KC Park Board announces new director

On Thursday, Oct. 14, Kansas City Park Board President Jack Holland announced the hiring of Chris Cotten as the new KC Parks director. The Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners met on October 11 and voted unanimously to hire Mr. Cotten, following a national search process carried out by the Board of Commissioners.

“We believe Chris Cotten will be an excellent leader for KC Parks operations, given his deep experience and skills developed while running parks systems in four other cities,” said KC Parks Board President Jack Holland.

Cotten is a park professional with over three decades of experience. He previously worked with KC Parks managing the Brush Creek Community Center. Cotten comes to the City of Kansas City, Mo., Parks and Recreation Department from Salina, Kan., where he served as the director since 2016.

Cotten will lead a nationally recognized parks system with 221 parks, 10 community centers and 48 fountains, among other amenities. KC Parks has recently created innovative initiatives such as the Quality of Life Investment District to bring more equity to our parks system.

Cotten’s background includes sports management and parks and recreation operations, including 16 years of experience as director in the cities of Salina, Kan., Normal, Ill., Joplin and Harrisonville, Mo.

Cotten oversaw the implementation of Salina’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan for future development of its system, including major improvements to Salina’s athletic fields complex and redevelopment of a soccer facility. He oversaw the construction and opening of the Salina Fieldhouse, which is a 68,500 square foot athletic facility and flagship of Salina’s Downtown Redevelopment Project. This facility has generated over $6 million in economic impact for the community.

Cotten was Joplin’s Parks Director when the 2011 tornado destroyed 35% of the city. He was tasked with rebuilding Joplin’s parks and an aquatic center.

He received his bachelor’s degree in Secondary & Physical Education from Drury University and a Master of Physical Education with an emphasis in Sport and Leisure Management. He is also a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.

The Board of Commissioners voted at its June 22 meeting to appoint Deputy Director Roosevelt Lyons as the Interim KC Parks Director to fill the position during a national search after former Director Terry Rynard retired July 6.

Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!
Enter your email address and click on the Get Instant Access button.
We respect your privacy

Comments are closed.

  • Federal grant goes to KC partners to address non-fatal shootings in city

    11 hours ago
    by

    By Abby Hoover Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker and Police Chief Stacey Graves announced Friday the award of a […]


    Rising rents leave more Kansas City tenants facing eviction

    11 hours ago
    by

    Two years after the end of a national eviction moratorium, landlords are still looking to make up for lost income. […]


    Kansas City Museum plans 10th Annual Dia de los Muertos celebration

    11 hours ago
    by

    By Abby Hoover, Managing Editor The Kansas City Museum is preparing to host its 10th Annual Dia de los Muertos […]


    The Adderall Shortage: Strategies to Help a Child with ADHD

    11 hours ago
    by

    Kansas City University, Sponsored Content Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects individuals of all ages, impacting their ability to focus, […]


    Local artist seeks community’s help after storm damages kiln at Back Door Pottery

    11 hours ago
    by

    Local artist Rebecca Koop is seeking help from her community after a storm damaged her pottery studio and outdoor kiln […]


    James Elementary organiza fiesta del barrio para unir a la comunidad del Noreste

    October 3rd, 2023
    by

    Daisy Garcia Montoya Estudiantes, padres y miembros de la comunidad se reunieron en el patio de James Elementary el Viernes, […]


    Movie Review of ‘Nelly Don: The Musical Movie’

    September 29th, 2023
    by

    By Dorri Partain, Contributor Opening at select art theaters across Kansas City on Friday, September 29, Nelly Don, The Musical […]


    I-35 shutdown due to cattle truck, SUV collission

    September 28th, 2023
    by

    If you are southbound on interstate 35 this morning headed for downtown, you may want to find an alternate route. […]


    Record numbers turn out for John V. Mesh Scholarship Fundraiser

    September 27th, 2023
    by

    Michael Bushnell Publisher Over 200 shooters turned out on a stormy Saturday morning at Powder Creek Shooting Park in Lenexa, Kan., […]


  • Nelly Don: The Musical debuts for local viewing

    September 27th, 2023
    by

    Dorri Partain Contributor A new, locally filmed production, “Nelly Don: The Musical” recounts the life of Nell Donnelly Reed, who found […]


    Mattie Rhodes opens health clinic to serve Jackson County’s Latinos population

    September 27th, 2023
    by

    Abby Hoover  Managing Editor Last Friday, Mattie Rhodes Center announced the grand opening of its health clinic that will provide […]


    Developers break ground on Columbus Park Townhomes

    September 27th, 2023
    by

    Abby Hoover Managing EditorMichael BushnellPublisher Developers broke ground on the long-awaited Columbus Park Townhomes project on Pacific Street Friday morning, […]


    Book Review: Mafia Dreams by Frank Hayde

    September 27th, 2023
    by

    Michael Bushnell Publisher As an amateur Kansas City historian, pretty much any book that offers a glimpse into the city’s past […]


    Scarritt School repurposing conversation continues

    September 21st, 2023
    by

    On Thursday, Sept. 21, Kansas City Public Schools’ (KCPS) Repurposing Initiative staff sent a message updating the community on the […]


    Bally’s Kansas City casino expansion opens

    September 20th, 2023
    by

    Abby Hoover  Managing Editor Bally’s Kansas City officially opened its land-based property expansion in the East Bottoms on Friday. The […]


    Truman Road pawn shop owner sentenced for $744,000 scheme to sell stolen items online

    September 20th, 2023
    by

    Criminal Conspiracy Profited Most During COVID Pandemic Abby Hoover  Managing Editor The owner of a Kansas City, Mo., pawn shop […]


    Families who rely on interpreters find Kansas City area schools can come up short

    September 20th, 2023
    by

    Federal law requires that schools provide interpretation for families. But technology glitches, tight budgets and staffing issues can pose barriers […]


    Familias  recurren a intérpretes consideran que las escuelas del área de Kansas City se quedan cortas

    September 20th, 2023
    by

    Ley federal requiere que escuelas ofrezcan interpretación a familias. Pero fallas de tecnología, presupuestos ajustados, y escasez de personal imponen […]


  • Northeast Newscast


  • Remember This?


  • Want articles sent directly to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!
    We respect your privacy and will not distribute your information.