New Eureka Recreation Coordinator Brings Life of Park Experience

The Fourth of July was a big day for Michael Biedenstein.

He started work as Eureka's recreation program coordinator and announced his engagement on the same day. Biedenstein, on vacation with his new fiancee in Colorado, has now settled in and enjoys Eureka.

"It's such a close-knit community," he said in a phone interview with Patch on Tuesday.

The Kirkwood native got his start in parks and recreation with St. Louis County, where his father still works. There he had a part-time job where he helped with special events.

It wasn't until he worked for his hometown, though, that he seriously considered a career in the parks and recreation field. From 2004 to 2008, Biedenstein worked for the parks department in Kirkwood while home from college.

He did everything from drive the Zamboni at the ice rink to work a front desk.

"I really credit that with my start in parks and recreation," he said of the job.

After a short time in Des Peres, Biedenstein, now 25, got his position in Eureka. As recreation program coordinator, he deals with the department's general operations, which includes a little bit of everything. His annual salary for the position is $35,000, according to the city.

He said his predecessors have done well and he doesn't want to change anything right away, but there are a few things he has in mind. He wants to see more outdoor activities held in Eureka. That could be anything from star-gazing to hikes.

"People sometimes have a disconnect with the outdoors," he said.

The city's camp program focuses on this activity well, and he would like to build on that. He also wants to expand the city's sports offerings, in cooperation with the Eureka Sports Association.

As for the park system, Biedenstein said is his favorite because it's close to downtown and a great hub for the system. He also likes how trails link Eureka's parks.

"That's a key aspect of livable and sustainable communities," he said.