The City of Fort Atkinson has named its next Parks and Recreation Director. Ben Dayton of Fort  Atkinson has accepted the position. Dayton is currently the Director of Recreation for the Lake  Mills Area School District and has 13 years of experience in the field of recreation. 

Dayton was selected as the finalist after two rounds of interviews, a presentation and  emotional intelligence assessment.  

The new director started his career as a recreation supervisor for the Cambridge Community Activities Program in 2010. Since 2013, Dayton has been the Director of Recreation for the Lake  Mills Area School District. Over the last 10 years Dayton and his team in Lake Mills have created  and overhauled over 50 programs as well as increased program offerings. He helped to develop  and implement a school age childcare program and community senior center program.  

Dayton holds a Bachelor of Science in Health, Human Performance and Recreation with a minor  in health promotion from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He is a member of the  Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association and National Recreation and Park Association. 

“We are excited to welcome Ben Dayton to our team,” said City Manager Rebecca Housman. “After extensive discussion among the interview panel, we determined that Ben is the best  candidate for the position and his knowledge, skills, personality, and ability to learn will be a  great cultural fit with the organization.” 

The City received 19 applications for the position. The hiring committee went through two sets  of interviews with seven total candidates. The interview panel consisted of City employees from  various departments as well as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.