Corvallis citizens regularly turn out to defend and discuss parks and open spaces. On Monday, they'll get to meet two people who want to lead the city department that oversees those green playgrounds.

A new director will preside over a department that has grown in recent years and is working to convince voters to pass a measure this fall that will fund parks and programs.

"It's not a place to come and retire," said City Manager Jon Nelson. "It's a place to roll up your sleeves and get to work."

On Monday, candidates for the position will answer questions from citizens, part of a two-day selection process of interviews, tours and events. Former director Julee Conway left in March to take a similar job in Reno, Nev.

The two finalists are Karen Emery, who is Corvallis' Recreation Division manager and the acting parks director, and James Protiva, the director of Newport's parks and recreation department.

Protiva has been in charge of Newport parks since 2005. Before that, he was involved for 15 years in various jobs related to parks and recreation in private industry as well as for the cities of Monmouth and Albany. He is a graduate of Radford University in Virginia and was trained and certified through the National Recreation and Park Association.

Emery has worked for the City of Corvallis since 1989, first in leadership positions at the Chintimini Senior Center before her appointment to the job of Recreation Division Manager in 2004. She spent nine years before that in Springfield's Parks and Recreation District. She is a graduate of the University of Oregon, and she also has attended training through the National Recreation and Park Association.

The new director will take over a department that has grown in recent years, with the addition of Riverfront Commemorative Park, Grand Oaks Park and the Willamette boat landing.

This fall, the city will ask voters to approve a $13.6 million bond measure to pay for an expansion at the Chintimini Senior Center, major improvements at Chintimini Park and playground equipment in 10 others, and lights on softball fields around town.

The city Parks Department has a $5.7 million budget and is directed in part by the Parks, Natural Areas and Recreation Board and the Citizens Advisory Commission on Civic Beautification and Urban Forestry.

Announcement of the new director is expected by mid-August, with the new director scheduled to begin work in September.

Matt Neznanski can be reached at 758-9518 or matt.neznanski@lee.net.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Meet candidates for Corvallis Parks and Recreation Director

WHEN: 5:30 p.m., Monday

WHERE: Osborn Aquatic Center, 1940 N.W. Highland Ave.