projects included converting tennis courts into pickleball facilities, renovating Cravens Pool into a modern aquatic center, and expanding programming such as the Lil’ Spikers youth volleyball program.
Rogers credited much of the department’s success to partnerships.
“We’ve been really successful through partnerships — not just with elected officials, but with the community,” Rogers said. “Those relationships helped us grow things like the dog park, pickleball courts, and other amenities.”
She said parks played a meaningful role in her own childhood, shaping her passion for the work.
“Access to strong parks and free or low-cost programs was a big part of what shaped my childhood,” Rogers said. “It sparked a passion in me to make sure those same opportunities remain accessible for the next generation.”
Rogers said she will miss the people most.
“The people — my team, our partners, and just seeing families out enjoying the parks,” she said. “Seeing smiles during programs or when people are using our spaces — I’ll miss that.”
Looking ahead, Rogers said she plans to travel with her husband, spend more time playing golf, and remain involved in the community.
“I’m not sure exactly what’s next,” she said. “But I hope to stay involved, maybe serve on some boards, and continue supporting my hometown.”
City officials said the department will continue work on several ongoing projects, including the development of an 18-court pickleball facility and enhancements at Ben Hawes Golf Course.
Rogers said the department’s accomplishments reflect a team effort.
“Nothing is a one-man show,” she said. “We are a strong and dedicated team, and I’m thankful for the people who surround me every day.”
