Updated at 10:30 a.m. April 2 with salary information

Toby Hazelbaker has been hired as the new Great Falls Park and Recreation director.

He’ll start around April 20, according to the city.

Hazelbaker “brings an impressive depth of parks and recreation experience from larger communities, along with valuable private-sector insight. That combination positions him well to strengthen our programs, enhance our facilities, and deliver high-quality recreation services to our residents,” City Manager Greg Doyon said in a release.

Park and Rec director candidate declines job; city will readvertise position next year [2025]

Hazelbacker’s starting salary is $150,000 with a 12-month probation period, and $15,000 reimbursement for moving expenses, according to the city.

$150,000. He will have a 12-month probation period. There is a $15,000 reimbursement in place for moving expenses.

Hazelbaker was the parks and recreation director for Salt Lake City from December 2022 to February 2026. Before that, he worked in parks and rec, public facilities and fleet for the City of Gresham in Oregon.

Hazelbaker has a bachelor’s degree in park, recreation and tourism management with an emphasis in public administration from the University of Utah.

He’s a certified parks and recreation professional through the National Recreation and Park Association, and as an emergency medical technician and in search and rescue operations by the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy.

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“People are the heart of parks and recreation services and amenities – both the public and the staff who serve them. I was very impressed throughout the hiring process – interviews, tours, and conversations – with the people of Great Falls. This community seems to truly care for one another, their shared future, and the city they call home and I am both humbled and grateful to serve amongst you all in one of the true hearts of Montana,” Hazelbaker said in a release.

By the time Hazelbaker assumes the role, the position will have been vacant for about a year, since Steve Herrig resigned effective April 30, 2025.

Consultants review Park and Rec mini poll results with advisory board

This was the third round of candidates for the position.

In November, Doyon told City Commissioners that the candidate he offered the position to withdrew for personal reasons.

In that round, he’d selected four candidates for interviews, but two dropped out and he interviewed the remaining two, offering the position to the candidate who declined.

During an August 2025 commission meeting, Doyon said that the city had received about 60 applications and three were selected for interviews, but he decided to re-advertise for the position.

The city is currently conducting a comprehensive fee study, cost allocation plan and operational efficiency review of Park and Rec.

In October, City Commissioners approved a $94,792 contract with Matrix Consulting for the study.

Final Park and Rec mini-poll open on fees

The team conducted five mini-polls to gather public feedback in December and January, receiving about 5,000 responses in total, with each receiving 1,000 to 2,000.

In February, the consultants reviewed the initial findings with the Park and Rec Advisory Board.

City officials have been discussing the finances and fee structures within the Park and Rec department for years, an issue exacerbated by the operating deficit at Aim High Big Sky, the indoor aquatic and recreation facility that opened last summer.

Park and Rec crews repair River’s Edge Trail mudslide

In June, the city issued a request for proposals for an assessment of the department’s fees, costs and operational efficiency. The review will include programming, membership, rentals, admission fees, maintenance and other service-related charges.

City Commission to consider consultant contract for Park and Rec review [2025]

The cost allocation plan is to develop a model “that accurately reflects and recovers both direct and indirect costs for the department and the city. The operational review will assess workflows, staffing structure and “opportunities for consolidation of maintenance and support functions. The goal is to enhance coordination, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall departmental efficiency,” according to the city.