John W. Coates has been appointed to the position of parks and recreation director for the city of Carlsbad.
“John's solid leadership and true passion for the parks and recreation field make him a wonderful addition to the city organization and the community,” said Carlsbad City Manager Lisa Hildabrand.
Coates, who will assume his new duties Jan. 4, was selected after an extensive nationwide recruitment to fill the position, which was left open when Brian Albright resigned in July. As parks and recreation director, Coates will oversee a broad range of programs and services that promote health and fitness, build a strong sense of community and encourage lifelong learning for all who live, work and play in Carlsbad.
The department manages all city recreational facilities, including the Monroe Street Pool, Carlsbad Senior Center, three community centers, a skate park, athletic fields and tennis courts. It also maintains 348 acres of city parks, civic landscapes and open space, as well as the extensive citywide trails system.
Coates brings more than 30 years of professional experience in the field, including serving as the director of community services for the city of Santee, a position he held since 2002. In this role, he oversaw a comprehensive recreation program, public works operations, landscape services, building maintenance and public information services.
Other experience includes serving as the director of parks and recreation for the city of Roanoke, Va.; the superintendent of recreation maintenance for the city of Norfolk, Va. and a parks district supervisor for the city of Virginia Beach, Va.
He also has worked as a regional manager for a national consulting firm providing strategic counsel to local government agencies, including business plans and organizational analyses.
The Encinitas resident holds a bachelor's degree in education from Virginia Tech and a Master of Public Administration degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk.
“John's solid leadership and true passion for the parks and recreation field make him a wonderful addition to the city organization and the community,” said Carlsbad City Manager Lisa Hildabrand.
Coates, who will assume his new duties Jan. 4, was selected after an extensive nationwide recruitment to fill the position, which was left open when Brian Albright resigned in July. As parks and recreation director, Coates will oversee a broad range of programs and services that promote health and fitness, build a strong sense of community and encourage lifelong learning for all who live, work and play in Carlsbad.
The department manages all city recreational facilities, including the Monroe Street Pool, Carlsbad Senior Center, three community centers, a skate park, athletic fields and tennis courts. It also maintains 348 acres of city parks, civic landscapes and open space, as well as the extensive citywide trails system.
Coates brings more than 30 years of professional experience in the field, including serving as the director of community services for the city of Santee, a position he held since 2002. In this role, he oversaw a comprehensive recreation program, public works operations, landscape services, building maintenance and public information services.
Other experience includes serving as the director of parks and recreation for the city of Roanoke, Va.; the superintendent of recreation maintenance for the city of Norfolk, Va. and a parks district supervisor for the city of Virginia Beach, Va.
He also has worked as a regional manager for a national consulting firm providing strategic counsel to local government agencies, including business plans and organizational analyses.
The Encinitas resident holds a bachelor's degree in education from Virginia Tech and a Master of Public Administration degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk.