Parks & Recreation

2011 Volunteer of the Year

The Marshfield Parks and Recreation Department could not be successful without the many volunteers that help out every year. Over the past nine years the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Committee has recognized individuals for their volunteer services to the Marshfield Parks and Recreation Department and the community. Previous winners of the award are John Leick, John Scheuer, Floyd Hamus, Harlan Rose, Dave Tiffany, Dan Umhoefer, Ron Dielmann, Jim & Sarah Krueger and family, and Howard Hoffman. This year's award was presented to Joyce Fischer, Sally Sadowska, Kathy Poehnelt, and Margi Weister of the Wood County Master Gardeners for their volunteer efforts.

Tom has been a longtime volunteer for the Parks and Recreation Department, dating back to his days as a volunteer youth sports coach. Tom has also served on the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee for many years. However, it is Tom's volunteer efforts with Wildwood Zoological Society and the Wildwood Zoo the past years that raised his nomination above the others. Tom's volunteer efforts include coordinating and staffing the Zoo Society Concession stand during the summer Wild Wednesday Programs, coordinating and securing donations for the construction of the Wall for Wildlife at the zoo. Tom also serves on various Zoo Society committees and helps out at their many special events and programs. More recently, Tom is probably best known for his Cans for Critters fundraising efforts. Tom has made an extraordinary effort to work with local businesses, schools and other groups to collect cans and turn them into funds to help with improvements at the zoo.

Congratulations to Tom Buttke and thank you to the many individuals who volunteer each year for the Marshfield Parks and Recreation Department.