Zimmerman out at Parks & Rec Dept.

BROOKINGS — Brookings is looking for a new head of the Parks and Rec department after former director Kristin Zimmerman resigned abruptly last month.

Zimmerman, who spent three years running the department, submitted her resignation as director of the City of Brookings Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department in early June. Deputy City Manager Johnny Mays is serving as interim department head, effective June 20.

Zimmerman took over the department in late May 2023. She was hired after a nationwide search and moved to Brookings from Arizona, bringing with her nearly 25 years of experience in recreation programming, parks administration and natural resource management.

According to a release from the city: During her tenure, she implemented and oversaw major investments in parks, trails and facilities, including water sourcing at Edgebrook Golf Course and the transfer of the Fifth Street Gym. With the forestry team, she implemented a proactive response to the arrival of emerald ash borer and encouraged residents to plant trees using the city’s reimbursement program. Most recently, she spearheaded a four-day visit by The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

In response to queries from The Brookings Beacon, Mays said the city “Does not yet have a timeline for the search process, but is committed to moving forward in a timely manner.”
Mays also said the departure would not affect the timeline of the Edgebrook water project, which is underway, or the future of the Dacotah Bank Center — where the City Council is slated to take first action no later than Aug. 31, Mays said.

City Manager Paul Briseno expressed gratitude for Zimmerman’s service to Brookings.

“We’re thankful for Kristin’s many contributions to the city and our community, and we appreciate her advocacy for inclusivity and all things related to parks, recreation and forestry,” he said in a statement.
According to the city, they will begin working through the next steps of filling the position. “Our Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department is vital to the exceptional quality of life we enjoy in Brookings, and therefore the search for the next leader will be important,” Briseno said.

Zimmerman did not respond to a Beacon request for comment.

Linehan is the Beacon’s managing editor and welcomes story tips and comments at BrookingsBeacon@@gmail.com