This week’s resignation of Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Director Jason Jones has prompted discussion of how the county should administer the department in the future.

The vacancy raises the question of whether to immediately advertise to fill the open position or should the county look at other ways to administer its parks and recreation programs. “There are many, many ways to change Parks and Recreation to improve services, but they should begin at the parks board level,” said County Commissioner Christine Maxbauer at the GT board’s meeting Wednesday night. “Let the parks board step forward with options.”

As a county commissioner, Maxbauer sits on the parks and recreation commission, which may hold a special meeting to discuss how to proceed in the wake of Jones’ resignation. Also, county commissioners will discuss the issue when the Resource Management and Administration Committee meets on Sept. 10.