Kimberly Garrett elected to the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration
Kimberly Garrett, City of Georgetown Parks and Recreation director, has been elected as a fellow into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Garrett was inducted at the Academy’s virtual General Membership Meeting on Sept. 14, 2022.
“Kimberly’s dedication to parks and recreation is evident in her work in Georgetown, where she oversaw the development of many new trails and parks, the largest being Garey Park, which is the largest gift ever received in the City’s history,” said Assistant City Manager Laurie Brewer. “Her energy, teamwork, and professionalism make her a role model for staff and the community.”
The Academy is a group of distinguished practitioners and educators who are leaders in the parks and recreation profession. Members must have served for at least 15 years in a high level of administration in a park and recreation agency or as a recognized educator in parks and recreation administration, or they must manage a parks and recreation department for an agency with a population of more than 500,000. They also must have demonstrated outstanding ability in administration, management, or education in the profession; displayed broad interest with a direct service benefit to the advancement of public parks and recreation; or assumed leadership with a keen desire to contribute to the advancement of the field. The Academy is limited to 137 active members.
Established in 1980, the Academy was formed to advance knowledge related to the administration of recreation and parks; to support and encourage scholarly efforts by both practitioners and educators to enhance the practice of park and recreation administration; to promote broader public understanding of the importance of parks and recreation to the public good; and to conduct research, publish scholarly papers, and/or sponsor seminars related to the advancement of park and recreation administration.
“The Class of 2022 is a great addition to the Academy,” said President Bill Foelsch, Township of Morris, N.J. “The Academy is honored to induct Kimberly Garrett into its ranks. The Academy represents a diverse group of professionals and educators—all with superior career experience and a dedication to improving the quality of life through the provision of high-quality parks and recreation opportunities. We welcome our 2022 Fellows.”
View more information on the Academy.
About Kimberly Garrett
Kimberly Garrett has been the Parks and Recreation director for the City of Georgetown since 2006, overseeing more than 1,500 acres of parkland and facilities. She began her career with the City of Georgetown in 1995, serving in various capacities before becoming director. Under Garrett’s direction, the Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department received the Texas Recreation and Parks Society’s Distinguished Gold Medal Award in 2007, 2011, and 2017.
Garrett is an active member of the Texas Recreation and Parks Society, serving as President in 2020-21 and a member of the board of directors from 2016-19. She is also a member of National Recreation and Park Association, International City/County Management Association, and the Texas Municipal League. She serves as a mentor with both the Texas Recreation and Parks Society and the American Association of Park and Recreation Administration. She believes in investing in our young professionals who are our leaders of the future.
Garrett graduated from Texas A&M University, where she earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. She also attended NRPA’s inaugural Directors School in 2008.
Garrett is married to Lee Garrett, and they have two daughters. She is involved in numerous organizations in the community. She currently serves as chair of The Georgetown Project, where she has been an active board member since 2016. She is also a member of the church council at Christ Lutheran Church in Georgetown. Garrett enjoys working out, spending time with family, and being outdoors.
