Parks and Recreation Director to Earn $200,000

Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Director Begins in December

PALM SPRINGS — On Dec. 9, Nicholas Gonzalez, the city of Ontario’s Recreation and Community Services Director, begins duties as the next Director of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation, City Manager Scott Stiles announced. Gonzalez’s annual compensation will be $201,264.

He replaces former Parks and Recreation Director Yvonne Wise who started in June 2022 and left on July 11. City leaders declined to say why she left.

Gonzalez has worked for the City of Ontario for 13 years, serving as the Recreation and Community Services Director since 2020.

With extensive experience in recreational and community services, Gonzalez brings strong operational background and leadership skills to his new position having overseen six Ontario community centers, a senior center, programming in more than 30 parks, a municipal golf course, management of a $17.5 million annual budget, and 37 full-time and 300 part-time employees. He started out as an intern with the City of Ontario’s Economic Development Agency in 2012 — and worked his way up to Administrative Analyst in the City Manager’s Office. In 2018 he was promoted to Community Life & Culture Officer, overseeing major citywide special events, arts and culture initiatives.

“Nicholas Gonzalez’s experience in capital projects, master planning and overseeing special events will serve the city extremely well. He is also familiar with Palm Springs and loves our community,” said Stiles, “I am confident his training and qualifications will help him make a positive impact at Palm Springs Parks and Recreation and we are delighted to welcome him to the executive management team.”

Gonzalez holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of La Verne and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the California Park & Recreation Society and the National Recreation and Park Association.

“I’m honored to have been selected to lead the team at Palm Springs Parks and Recreation and I’m looking forward to meeting the Staff and connecting with the community,” said Gonzalez, “Palm Spring prides itself as being one of the most welcoming and inclusive communities in the nation, and I am beyond excited to come work for a city that shares my values and vision.”

In his spare time Gonzalez loves travel and is a proud parent to his canine “Forever Friend” friend Jessie, a miniature pinscher.