David Castle
Aquatics Supervisor
City of Henderson Parks & Recreation
Henderson, Nevada - USA
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, June 2020
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with my bachelor’s degree in recreation and leisure services in 2004. I began my career in parks and recreation at the age of 16 with City of Henderson Parks and Recreation. Once I graduated, I started my full-time career with Clark County Parks and Recreation work- ing at the West Flamingo Senior Center and then transitioning into aquatics in 2009. I worked in a variety of roles at the Desert Breeze Aquatic Complex and Hollywood Aquatics Complex. In 2016, I returned to the City of Henderson as an Aquatics Supervisor at Henderson Multigenerational Aquatic Complex and I am now at Whitney Ranch Aquatic Complex.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am certified as a StarGuard Lifeguard, StarGuard Instructor and Starfish Swim Instructor.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I have been heavily involved with our state organization, Nevada Recreation & Park Society, and have been honored to received four President’s Awards (2008, 2011, 2013, 2018). I also received the Young Professional Award in 2016.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
My mom was teaching aerobics for City of Henderson P&R and felt it would be a great job for me. It has truly been the best decision I have ever made because it gave me so many opportunities, such as working in youth programs, senior services, recreational operations, special events, outdoor recreation and now aquatics.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I love the summertime and when families from our community can come out and experience our waterparks. Being able to see the happy faces of our customers enjoying the waterpark features such as waterslides, play structures and family-friendly priced concessions is priceless.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I have had a lot of mentors and great support over my career, but one does stand out. That person is Angela Summers, Recreation Services Manager (my boss). She truly is a leader over our Aquatics section and pushes me every day to be the best supervisor I can be. Her leadership has built an amazing workplace culture. She makes it easy to come to work every day. .
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
I would say my biggest challenge has been balancing my work life and family life. The summer months are the busiest time of the year for me, but the quietest time for my wife. She is a teacher. We work really hard to separate the work life and family life to make the summer time enjoyable during our family time. .
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
What keeps me focused and motivated is the team that I work with on a daily basis. They are always looking for new trends and new ideas to bring to our facility. They put a heavy emphasis on training and developing an effective staff.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Do it! Try and learn as much as you can in all aspects of the waterpark industry. Learn about training, financials, facility/pool operations, team building, customer service, etc. Never stop learning.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOS T FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I like
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey as it focuses on timeless principles of fairness, integrity, honesty and human dignity, which we all need to use in the workplace. I also enjoy
The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connection and Courage by Brené Brown, which focuses on not looking at vulnerability as a weakness but as a positive. It also encourages people to push themselves to try new things and to challenge themselves.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of my job is seeing my staff reach their goals and achievements whether that is school or work related. Many aquatic staff are looking at careers in nursing, fire science, EMT or medical science. It is awesome to see them learning and training to be great.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I wanted to become an NFL scout for a professional team ever since I was kid. Evaluating statistics, physical abilities and mental evaluation is so much fun for me. I didn’t follow that path because of the time I would be away from my family due to travel. Now that the Las Vegas Raiders are moving here maybe they will call me up.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I was a volunteer at the last WWA Show in Las Vegas and was able to make some connections. I also serve on the WWA’s Public Sector Committee.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I am an avid ghost hunter and love the paranormal. I have planned several ghost hunting excursions and on-site ghost hunts. Come find me at WWA in Las Vegas and we can chat!