Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Tommy Barrett is the Director of the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department for the City of Aurora, Colorado. With extensive expertise in municipal parks and recreation management, he oversees the strategic planning, development, and operations of the city's diverse system of parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As Director of the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department, Tommy is responsible for leading a team of over 150 full-time employees and managing an annual budget of $35 million. Under his leadership, the department has achieved national recognition, earning the prestigious Gold Medal Award from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration for excellence in parks and recreation management. Key contributions include:
- Spearheading the development of a comprehensive 10-year master plan to guide the city's parks and recreation priorities, resulting in significant increases in funding and community engagement.
- Overseeing the successful completion of several high-profile capital projects, including the $18 million renovation of the Aurora Sports Park and the $9 million expansion of the Morrison Nature Center.
- Driving innovative programming and partnerships to enhance recreational offerings, including the launch of the city's first adaptive sports league and the establishment of a community garden initiative.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Tommy served as the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Denver, where he played a pivotal role in the city's award-winning parks system. He has also held positions as a Parks and Recreation Specialist for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and as a Recreation Coordinator for the City of Lakewood, Colorado.
Academic Background
Tommy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management and a Master of Public Administration, both from the University of Colorado Denver. He is an active member of the National Recreation and Park Association and has been recognized as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) by the National Certification Board.
Areas of Expertise
- Parks and recreation master planning
- Facility management and operations
- Community engagement and partnerships
- Budget administration and resource allocation
- Innovative program development and implementation
- Sustainable land management and environmental stewardship
Professional Impact
Through his leadership, Tommy has made significant contributions to the advancement of parks and recreation services in the City of Aurora and the broader Colorado community. Under his guidance, the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department has consistently achieved high levels of customer satisfaction, with over 90% of residents reporting satisfaction with the city's parks and recreational offerings.
Conclusion
With a proven track record of success in municipal parks and recreation management, Tommy Barrett is a respected industry leader committed to enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Aurora, Colorado. His strategic vision, collaborative approach, and commitment to innovation make him a valuable asset to the city and a respected voice in the field of parks and recreation.
