Parks department leader McNeeley leaving city of Austin

Interim City Manager Jesús Garza announced in a memo to the mayor and City Council late Thursday that Kimberly McNeeley, director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, has submitted her resignation. He wrote, “After serving 14 years with the city of Austin in various roles, Director McNeeley has made the difficult decision to leave the organization. She will use the month of May to assist with the transition plan and will complete her tenure in early June.” Garza praised McNeeley for her “significant contributions to the development and growth of the department,” as well as her instrumental work during multiple emergency response efforts. In addition, he noted that she took on the difficult assignment of interim Animal Services Officer in 2019 and that she continues to advocate for adopting animals from the Animal Center. There has been a rumor that McNeeley was up for an executive position at the Trail Conservancy, but Garza’s memo does not mention that. It does say, “We know our Parks and Recreation programs and services play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for Austinites. Director McNeeley recognizes the importance of these resources and their impact on the community. She is excited to continue contributing to the growth and development of the park system, even as she moves on from her current role.”