(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved the hiring of a new parks and recreation director.

On the recommendation of City Administrator Mike Nichols, the Commission Monday evening voted unanimously to hire Stacy Jasper for the position.

Of three local candidates interviewed, Nichols said Jasper stood out with extensive knowledge and experience in parks and recreation programs.

She previously served as recreation director for the city of Colby for 6 years.  Prior to that, Jasper served as sports and aquatics program director for the Pittsburg, Kansas YMCA for two years.

Jasper is currently a para-educator at the Hiawatha Elementary School and is the high school girls junior varsity and freshman basketball coach.

She is to begin work with the city June 26th at an annual salary of $40,000.

Jasper will replace Grover Hargrove who has held the position the past 4 years, and is moving to Arizona.