What's happening
The first public town hall will be held March 11 at the Northwest Recreation Center at 2913 Northland Drive, Austin starting at 6 p.m. More events may be added in the future.
In a news release, the city said community members can weigh in on the Parks and Recreation Department's operations and share their thoughts on possible improvements. More information about the session is available online.
"We cannot achieve excellence unless we listen to the the people we serve," Aguirre said in a statement. "I look forward to meeting community members and hearing what they have to say about the parks, trails, facilities and programs we offer."
In addition to the in-person event, residents can also provide feedback through an online survey.
How we got here
Aguirre was named director of Austin's parks department late last year following a national search. He stepped in as permanent parks director following the exit of Kimberly McNeely, who left the role last spring, and her successor Angela Means, who led the department on an interim basis until Aguirre's hire. His full application can be viewed here.
Aguirre was chosen out of three finalists and hired on a $235,000 salary, plus benefits. He officially started in the role mid-January overseeing the parks department and its $180 million operating budget. His past experience includes time leading Washington and Seattle's parks departments, as well as the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy in Austin, and serving on the National Recreation and Parks Association board.
