COM M U N I T Y
Tending Quality of Life
New Parks and Rec director, Jason Olsen, shares his vision for Norman’s Parks
J
ason Olsen has served the City of Norman’s Parks and Recreation Department for nearly two decades. Recently, he assumed a new leadership role not even Olsen himself would have anticipated starting out in the field he accidentally fell in love with. “Leader of the Department never crossed my mind, actually, especially not starting out,” Olsen said. “I was privileged to work with Jud Foster, who is just beloved in Norman. I was honored to be named as his replacement but those are some big shoes to fill.” Foster retired in May, after working for the City for 42 years. Olsen is familiar with the Norman community both at work and at home. His wife, Liz, is an assistant principal at Whittier Middle School. Together, they chose to stay in Norman and raise daughter, Stella, 9, and son, Jaxon, 7. “Between my work and living in the area, we are wrapped up in activities and knee-deep in programs. Our favorite park is Highland Village, and we love the Westwood Family Aquatic Center,” said Olsen. “We have no doubt in our minds that Norman is the best place for us and the best place for our family. It’s an excellent community to raise a family, with a great school system, and for as much as I hate to take anything for granted when it comes to the future, my children will probably go to OU. Our roots are deep here in Norman.” Olsen credits his wife’s insistence for motivating him to finish college at Southern Nazarene University, a formality given his career was already underway. 60 | September 2021
“It was one of those things where you look back and think ‘It all makes sense. Parks and Recreation found me,’” he explained. “I feel so lucky to be in a community that invests in its youth, in the development of the Department, and in the development of resources serving everyone here.” A graduate of Mustang High School, Olsen first considered a career in broadcast journalism, as he grew up admiring sportscasters. “You know, as a kid, you kind of gravitate toward what you’re familiar with and what you could see yourself doing. I had seen sports announcers on TV and thought I could do that,” he explained “What you don’t realize is what professions are out there. I consider jobs in municipal service hidden professions.” Olsen graduated from Mustang High School but took a job as a Bethany YMCA summer camp counselor. He eventually worked through the ranks and got involved with sports programs. After accepting a part-time opening, it became apparent he excelled at organizing basketball leagues, something he had done in high school as the son of a Nazarene minister. He and his wife actually met at a rec center location. It seems to Olsen, with absolute conviction, he was meant to be where he is, in both personal and professional aspects of life. “My main job is to make people happy,” said Olsen. “Through creating programs for youth, sports, activities and events, you realize there’s more to do and there are opportunities in parks and green spaces. The way those changes
