Finally, a new Naperville parks leader

The deputy manager of recreation and facility services in Denver, Colo., appears to be Naperville Park District's top choice to become its new executive director.

The park board is expected to officially vote to name Daniel Betts to the top administrative post on Thursday after operating for almost a year with an interim executive director.

"He did his homework and really understands (Naperville)," Commissioner Suzanne Hart said Monday. "He's got his goals already set out … he's up for the challenge. He's excited to go ahead and ignite the board and make a big splash in Naperville."

Betts, who is originally from Chicago, would replace Barbara Heller, who resigned last March in the midst of a long-running dispute over a proposal to build a recreation center in Frontier Park.

Business Services Director Mindy Munn has been serving as interim director.

Betts did not return telephone calls Monday. He resigned his post in Denver on Feb. 5, telling officials there he was accepting the position of executive director in Naperville, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

Officials in Denver confirmed Monday that Betts is leaving to come to Naperville.

The Naperville park board hired a search firm to help find its new leader. In late November, the firm presented commissioners with a list of its top 10 candidates out of a field of 89 applicants.

Commissioners interviewed candidates the following month but would not say how many they were talking to or whether all of those interviewed came from the search firm.

Park board President Kristen Jungles said she would not discuss Betts' hiring until it becomes official Thursday. Several other commissioners also declined comment.

But March 4 will be Betts' last day working in Denver, where he has been employed since 2004, the Rocky Mountain News reported.

Betts is no stranger to large park systems. Denver has 29 recreation centers, seven public golf facilities and more than 200 parks, according to its Web site.

Hart visited Denver during the search process and said Betts is a passionate person who is up for the challenge of heading Naperville's parks.

"Everybody (in Denver) couldn't say enough about the energy that oozes out of this man and (his) going out there and making sure everyone is going to be accommodated," Hart said. "It's something that Naperville really needs."

Betts would be the city's eighth director in 12 years. Heller was in the position for just more than two years before resigning. She replaced Ken Brissa who resigned after accusations of financial mismanagement.

Betts will have plenty on his plate upon his arrival.

The district is discussing about $6 million to $8 million in developments to the Nike Sports Complex and is at odds over whether to purchase land between the ponds in the Hobson West neighborhood to create a 15-acre park. The district also is expected to resurrect its discussion on a new recreation center.

The park board will vote on Betts' hiring at 7 p.m. Thursday at the municipal center, 400 S. Eagle St.