The city of Umatilla has hired a new Parks and Recreation director, manager and three coordinators to the recently established department.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department started in June 2022 with a volunteer team, but effective Aug. 1, it is fully staffed, including existing staff with the marina and recreational vehicle Park and the Big River Golf Course. The new director, Esmeralda Perches, is a Umatilla resident with experience in public service.
Umatilla City Manager Dave Stockdale said in a press release he is excited about the new staff and the experience the additional members bring to the team.
“As our community grows, so does our need to meet our residents’ expectations of quality-of-life services provided, especially from our Parks offerings,” he said in the release. “Our new team brings more than 50 years of combined community-engagement experience and local community relationships.”
Meet the director
Perches in the press release said she plans to build on the department’s 2021 master plan for the parks, which includes facility improvements and community-driven programming. She also hopes to strengthen the department’s relationships with local organizations, the release said.
Her journey working for the city of Umatilla started as an accounts payable/building permit clerk. She has held many roles since, including community development coordinator, recreation and development manager and senior accountant.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in human development and family sciences from Oregon State University and will pursue certification as a certified parks and recreation professional, the release said.
To combat recent staff turnover and maintain department stability, the release said, Perches aims to foster a positive work environment with career advancement opportunities, flexible hours and informal recognition. The goal is to expand park facility offerings and to build upon a legacy of well-maintained, accessible parks and recreational facilities that enrich community life, promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and community engagement.
Meet the manager
Luke Romero is the city’s new Parks and Recreation manager, and was an original members of the parks department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications from Idaho State University, a baster’s in business administration from the University of Colorado and has completed the National Recreation and Parks Association’s Event Management School. Romero has eight years of youth sports coaching and two years of kayak instructor experience. Furthermore, he is pursuing certification as a parks and recreation professional.
Romero has lived in Umatilla for five years and has been a coordinator for the department for more than two years. The release said his background in supply chain logistics management as well as his prior departmental experience have prepared him for this new role.
According to the release, Romero plans to expand recreational programs, introduce a diverse portfolio of activities and enhance community engagement through outreach and surveys, collaborations and volunteerism.
New coordinators
The city also hired three new coordinators forthe department. Marla Martens, Kimberly Macias and Carrie Holmes will be helping to organize community events and fill the holes from previous staff members leaving.
“It is an exciting time for Umatilla,” Stockdale said in the press release, “and our new Parks team has all the skills, experience, local knowledge, education and relationships to realize immediate success.”
