Willamalane Board Member Greg James Announces Retirement After 23 Years of Service

Willamalane Park and Recreation District announced today that longtime Willamalane Board of Directors member Greg James has retired from the board following 23 years of service. This resignation was effective upon adjournment of the Willamalane Board of Directors’ regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.

During more than two decades of board service, James served as president, vice president, and on many board committees, playing a central role in guiding Willamalane through transformative growth and national recognition. During his tenure, the district created the 97,000-square-foot Bob Keefer Center for Sports and Recreation; earned the National Recreation and Park Association’s Gold Medal Award for Excellence and CAPRA accreditation; secured voter approval on a 2012 bond measure supporting critical investments across parks, athletic fields, and natural areas; completed signature regional trail projects including the Middle Fork Path and Mill Race Path; expanded Thurston Hills Natural Area into hundreds of acres of protected habitat and recreation; launched Willamalane’s park ranger program; grew essential childcare and youth services through districtwide after-school care and preschool partnerships; and adopted a community-driven 20-year Comprehensive Plan and updated system development charge methodology to guide equitable, sustainable growth into the future.

Beyond his two decades of service to Willamalane, James is a lifelong Springfield resident and public servant who has dedicated significant time, care, and guidance to the community. 

“Serving on this board for twenty-three years has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” James shared in his resignation letter. “I leave grateful, hopeful, and confident that Willamalane’s board and staff will continue to foster places of belonging, resilience, health, and joy for all within Springfield.”

Board leadership and district staff expressed appreciation for James’ long-standing commitment to public service and community-centered decision-making. His contributions to Willamalane will be greatly missed. 

“For more than two decades, Greg James has been a true champion of parks and recreation for the Springfield community, particularly through his leadership of school-aged programs and his unwavering commitment to ensuring access for all. He has made an indelible impact on Willamalane, and his legacy sets a new bar for what public service can and should be,” said Michael Wargo, Willamalane Executive Director.

Willamalane is now accepting applications to fill the board vacancy. Anyone interested in serving on the Willamalane Board of Directors can learn more and apply at willamalane.org/board. Applications are due by Feb. 4.