ARIZONA NEWS

West Valley city opens first parks and recreation department in its history, hires director

Dec 22, 2023, 4:00 PM | Updated: 4:21 pm

New parks and recreation department for city of El Mirage...

El Mirage Parks and Recreation Director Sean VonRoenn started work on Dec. 6. (City of El Mirage Photo)

(City of El Mirage Photo)

PHOENIX — One West Valley city just opened its first parks and recreation department.

El Mirage Parks and Recreation Director Sean VonRoenn started work on Dec. 6, according to a Thursday announcement.

The Colorado transplant has 25 years of experience in programming, facilities management and executive management, with a career that spans states as far away as Florida and New Hampshire.

“El Mirage presents a unique opportunity to serve in a well-established community, while also working to build something new that will enhance our mission,” VonRoenn said in a statement. “I look forward to hearing feedback on moving forward together and maximizing our recreational assets in El Mirage.”

His new job puts him in charge of planning, developing and operating the city’s parks, events, open spaces and recreation programs.

Why did the city of El Mirage create a new parks and recreation department?

The decision to open up the new department came after two years of research and preparation. The city conducted a citizen’s survey and a facility needs assessment. It also developed a plan for parks, recreation and open space.

After all this outreach, city leaders decided there was a need to expand recreational services by creating the new department. Previously, recreation was a division under the Public Works Department, but now it’s fully independent.

“Creating a new department and utilizing Sean’s experience to lead it will certainly enhance the physical, social, cultural and environmental well-being of the community,” City Manager Crystal Dyches said in a statement. “He is a tremendous asset to our team, and we invite the community to join us in welcoming him.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

This rendering shows what the Mesa Grandview Business Park will look like upon completion. (Photo v...

Serena O'Sullivan

Construction starts on 270,000-square-foot industrial development in Mesa’s Falcon District

Several companies related to the Mesa Grandview Business Park gathered with city officials for the groundbreaking of the industrial development.

5 hours ago

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning...

David Veenstra

CarMax hiring for new West Valley reconditioning and auction center

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning and auction center in the West Valley on Thursday.

6 hours ago

Emergency air medical base opens at Abrazo West Campus Goodyear...

Serena O'Sullivan

New emergency helicopter base opens at West Valley hospital

A new emergency air medical base in Goodyear will expand the presence of life-saving care provider Air Methods, the company said on Wednesday.

8 hours ago

DOGE access lawsuit...

KTAR.com

Arizona to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

Arizona is about 12 states that plan to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

9 hours ago

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay on Thursday during an event to ...

Kevin Stone

Arizona governor calls for pay raise for firefighters while honoring those who battled LA wildfires

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay while honoring the task force members who helped battle the Los Angeles wildfires.

12 hours ago

free wigs...

Kevin Stone

Arizona cancer support group opening free wig salon in Phoenix

An Arizona cancer support organization is launching an initiative to provide patients and survivors experiencing hair loss with free wigs.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

West Valley city opens first parks and recreation department in its history, hires director