An experienced civic leader will take over a position leading and managing local outdoor and recreational activities, facilities, and spaces by the end of this month.

The Vancouver Parks and Recreation Board and the City of Vancouver announced on August 31 that Donnie Rosa will become the parks and recreation general manager on September 28.

Rosa will replace Malcolm Bromley, who retired after almost a decade in the position in May. Shauna Wilton will leave her position as the park board’s interim deputy general manager on September 4.

With over 25 years of parks and recreation experience, Rosa previously has served the City of Brampton’s recreation, culture, and theatre director and the City of Mississauga parks and recreation manager.

Rosa spent three years as the Vancouver Park Board’s recreation services and left in 2019 to become the City of Coquitlam’s parks, recreation, and culture general manager. As the park board’s recreation services director, Rosa was part of the team that negotiated the new community centre joint operating agreement.

Rosa also has work experience in mental health, homelessness, community development, and youth and seniors programming, and has also played professional ice hockey, has been inducted into hockey halls of fame, and coached for the Team Canada program in the International Ice Hockey Federation.

“I’m passionate about parks, recreation, community, seeking truth in reconciliation, as well as increasing access, equity, and taking action on climate issues,” Rosa stated in a news release.

Rosa is currently a director and president-elect of the B.C. Recreation and Parks Association, and a B.C. director for the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA).

During the pandemic, the park board has been progressively reopening various recreational spaces and facilities that were closed during the initial lockdown.