City of Lawton names new Parks and Recreation director

Larry Parks has been named the new Parks and Recreation director of the City of Lawton.

Prior to assuming his position as the Director of Parks and Recreation, Parks served in the Department of Defense as a senior supply manager for the Fort Sill Logistics Readiness Center for six years. Larry is also a veteran of the U.S. Army as an active-duty senior noncommissioned officer with over 30 years of experience in leadership, logistics, and sustainment operations. He has served at several senior echelons of the U.S. Army, according to a press release from the City of Lawton.

Park’s military service included tours in Europe, Korea, and Japan, as well as combat tours in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Somalia, Haiti, Cuba, and Afghanistan. He has earned Several Senior Logistics Certifications, and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Administrative and Business Management from Park University.

He will succeed Christine James, who became the City of Lawton’s Internal Auditor earlier this year.

“It’s exciting,” Parks said. “I may have the opportunity to influence someone to stay here, or to come back to Lawton like I did.”

Parks emphasized his readiness to connect with community members.

“I am here to serve my community,” Parks said. “Don’t be afraid to come and see me, I am very approachable.”

As the Parks and Recreation Director, Larry will oversee the department’s operations, review policies and procedures to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of divisions such as Arts and Humanities, Sports and Aquatics, Recreation Services, Lakes, Parks Maintenance, Cemetery, Landscape Maintenance, Building Maintenance and RSVP.

Parks is originally from Muskogee. He is married to the former Ms. Leslie White, and they have three children.