Dr. John Crompton, distinguished professor of recreation, park and tourism sciences at Texas A&M University, will be the guest speaker for two public programs hosted by the Friends of Des Moines Parks this week.

Crompton is known for his work on the marketing and financial side of leisure services, and is the most published scholar in the history of both the tourism and parks and recreation fields, the group said.

The free programs will take place on Wednesday and Friday, though Wednesday’s program is already sold out. The Friday program will start at 12:15 p.m. in Hy-Vee Hall, 730 Third St. Tickets are required, and can be purchased by calling Rebecca Linhart at 237-1403.