Had a nice chat yesterday morning with Chad Dyson, the new Executive Director of Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority (VLPRA), and Paul Batts, our longtime contact at VLPRA.

Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman, VLPRA E.D. Chad Dyson, Paul Batts, 2026-07-13 –jsq for WWALS

He’s holding some WWALS water trail rack cards and z-fold brochures I gave him. You can see a map on the kiosk behind him, for the Withlacoochee and Little River Water Trail (WLRWT).

Down at Langdale Park Boat Ramp, I suggested if VLPRA wanted to move the sandbar away from the bottom of the boat ramp, nobody would miss it.

We talked about the origins of WWALS, chainsaw cleanups, outings including the Mayor and Chairmans Paddle, trash and how to stop it before distribution, sewage spills, water quality testing, land trails, grants, datacenters, WFNF, and yes, the proposed Verizon communications tower in Langdale Park that the Lowndes County Commission will vote on this evening at 5:30 PM.

Chad Dyson said he came here for the climate. Well, less snow than Iowa. And south Georgia gnats still don’t know what to make of him.

I promised Chad and Paul that on our next meeting, down at Troupville Boat Ramp, I will show them beautyberry, the native plant that repels insects.

Staff Reports, The Valdosta Daily Times, May 26, 2026, VLPRA names Chad Dyson as new executive director,

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority (VLPRA) Board of Directors has announced the selection of Chad Dyson as the organization’s next executive director. Dyson will officially begin his role with VLPRA on June 15.

Dyson currently serves as director of parks and recreation for the City of Davenport, Iowa, a position he has held since 2018. In that role, he provides executive leadership over all city parks, golf courses, athletic facilities, and recreation programs, overseeing an $8.5 million operational budget and a staff of more than 100 employees. With more than 25 years of experience in parks and recreation leadership, Dyson brings extensive expertise in park planning, facility management, recreation programming, capital improvement administration, and community engagement. Prior to joining Davenport, he served as recreation superintendent for the City of Iowa City for eight years and as superintendent of recreation for the Westmont Park District in Illinois for seven years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chad Dyson to the VLPRA team,” said Suzan Garnett, chairman of the VLPRA board. “He brings an exceptional amount of experience and knowledge to our organization, along with a proven track record of innovation, leadership, and community-focused service. We are confident he will continue to build on the strong foundation already in place and lead VLPRA into an exciting new chapter.”

Among Dyson’s notable accomplishments are co-leading the $24 million Main Street Landing riverfront project, securing $2.5 million in ARPA funding for park improvements across nine Davenport neighborhoods, and helping maintain Davenport’s distinction as the first CAPRA-accredited Parks and Recreation Department in Iowa. Dyson also directed development of the $2.9 million Fairmount Community Center and the award-winning Credit Island nature-based playground.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the next executive director for VLPRA and want to express my sincere gratitude to the VLPRA Board of Directors for this opportunity,” Dyson said. “Director Page and the entire VLPRA team have done exceptional work and I am committed to building on that legacy with the same level of care, creativity, and heart that has made this organization what it is today.”

Dyson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Iowa and a Master of Science in Recreation Administration from Aurora University. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) and an active member of the National Recreation and Park Association. Outside of his professional life, Chad and his wife, Erin, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this August. Together they are the proud parents of five children: Cade, Hayden, Jace, Beckham, and Ellis.

Welcome, Chad Dyson!

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

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