City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced that Jesús Aguirre has been selected as the new Director of the City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department. Aguirre brings over 25 years of experience in parks and recreation, having previously led departments in Washington D.C. and Seattle. He has a strong background in public and non-profit leadership and public education.

Aguirre’s notable achievements include leading efforts to achieve national accreditation for the parks department in Washington D.C. and implementing a new park district in Seattle to improve community services. He also served as CEO of Waterloo Greenway in Austin, overseeing a 35-acre urban park system.

Aguirre holds a master’s degree in business administration from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree in biology/pre-medicine from the University of Texas at Austin. He is an avid park user and a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE).

Aguirre expressed his excitement about joining the Austin PARD team and working to create inclusive and vibrant public spaces for the community. “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.”