Chad Gunter
Recreation Supervisor
City of Folsom, Folsom Aquatic Center
Folsom, California - USA
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," April 2017
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
In 2001, I received my bachelor’s of science degree in recreation administration from California State University, Sacramento. I have been working in Aquatics for the past 22 years. I have had the privilege of working for some great organizations including: the City of Walnut Creek and the Incline Village General Improvement District in Lake Tahoe. I have been in my current position with the City of Folsom since 2001.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am a NRPA Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP), a Jeff Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Instructor, an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer and a USA Swimming Coach.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
In 2017, I was elected to be the CPRS Aquatic Section Vice President and will serve a 3 year term as the CPRS Aquatic Section President.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I received advice when I was in college to try and find a career around something you enjoy doing. Having worked in Aquatics for 22 years, I feel really fortunate that I took that advice to heart!
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I like never knowing what to expect when you walk into the facility. While days may be similar, no day is exactly alike!
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I have had some great supervisors over the past 22 years of my career. However, over the past 16 years with the City of Folsom, I have worked with over 1,600 part-time employees, and have enjoyed watching them grow into young adults who effect positive change. For many of those employees, the Folsom Aquatic Center was their first employment experience!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Keeping up with all of the changes in codes and safety standards, while learning to maintain a healthy balance between work and family.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
Each day brings a new challenge. It is always important to remember that safety is the #1 goal of our facility and ensuring that everyone who walks into the facility walks out!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Get your foot in the door and do not be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone. Working in Aquatics requires many different skill sets. Take ownership of what you are doing and always give your best effort. Surround yourself with good people, as it takes a great team to run safe, fun, aquatic programs and facilities.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
Currently on my desk I have two books: “WOODEN, A Lifetime of Observation and Reflection On and Off the Court,” by Coach John Wooden with Steve Jamison and “The Hope Quotient, Measure It, Raise It, You’ll Never Be the Same,” by Pastor Ray Johnston.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I enjoy the variety of programming, meeting and working with people and making a difference in the lives of employees and those who come out to enjoy our facility.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I played golf in college for Monterey Peninsula College and Sacramento State. While I was not good enough to be a touring professional, I would have loved to be a club pro or work for the Northern California Golf Association as the director of junior golf!
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I attended the 2015 WWA conference in Palm Springs! I was hooked by the passion and energy of the professionals in attendance. I later joined the WWA Public Sector Committee, which I still serve on today.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I worked at Disneyland on Main Street serving hot dogs and ice cream! Also, I met my wife of almost 15 years while we were working as pool managers.