Jayson Kingsbury is returning to employment with the City as the new assistant director of Parks and Recreation. Jayson previously worked for the City for a little over four years, leaving in 2023, for another opportunity. He is excited to be back and looks forward to the responsibilities he’ll have in the “parks part” of Parks and Recreation.
As assistant director, Jayson will oversee parks and grounds and will have his office at the Parks and Recreation shed along 11th Street. The responsibilities fit nicely with his degree in conservation management, earned from the University of Upper Iowa.
“I like that I’ll be very hands-on with the City grounds, helping with all areas, including the cemetery, where I’ll help Gene (Fritz, cemetery sexton) when needed,” Jayson said. “I’m excited to be outside and to see people in our community.”
Jayson and his wife, Stacey, have two children: Katelyn, who will soon start graduate school at University of Northern Iowa, and Kyle, who is in his second year at Coe College, where he plays football. In his free time, Jayson likes to hunt and fish and spend time with family. This fall he looks forward to attending his son’s football games.
Zach Anderson, who started working for the Nevada Parks and Recreation Department in 2020, is taking on a new role within the department. Previously employed as a laborer/equipment operator and then as the building and grounds coordinator, Zach will now step over to the program side of the Department.
In his new role, Zach will be involved in all facets of programming, special events, including scheduling, finding referees for sports activities, running youth and adult programs, finding new program opportunities that would interest local residents, etc.
A 2017 graduate of University of Northern Iowa, Zach said his internship with Cedar Valley SportsPlex in Waterloo included many program responsibilities and he looks forward to working with the kids and adults providing several programs and special events. “I’ll be doing the things I like to do.”
Zach was raised in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 2013. He and his wife, Raegan, have a daughter, Rylee, almost 6 months old. When he’s not working, Zach likes to fish, golf, go to ISU sports events and spend time with family.
Wyatt Toot, a 2025 graduate of Nevada High School, is a parks laborer for Nevada Parks and Recreation. Toot worked as an intern for parks and recreation while he was in high school doing many of the things he will now do in a full-time position – mowing, snow removal, tree trimming, etc.
He’s excited to be a full-time member of the Parks and Rec staff. “It’s good people and a great work environment, and my job includes many things I like to do,” Wyatt said.
Jayson Kingsbury, his supervisor, said the job will allow Wyatt to become licensed in spraying for insects and weeds, and to earn a Commercial Driver’s License.
Wyatt is the son of Darren and Kari Toot. During his school years, he was active in 4-H and later FFA, showing pigs. He has an older sister, Ella, who just graduated from Iowa State, and a younger brother, Briggs, who is in eighth grade. In his free time, Wyatt loves hunting, especially elk hunting, in Wyoming and fishing. He also enjoys hanging out with friends.
Angela Johnson has moved into a permanent part-time role with the Nevada Parks and Recreation Department, after previously working for a little over a year in a seasonal part-time position. Parks and Recreation Director Rhonda Maier describes Angela as a utility player for the Department, noting she can step in where needed as she understands various areas of the operation. Much of the time, Angela said, she’s working at custodial duties, not only at the Field House and other parks properties, but also at City Hall and the Senior Center.
Angela is a native of Moville, Iowa, and came to Story County when she attended Iowa State University. She met her husband, Shane, at ISU, and the two moved to Nevada three years ago. Shane works in Marshalltown. The couple has a 3-year-old son, Logan.
Angela said she loves the flexibility in her job with Nevada Parks and Recreation. “Everyone is so nice, and I like being involved in the community.” When she’s not at work, she enjoys gardening, canning, kayaking, fishing and traveling.