Arlington Names Gary Packan as Parks, Recreation & Culture Director

Published on October 21, 2025

Gary Packan, an experienced parks and recreation professional with more than 20 years of executive and management experience, has been named the City of Arlington’s new Parks, Recreation & Culture director. He will join Arlington on Nov. 17.

Most recently, Packan served as the City of Denton’s Parks and Recreation director, a leadership role he has held since 2018. There, he oversaw a department with a $27 million budget, more than 300 employees and Denton’s 5,500-acre park system. Before moving to Denton, Packan served as an assistant director for Arlington Parks & Recreation from 2007 to 2018.

“We are excited to welcome Gary back to Arlington. He has an exemplary track record of entrepreneurial and innovative efforts, managing successful programs and events, and building strong relationships within the community,” City Manager Trey Yelverton said.

Arlington is home to 100 parks, six recreation centers, four public golf courses, numerous open spaces, miles of hike and bike trails, a recreational lake and other amenities designed to enhance the quality of life in The American Dream City. Arlington Parks and Recreation has been recognized continuously at the state and national level through the years, including earning the prestigious Texas Gold Medal Award from the Texas Recreation and Park Society in 2023.

 “Arlington Parks and Recreation has so much to offer the community, whether you enjoy golf, fishing or frisbee golf or you prefer water aerobics, indoor pickleball or line dancing classes. I look forward to once again being a part of the dedicated team of men and women who work every day to make Arlington’s parks and recreational spaces special for both residents and visitors,” Packan said.

Before his tenure in Arlington, Packan’s other key leadership roles include serving as an assistant city manager in Sandusky, Ohio and the parks and recreation director in Huron, Ohio.

Packan, a certified parks and recreation professional, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Recreation Administration and a Master of Education in Recreation and Leisure Services from Bowling Green State University.