Southern Indiana Business Report
LOOGOOTEE — Following a year-long search, the Daviess-Martin County Joint Parks Board has hired a new superintendent for West Boggs Park.
Nathan Rihm, a native of Dubois County, will take over at the helm of the popular campground and fishing lake, according to a story reported in the Washington Times Herald.
Rihm is a graduate of Indiana State University where he studied earth and environmental science. He has been working out of state and told the Times Herald it has been his goal to return to the area.
“I have always been interested in the park service. If I were to win the lottery, I think I would probably open a park because that’s where my passions lie. I like hiking and kayaking and mountain biking. To incorporate that into a job is something that appeals to me,” said Rihm. “This is close to my family and my fiancee’s family. I also have spent some time there fishing.”
He has worked in a number of recreation-based businesses including as an ocean kayak guide and he operated a kayak company in Maui. He also managed a number of restaurants.
Rihm succeeds Jameson Hibbs, who left for another job about one year ago. Hibbs has assisted in keeping the park going, but officials say they will be happy to have a full-time hand at the helm.
“I want to improve the experience for the people who visit the park,” said Rihm. “I want it to be cleaner, safer, have more amenities and show people a good time.”
The new park superintendent will have to hit the ground running with water issues and a new season getting ready to start.
West Boggs Park covers 1,600 acres and includes the 622-acre West Boggs Lake. It has more than 250 campsites in the campground and miles of multi-use trails, playgrounds and other recreational amenities.