Plainfield Announces New Director of Parks and Recreation

PLAINFIELD, IN – The Town of Plainfield is excited to announce that Brent Bangel has been hired as the Director of Plainfield Parks and Recreation. Bangel is a well-recognized face in the department who stepped into the Interim Director role following the resignation of former Director, Clay Chafin, in January of 2019. As Director of Parks and Recreation, Brent will be responsible for the management and operations of all divisions of Parks and Recreation including; the 30+ miles of Plainfield trails, all Town parks and the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center. 

Bangel was selected from a pool of over 50 candidates from around the county, received approval of multiple panels during the interview process and was recommended and approved by the Town of Plainfield Town Council.

“Our national search reached a number of very experienced candidates and Brent stood out among them all. It is very validating to put one of our own up against such strong talent and again have him stand out.” said Town Manager, Andrew Klinger. “Brent is the next up in a very successful reputation of preparing our own managers for leadership roles. We are very excited to work with Brent to continue to enhance our parks system; as it is the catalyst of the superior quality of life in Plainfield.”

Bangel has worked for the Town of Plainfield’s Parks Department since 2005, after receiving his Bachelors of Science in Sports Management from Marian College and just after the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center was built. Brent was then quickly promoted to Recreation Center Operations and Facilities Manager in the same year. He was then promoted in 2008 and named the Parks Athletic Fields Manager which evolved into the position of Parks Facilities Manager. Brent was again promoted in 2018 and named the General Manager of the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center. In total, Brent will continue his 14 year tenure with the Town of Plainfield, having worked in virtually every facet of the Parks and Recreation Department.

“It is always great to see employees work their way up the latter within the Town of Plainfield’s organization,” said Town Council Member, Lance Angle. “The experience Brent has in the Parks Department will be of great value as he embarks on this new journey as the Director of Parks and Recreation.”

Personally, Bangel lives in the greater Plainfield area—residing in Camby with his wife, two sons and a daughter on the way! Brent enjoys the outdoors, where he can fish and hunt and spend time with his growing family.