The city of Bothell announced John Keates as the Parks and Recreation Director on April 24.

This is a new position created to further advance Parks and Recreation services in the city. Keates has an extensive background in parks. Coming from Mason County, where he currently serves as Parks, Facilities and Trails director, he has also worked for Metro Parks in Tacoma, the city of Enumclaw, and the city of Chelan.

Keates is a member of the Washington Recreation and Parks Association (WRPA), the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), the Capital Bicycle Club and the Shelton Rotary Club. He has served on the board of directors for WRPA, Enumclaw Rotary, Shelton Rotary and the Washington State Trails Coalition and has also served as Legislative Chairman for WRPA.

Keates is passionate about conservation, open space, parks, recreation and trails.

“We’re eager to have him join us and lead Bothell’s ongoing efforts to keep building and improving upon our wonderful parks system,” said Assistant City Manager Peter Troedsson.

Keates’s first day at work will be May 11.