Western Park manager Derk Hatch was recently honored by the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce with its Outstanding Public Service Award for his dedication to working with the public.

Hatch’s name is almost synonymous with Western Park, having been there since it opened in 1989. In addition to managing the facility, he is also in charge of the Buckskin Hills Complex.

Hatch currently serves on the Uintah County Fair Board, Events Commission, Utah State Fair Board, Travel Board and Holly Days Committee. In the past he has served as president of Boys Baseball, a member of the Junior Livestock Show Committee, organizer of the annual Tournament of Champions wrestling meet, a member of the Republican Central Committee, and for 20 years he has served on the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo Committee.

“That alone should earn him this award,” said the chamber’s executive director, Adam Massey. “Adding to this list of accomplishments, he was also honored as ‘Man of the Year’ by then-Gov. Mike Leavitt in 1999.”

Hatch is known for a great sense of humor and his practical jokes.

“He is being honored for his continued commitment and dedication to our community,” Massey said. “The chamber’s public relations committee is very pleased to present to Derk Hatch the quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award.”

Derk Hatch was born in Vernal and then moved to Denver, Colo., where he attended Columbine High School and went to college. He is the son of Hal and Judy Hatch of Vernal. He and his wife, Alicen, have two children.