The City of Austin has selected Jesús Aguirre as its new director of the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), effective January 13, 2025. With over 25 years of experience in public parks, nonprofit leadership and public education, Aguirre brings a wealth of expertise to Austin. He has previously led parks and recreation departments in Washington, D.C. and Seattle, where he developed innovative strategic visions and achieved notable successes in both cities.
Aguirre’s appointment comes after a national search and community input sessions, where Austin residents had the opportunity to meet the three finalists for the position. As director of PARD, Aguirre will be responsible for overseeing department operations, programs, facilities, and staff, ensuring that Austin’s parks continue to meet the needs of its growing and diverse population.
“I am honored to join the incredible Austin PARD team, which has already achieved much as a national leader in our field,” said Aguirre in a statement. “From earning CAPRA accreditation to being selected as the host of the 2026 Greater Greener Conference, the team’s dedication to excellence and innovation is evident. These accomplishments, along with their ongoing leadership in connecting children to nature and fostering inclusive community spaces, set a high standard for parks and recreation across the country.”
Aguirre’s leadership experience includes overseeing large-scale park systems, driving equity and sustainability initiatives, and securing national accreditation for the Washington, D.C. Parks and Recreation Department. In Seattle, he helped launch a new park district, securing critical funding for improvements while advancing the city’s goals for access, equity, and environmental sustainability.
In addition to his experience in Washington, D.C. and Seattle, Aguirre most recently served as CEO of Waterloo Greenway, a nonprofit organization responsible for a 35-acre urban park system in downtown Austin, Texas. There, he led the development and execution of initiatives that connected people with nature and culture while managing fundraising, partnerships, and park operations.
Aguirre also holds leadership roles with several national organizations. He is the current chair of the National Recreation and Parks Association and the Children and Nature Network. He is also a member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. He is a certified Parks and Recreation Executive and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Pre-Medicine from the University of Texas at Austin.
According to a press release, Aguirre is an avid user of parks himself and looks forward to working with the Austin community to ensure parks remain vibrant, inclusive, and accessible to all.
