This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Q&A With New Director of Edmonds Parks and Recreation

Returning to her hometown, Carrie Hite shares her goals and aspirations for her upcoming role.

The City of Edmonds welcomes Carrie Hite as the incoming director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. Approved unanimously for the position by the Edmonds City Council on Dec. 7, Hite will begin her new role on Jan. 10, 2011. Patch.com recently caught up with Hite, as she shared her goals for the New Year and a few of her favorite local spots.

What is your background? How did you first get interested in being involved in Parks and Recreation?

I have a solid foundation of both education and experience in parks and recreation and public service.  I first became interested in parks and recreation as a young adult.  I grew up as a very active youth, always playing sports, exploring the outdoors, enjoying parks, and realizing the benefits of parks and recreation.  I studied my undergraduate at Western Washington University in the parks and recreation program.  It provided a great foundation for me professionally.  I wandered around parks and recreation for a while (as sometimes 20-somethings do), working for the City of Bellingham and Tukwila.  I then went back to graduate school to further my skills in social work and public administration.  I have always been drawn to public service [and] wanting to make a difference.  I worked at the executive level of a nonprofit for six years, [and] then landed at the City of Kirkland for the past 10 years as the deputy director of Parks and Community Services. 

I understand that Edmonds is your hometown. What are your favorite Parks and Recreation memories from childhood? 

Find out what's happening in Edmondswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I remember spending lots of time at the beach, at Yost Pool, and playing fast pitch on the downtown fields.  I graduated from Woodway High School, and spent a lot of time on that campus involved in all sorts of school activities.

Do you have a favorite Edmonds park or open space?

All of Edmonds parks are such gems for the city. I think the city has done an excellent job acquiring land, preserving wetlands, and developing park land throughout the city.  I absolutely love all of the beachfront parks, and have spent a lot of time with my daughter exploring the beach and tide pools.   The only park I haven't visited is the Underwater Park.  I am a certified diver, but have not had the opportunity to dive and explore that particular park. 

What are your goals for 2011 (and beyond)? What do you hope to accomplish in your new role? 

Find out what's happening in Edmondswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I think that Edmonds has a very strong Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, and priority for quality of life in the city.  I feel fortunate to be able to step in and carry on that strong tradition.  That said, I think some ambitious goals have been established, and I see my role as helping to shape those goals to make them realities in Edmonds.  I would like to spend the first few months in this position just listening and learning from leaders in the community, the Mayor, City Council, boards and commission, [and] staff of the department.  I would like to create a work plan that focuses on a budget analysis, the projects on deck, developing relationships, and setting a strategic plan for the department.

Which ongoing projects will be getting your immediate attention? What projects are you most excited about?

Some of the projects that I understand have been identified this next year include Yost Pool and the aquatic feasibility study, the Old Mill Town Park, Dayton Street Plaza, , the Woodway site and budget analysis for the department.  I am sure this is not all-inclusive, and as soon as I land in Edmonds, I will have a chance to learn the priorities and what might need to capture my immediate attention.  What projects am I most excited about?  All of them! 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Edmonds