Following a national search and a month of community input, the city of Austin has hired a new director for its Parks and Recreation Department.. City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced Monday that he has selected Jesús Aguirre to lead the department.
Aguirre, who was one of three finalists for the position, served as CEO of Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, the nonprofit organization that is overseeing the creation of a 35-acre urban park system along Waller Creek in downtown Austin. "Aguirre led the vision, strategy, and execution of the organization's mission to connect people, nature and culture, overseeing the fundraising, partnerships, programming and operations of the park,” according to a city press release.
Previously, Aguirre led the parks and recreation departments in the District of Columbia and Seattle, Washington, the press release reads:
As part of the team in Washington D.C., Aguirre led an effort to successfully achieve national accreditation for the department. In Seattle, Aguirre was charged with the initial implementation of a new park district to infuse much-needed funding to improve service to community members, in addition to leading several initiatives to increase efficiency, access, equity and sustainability in the park system.
“We are pleased to welcome Jesús Aguirre to the city of Austin family,” Broadnax said. “He brings with him a proven track record of success and an obvious passion and dedication for creating vibrant, inclusive public spaces that are accessible to everyone in the community."
The PARD director oversees department operations, programs, facilities, and staff. Aguirre replaces previous PARD director Kimberly McNeeley, now CEO of the private nonprofit Trail Conservancy.
Aguirre currently serves as chair of the board for the National Recreation and Parks Association and the chair of the board of the Children and Nature Network and is a member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.
“I’m honored to join the Austin PARD team as we work to inspire Austinites to connect, protect, learn and play,” Aguirre said. “Austin is at a pivotal moment of growth and change, and parks and recreation are essential to ensuring our communities remain healthy, vibrant and inclusive. I am excited to work with our community members to create spaces where everyone can thrive.”
