New Edmond parks director wants children outdoors

Dishman, 42, will be working with YMCA officials to coordinate programs the city offers through the parks and recreation department and those offered by the YMCA at the new recreation center next door to the Multipurpose Activity Center in Mitch Park.

“It is important that we work together on what programs they offer and what programs we offer,” Dishman said. “We will find out what our niche will be and not compete.”

Development of the city's newest community park and softball complex, Edmond 66 Park, is exciting to Dishman, who comes to Edmond from Mesquite, Texas, where he had been recreation services superintendent since 2006.

“I like green spaces where you can have a picnic with the family and fly a kite or have a nice place to sit and enjoy nature,” he said.

His ultimate vision is for Edmond to have a premier parks and recreation system.

“I like to have a strategic business plan,” Dishman said. “I like things to be on paper so it tells me where we are going.

“We have a great staff, and I feel like we are all on the same page.”