New Great Falls Park and Recreation Director Announced

It has been roughly a year since Great Falls has had a director of the Parks and Recreation Department.  The former director resigned in the Spring of 2025, and since then the city has been searching for a replacement for job.

via GIPHY

That meant that important duties of the director such as program management, department operations, and budget administration have fallen to others to handle in the interim.  But, beginning mid-April, a new face will be taking over the department, and they bring over 26 years of experience with them to the job.

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New Great Falls Park and Recreation Director Announced

In a news release through the city's website, it has been announced that Toby Hazelbaker has been chosen as the new Parks and Recreation Director and is expected to begin serving in his position around April 20, 2026.

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Hazelbaker has served as Parks and Recreation Director since 2022 for Salt Lake City, Utah.  He brings with him an impressive resume that included rolls such as public-facing programs, operations, and planning teams across both the public and private sectors.

Hazelbaker also has a bachelor’s degree in Park, Recreation, and Tourism Management in Public Administration from the University of Utah plus certification in EMT, Search and Rescue Operations from the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.

City Manager for Great Falls Praises New Hire and Excited for Future

With the announcement, City Manager Greg Doyan said of the new director Hazelbaker: "he brings an impressive depth of parks and recreation experience from larger communities, along with valuable private-sector insight. That combination positions him well to strengthen our programs, enhance our facilities, and deliver high-quality recreation services to our residents".

In accepting the job, Hazelbaker said that: "I was very impressed throughout the hiring process – interviews, tours, and conversations – with the people of Great Falls. This community seems to truly care for one another, their shared future, and the city they call home and I am both humbled and grateful to serve amongst you all in one of the true hearts of Montana."  You can read the full release here.