By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Interim Alabaster Parks and Recreation Director Tim Hamm was named to the position full-time on June 26 after Alabaster Mayor David Frings chose him out a pool of finalists for the position.

Hamm’s hiring came a little more than three months after former Alabaster Parks and Recreation Director Ricky Nance retired from the position after several years with the city.

“After careful consideration of many qualified candidates, I felt that Mr. Hamm would be able to lead the department for the betterment of the city,” Frings said.

Frings said Hamm will soon begin working on short-, mid- and long-term plans for the city’s parks and recreation facilities. Immediate projects could include installing lights at the soccer fields at Municipal Park and the batting cages at Veterans Park, Frings said.

The city also is considering installing a splash pad at Veterans Park and installing new tennis and basketball courts, Frings said.

Frings said he plans to meet with Hamm and “other concerned stakeholders” in early July to discuss “specific (parks and recreation) needs that are important for the community.”