About Austin Parks and Recreation
Vision
Austin Parks and Recreation will be an innovative leader in parks and recreation experiences.
Mission
Inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places.
Director
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.
CAPRA
As part of our commitment for continuous improvement, Austin Parks and Recreation was one of the first park and recreation agencies in Texas to achieved national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). CAPRA recognizes park and recreation agencies for excellence in operation and service, and is the only body that accredits park and recreation agencies at a national level. Austin Parks and Recreation was first accredited in 2007 and has been re-accredited in 2012 and 2017. Achieving accreditation is our commitment to the citizens of Austin that we strive for continuous improvement. Come visit us! We invite you to explore the many services, amenities, facilities, and programs we offer.
Our Parks, Our Future
Austin Parks and Recreation's Long Range Plan provides a blueprint to guide land acquisition, capital improvements and the development of programs and new amenities for a decade of departmental operations. City Council adopted an ordinance amending the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan by adopting the Parks and Recreation Long Range Plan for Land, Facilities and Programs on November 14, 2019. Our Parks, Our Future was funded in part through contributions from the Austin Parks Foundation.