Huntingburg Names Jace Merkel Parks Superintendent After 10 Years of Service

Jace Merkel will step into one of Huntingburg's most visible city roles this summer, named parks superintendent after a decade of service that included coordinating maintenance and improvements at Huntingburg City Park.

Merkel transitions from the Huntingburg Water Department to the Parks Department beginning July 7, where he will work alongside current superintendent Dale Payne until Payne's retirement on August 8. Payne is leaving after 34 years of service to the city.

Mayor Neil Elkins framed the appointment as both a farewell to a longtime fixture and a confident bet on his successor. "We are truly thankful for all the years of hard work and dedication Dale contributed to the City of Huntingburg. His love for the parks shined brightly in everything he did," Elkins said. "We are excited to watch Jace grow into his new role as parks superintendent as his passion for the parks was a clear indicator in making this choice."

Merkel, whose operational leadership was highlighted during this week's recognition ceremonies, described the role in personal terms rooted in his own history with the parks. "When I think of the parks it brings back fond memories spent with my dad and family, and getting a chance to improve and work at a place that brought such joy to me and my family is a true honor," he said. "If I do my job and help keep and improve the parks, then just maybe I can bring that joy to someone else and their families."

The roughly five-week overlap between Merkel's July 7 start date and Payne's August 8 retirement gives the incoming superintendent direct time with a parks leader who has spent more than three decades shaping the department.