News Flash

Parks and Recreation

Posted on: April 4, 2023

John Whitmore Retirement

Head Shot of John

Happy Trails!

After 22 years of service to the Denton community, and over 40 in the industry, Parks Planning Manager, John Whitmore is retiring.

John has contributed to the park, recreation, and leisure field in many ways ranging from the community level to national level programs. As the Chair-Elect, Chair, and Past Chair of the National Certification Board for the National Recreation and Park Association, John helped to develop and implement the Certified Park and Recreation Executive certification program. A program that helps to set best practices for professionals in the industry to ensure they are knowledgeable in their field, continuing education, and meeting high standards. John also literally helped write the book on aquatics, serving as a lead author for the Aquatic Facility Operator instruction manual and training materials and the Model Aquatic Health Code. John also led the Denton Water Works Park design and construction team.

John has won numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to the field including, the National Recreation and Park Association Distinguished Recreation Professional in 2011 and The DFW Director’s Association Distinguished Professional Award for 2022.

It is hard, to sum up in a few sentences just how impactful John’s career has been not only for the community of Denton but also for the Parks and Recreation Industry as a whole. We wish John the best in his new adventure and will miss him greatly!  

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