Kenosha County Parks Director Matthew Collins will leave his role on January 14 to become the Public Works Director for the Village of Whitefish Bay. The announcement was made by County Executive Samantha Kerkman.
Collins, who has lived in Whitefish Bay with his family during his time at Kenosha County, will oversee public works operations in the suburban Milwaukee community.
“Matt and his talents have been a tremendous asset to Kenosha County Parks, and we wish him well in his new role with Whitefish Bay,” Kerkman said. “Matt has taken our parks to the next level with outreach, programming and public-private partnerships and collaborations. Going forward, we will seek a director with the skills to continue this momentum.”
Until a permanent replacement is found, Shelly Billingsley, Kenosha County’s Public Works Director, will serve as Interim Parks Director.
Collins joined Kenosha County in 2015 as Assistant Director of Parks after working as Park Unit Coordinator for Milwaukee County Parks. He became Parks Director following Jon Rudie’s retirement in 2016.
“The first task when I was hired in 2015 was to wear out the grass,” Collins said. “I can say with certainty that I have accomplished that goal. This past year, we welcomed over 3 million park visitors and offered 280 events and programs within the Kenosha County Parks system.”
He noted that efforts to grow the parks system improved quality of life for residents and visitors by providing more outdoor opportunities through creative programming and partnerships.
Highlights from Collins’ tenure include converting a former gravel pit into Veterans Memorial Park, restoring Pike River at Petrifying Springs Park, expanding trails, and building a band shelter at Old Settlers Park. He also managed projects like the Petrifying Springs Biergarten, Boundless Adventures aerial park at Bristol Woods Park, and Flip Flops concession stand at Silver Lake Park Beach.
Under Collins’ leadership, Kenosha County received two Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association Silver Star Awards—one in 2016 for work with the Summer Youth Employment Program and another in 2019 related to service delivery and marketing for Boundless Adventures. Last month, the county earned a Beautification Award from the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce for the Old Settlers Park band shelter project. On December 2nd, Collins participated alongside Kerkman at the first county Christmas tree-lighting event at Petrifying Springs Park.
“I am proud to have had the opportunity to work alongside my dedicated park staff that emphasize high-quality public service, focused on a positive guest experience,” Collins said. “I am also appreciative to have worked with two supportive county executives, Jim Kreuser and Samantha Kerkman. Both leaders have prioritized the County Parks, and their respective visions have enhanced the system greatly.”
Billingsley thanked Collins for his contributions since she became Public Works Director in August 2022: “Matt certainly had a dream for the Parks Division, and I think he accomplished his dream plus some,” Billingsley said. “Matt will be missed by the Department of Public Works and Development Services, but I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
The Kenosha County Parks system was established in 1927 and manages over 1,500 acres across eight parks as well as 14 miles of paved cycling trails. More information about park amenities is available at parks.kenoshacounty.org or via their mobile app (kenoshacounty.org/ParksApp).
For context on local demographics: During the 2023-24 school year there were over 25,000 students enrolled across schools in Kenosha County; Indian Trail High School had highest enrollment followed by Tremper High School then Bradford High School (https://dpi.wi.gov/). The majority of students were white (55.6%), Hispanic students accounted for about one-quarter (25.7%), while Black students represented just over ten percent (10.4%) (https://dpi.wi.gov/). American Indian students made up only a small portion—0.2%—of enrolled students (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
