County staff propose merging tourism manager role into Parks & Recreation to grow events and countywide tourism

County staff proposed restructuring tourism functions by placing an economic‑development/tourism manager role under the Parks & Recreation division overseen by Tiffany Walker, the parks director. The proposed structure organizes responsibilities into three prongs: special events and tourism development, recreation and athletics programming, and facilities management.

Staff said the change would create an exempt‑level manager who would supervise a program coordinator and recreation associates, centralize event coordination, and allow the county to better market and schedule attractions at county venues such as Rockland Park and Bing Crosby facilities. Staff emphasized that tourism development is closely tied to Parks & Recreation because many visitor activities use county parks and facilities.

The proposal includes recruiting for a program coordinator vacancy (the position became vacant April 1) and budgeting already‑approved part‑time positions to support program growth. Staff gave examples including a proposed fall festival at Rockland Park, expanded pool programming and greater use of outdoor facilities for concerts and events, and said they are exploring grants and partnerships to help pay for improvements.

Why it matters: blending tourism with Parks & Recreation is intended to focus staff expertise on marketing, event delivery and facility stewardship so tourism growth funnels to county venues and local businesses. No formal hiring decisions were taken at the meeting; supervisors discussed timing for hires in the context of an incoming county administrator and whether to pause certain director‑level hires pending that appointment.

Direct quotes in this article come from Tiffany Walker and county staff during the presentation.