10/16/2026
🎓 RLS Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Parker!
From the University of Waterloo to the City of St. Thomas, RLS alumna Ashley Parker is making a meaningful impact through recreation!
Ashley completed her undergraduate studies at Waterloo in 2016, earning a dual degree in Therapeutic Recreation and Recreation and Sports Business. She later completed her Master's in Recreation and Leisure Studies in 2018.
Today, Ashley is the Supervisor of Recreation Programs with the City of St. Thomas, where she oversees a wide range of community recreation opportunities, including seasonal registered programs, drop-in activities, spring hockey, 50+ and 65+ hockey leagues, Jaycees Pool and day camps. Her responsibilities include developing and evaluating programs, supporting staff development and supervising 63 seasonal camp and aquatic staff during the summer.
Reflecting on her time at Waterloo, Ashley credits co-op as one of the most valuable parts of her education. Through placements and internships in mental health, long-term care, with the London Knights, the Town of Aylmer and the City of London, she gained hands-on experience across different areas of recreation before discovering her passion for municipal recreation. These opportunities helped her build connections, develop valuable skills and explore career paths she hadn't initially considered.
For Ashley, one of the most rewarding aspects of working in recreation is seeing the positive impact programs have on people's well-being. Whether it's bringing joy to participants, fostering friendships, creating opportunities for social connection or watching staff develop into confident leaders, she values the difference recreation makes in people's lives.
Her advice to current RLS students?
“Don't be afraid to explore something outside your original plan, because you might discover a career path you hadn't considered.”
Ashley encourages students to take advantage of co-op placements, internships, volunteering and networking opportunities, including industry events like the Parks and Recreation Ontario conference. Her journey is a reminder that exploring different experiences can lead to unexpected and rewarding career opportunities.
Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your journey and showing us why recreation matters!
