Austin Parks and Recreation

Director Jesús Aguirre

Director of Austin Parks and Recreation Jesús Aguirre possesses 25 years of experience in public parks, nonprofit leadership, and public education. Aguirre previously led parks and recreation departments in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, where he developed innovative strategies and achieved significant successes in both cities.

Aguirre’s leadership has been marked by a commitment to equity and sustainability. In Washington, D.C., he led the department to national accreditation, while in Seattle, he helped launch a new park district, securing vital funding for park improvements. He most recently served as CEO of Waterloo Greenway, a nonprofit overseeing a 35-acre urban park system in downtown Austin, where he advanced initiatives that connected people with nature and culture.

Aguirre is an active leader in the parks and recreation field, serving as chair of both the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) and the Children and Nature Network (C&NN), and as a member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. He is also a certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE). Aguirre holds an MBA from Arizona State University and a BA in Biology and Pre-Medicine from the University of Texas at Austin. He is an avid park user and looks forward to collaborating with the Austin community to create vibrant, inclusive spaces for all.