Pierce County Council unanimously confirms Travis Buell as parks and recreation director

The Pierce County Council on Tuesday confirmed Travis Buell as director of the county's Parks and Recreation Services Department, approving Resolution R2025-148 by a 7-0 roll-call vote.

The appointment, made by the Pierce County executive and reviewed by the council's Community Development and Environment Committee, installs Buell to oversee about 5,200 acres of parkland and the department's facilities and programs.

The resolution matters because the parks department manages a large and visible set of community assets — 44 park sites including three recreation centers, ballfields, trails and other facilities — at a time when council members said they want faster capital delivery, more geographic equity and clearer prioritization of projects.

Ms. Long, council staff, told the council the confirmation process follows the charter and county code: "Section 3 30 of the Pierce County Charter provides that except for those positions filled by election, the executive shall appoint the chief officer of each executive department. Those appointments by the executive are subject to confirmation by a majority of the council." She also noted the department's codified duties under the county code.

Executive Mello introduced Buell and described the selection as the result of a "robust multi step review and interview process" that included internal staff and external partners. Mello said Buell is a "certified parks and recreational professional through the National Recreation and Parks Association" with more than 20 years of experience and recent senior roles in Seattle, Kitsap County and other jurisdictions.

Buell told the council he has already begun meeting staff and partners since starting in an acting capacity, and emphasized service and equity. "I will show up every single day for you, for the executive team, for my staff, and the people of Pierce County with humility, integrity, and a relentless focus on service," he said.

Council members praised Buell's early engagement with neighbors and staff and framed priorities for the department. Council member Murrell said one large task will be shortening the time between planning and delivery and pursuing "geographic equity" to make parks and recreational space available across the county rather than concentrating resources in a few locations. Other members urged affordable, easy-to-maintain options such as sandlot-style play fields and faster capital project execution.

The council confirmed the appointment after a public comment period with no speakers. The clerk recorded seven ayes and zero nays, and council members invited Buell forward for a photograph.

What the council adopted is limited to confirmation of the executive's appointment; future budget and capital decisions remain subject to separate council review and appropriation.