Crawford to Lead Palm Springs Parks Department

PALM SPRINGS —  Cynthia Crawford,  deputy director of San Bernardino’s Parks and Recreation, has been chosen to be the
next Director of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation, City Manager David H. Ready announced Thursday, Jan. 10.

Cynthia Crawford

She replaces Vicki Oltean who retired in December after 38 years working for the city.

Crawford begins in Palm Springs on Tuesday, Jan. 22. She comes to Palm Springs after having worked for San Bernardino’s Parks and Recreation Department since 2005.

In San Bernardino, she managed Parks and Recreation personnel, coordinated program development, community activities, special events, in-service training programs, the development of service delivery systems and preparation of the department budget, according to a News Release.

“Cynthia Crawford has an excellent background leading Parks and Recreation services and identifying the needs of residents and visitors,” Ready said in a prepared statement. “We are thrilled she will bring her wealth of knowledge to the city of Palm Springs and I am excited to welcome her to the executive management team at City Hall.”

Crawford graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Administration from Cal State University, Long Beach. She holds a Masters in Business Administration from Cal State University, San Bernardino.

“Palm Springs is known around the world as a world-class, inclusive city that welcomes everyone and is a fantastic destination to live, work and play,” Crawford said in a prepared statement. “I am honored to be chosen to lead the City’s Parks and Recreation department into a new era and I look forward to meeting my new team and the residents of this vibrant city that truly is like no place else.”

According to the job description listed with Ralph Andersen and Associates, Crawford will oversee 27 full-time staff and a budget of $5.7 million. She is responsible for ensuring overall accountability for effective operations and control of the city’s recreation programs including parks and recreation, athletics and aquatics, youth services, facility rentals, contracts classes and services, cultural programs, golf course, parades and events, and facility and recreation management and maintenance programs.

Additionally, Crawford will oversee departmental fiscal policies and budgets, strategic planning, and develop and encourage a positive working environment.

The annual salary range for this position is up to $166,992, depending on experience and qualifications.