City of Kyle hires new Parks and Recreation Director

The City of Kyle announced Tuesday that Mariana Espinoza is its new Parks and Recreation director. 

Espinoza was hired after long-time Parks and Recreation Director Kerry Urbanowicz retired. 

“With her nearly two decades of experience, plus her educational background, we see Mariana bringing a lot of new ideas and fresh energy to lead our very talented parks and recreation staff,” Chief of Staff Jerry Hendrix said in a statement. “We’re excited to welcome her to Team Kyle and look forward to her leadership of the department.”

Espinoza has worked in the municipal recreation field for approximately 20 years and was previously serving as the Parks and Recreation director for the City of Dripping Springs over the last two years, the city said in a statement. She has worked for two National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal Cities: the City of Austin and the City of Grand Prairie. 

Espinoza received a Bachelor of Science in Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Professional Development — Management from Dallas Baptist University. She is also a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and a Certified Aquatic Facility Operator. 

“I am very grateful for this opportunity to work with Team Kyle to serve the community and grow the Parks and Recreation Department and its services,” Espinoza said in a statement. 

Espinoza has received multiple awards from the Texas Recreation and Park Society and the National Recreation and Park Association. She’s published several articles in national parks and recreation publications. She serves on TRAPS committees and for the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administrators Externship Program.