Sept. 16, 2008

Contact: Richard Symchak – 837-8032

PARKS DIRECTOR ELECTED TO LEAD REGIONAL RECREATION COUNCIL

Fred Gray, Tucson Parks and Recreation director, has been named Chair Elect for the

Pacific Southwest Regional Council of the National Parks and Recreation Association.

NRPA, comprised of more than 21,000 recreation professionals nationwide, is dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that promote healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives and conservation of natural and cultural resources.

He joined Tucson Parks and Recreation in September 2004, after a long recreation career in North Carolina that included 16 years with the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department and 13 years with the City of Belmont.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Park Administration in 1975 from North Carolina State University.

Gray is a past president and Fellow Award winner of the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association and is active with the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.