January 2024 - Parks & Recreation - 13

Rick Atkins
is director of
parks and
recreation
for City of
Round Rock,
Texas.
Gold Medal Award is the highest
national honor in the park and
recreation industry.
Atkins has instilled in his deexercise
and sports science. Atkins
joined the City of Round Rock in
1995 as a recreation supervisor. He
served in several leadership positions
until 2001, when he was selected
as the department's first assistant
director. In February 2005,
he was promoted to director of the
parks and recreation department.
During his 18-year tenure as
director, he has supervised and
spearheaded more than $125
million in capital improvement
projects. Many of the projects
have received national and statewide
recognition.
In
addition,
the
City of Round Rock has acquired
more than 1,300 acres of
parkland, an asset in growing
the city's recreation program and
economic development efforts.
In 2023, the community awarded
the department with $150 million
in bond funding for a series of
new projects toward continuous
community.
Under the direction of Atkins,
the parks and recreation department
has been awarded CAPRA
accreditation by NRPA. The City
of Round Rock has been reaccredited
three consecutive times.
In addition, his team was awarded
the National Gold Medal
Award for Excellence in Park and
Recreation Management. The
partment the importance of maintaining
a strong connection with
NRPA and the Texas Recreation
and Park Society (TRAPS). His
team regularly attends NRPA conferences
and training and is actively
involved with both organizations.
Team members serve on the
Conference Program Committee
and as CAPRA Visitors. A current
member of the team is serving as
the president of TRAPS. The department
understands the value of
involvement and the importance
of NRPA's Three Pillars, making
these a focal point for its purpose
to the City of Round Rock.
Atkins has a strong track record
and commitment to the field of
parks and recreation. The community
benefits from his commitment
and will continue to see and feel the
advantages of that commitment for
future generations.
Sean Johnson
Director, City of University Park
Parks and Recreation
University Park, Texas
Sean Johnson, director of parks
and recreation for the City of
University Park, is a transformational
park and recreation professional
with more than 25 years of
progressive experience in municipal
parks and recreation. His extensive
experience, his work with
elected officials to implement
community-driven initiatives, and
his openness to challenges have
given individuals the confidence
to pursue their passion.
Johnson's leadership
and
executive-level management skills
have given him the opportunity to
serve in large and small communities,
working to bridge the gap between
ideas and tangible action. In
2020, he was inducted as a fellow
of the American Academy for Park
and Recreation Administration.
Prior to this appointment
in
Johnson
2020,
served
as
managing director of
parks, recreation and
library services for
the City of Lancaster,
Texas, and led staff
through CAPRA accreditation.
He began
his park and recreation
career with the
City of Dallas Park
and Recreation Department
as a summer
youth leader. Upon attaining
his Bachelor of Science from Texas
Tech University, he began working
full time, excelling and advancing
to an executive-level manager.
Johnson has served on various
Sean Johnson serves
as the director of parks
and recreation for City of
University Park, Texas.
boards and committees on the national,
state and local level, advocating
for the preservation and development
of parks and recreation,
trails, and open spaces. These include
the National Recreation and
Park Ethnic Minority Society, the
Texas Recreation and Park Society,
the Dallas Park and Recreation
Board, and the National Forum for
Black Public Administrators North
Texas Chapter.
Johnson's passion for parks and
his commitment to improving the
quality of life for the communities
he serves has led him to support various
initiatives and help secure more
than $600 million in funding for
parkland development, recreational
facilities and programs.
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | J ANUAR Y 2 0 2 4 | Parks & Recreation
13
January 2024 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2024 - Parks & Recreation
