The Abilene Parks and Recreation Board voted to install Gary Grubbs as chair and Lee Black as vice chair during its meeting in Chambers.

Board members discussed the board’s term limit for the chair, which is set in the parks board bylaws at five consecutive years. Members noted the rule requires a one-year break before a former chair may serve again. After a public hearing, a member nominated Grubbs and another seconded; the board approved the nomination by voice vote. The board then nominated and approved Lee Black for vice chair by voice vote.

The board stressed the role’s duties include conducting meetings, overseeing agendas, attending community meetings tied to parks projects and serving as a point of contact for staff when issues arise between meetings. Board members noted that the chair’s role also carries institutional memory that can help guide the agenda and community outreach.

Gary Grubbs, newly elected chair, thanked the board for its confidence. “I’m glad to be able to help in any way I can. So, I appreciate the confidence,” Grubbs said.

Members also welcomed a newly seated board member, Ross, who introduced himself as executive director of Habitat for Humanity and said his work aligns with parks located in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods.

No roll-call vote was recorded in the meeting transcript; approvals were taken by voice vote with members saying “aye.”