Outdoor Enthusiast and Long-term Public Service Professional Returns to Salt Lake County to Lead Parks, Golf, and Recreation

Salt Lake County, UT - Salt Lake County is pleased to announce Chris Otto as the Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation division director.

"Our parks, trails, open spaces, recreation centers, ice centers, and golf courses are well loved and much desired by Salt Lake County residents and guests. Chris' previous government experience, with Salt Lake County and other branches of government, will ensure continued stewardship and preservation of these incredible resources and amenities," said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. "Chris rejoins the Salt Lake County team at an exciting time. With the recently launched My County Rec Pass to the possibility of us hosting the winter Olympics, the opportunities to connect community members with recreation are plentiful."

A public servant for nearly twenty years, Otto's experience spans the state, county, and municipal levels of government. Otto earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah Otto and regularly enjoys the many recreation options Salt Lake County has to offer. Early in his career, Otto gravitated toward operations performance and process improvement with Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. He has only deepened that expertise since then, and his leadership and program evaluation skills will enhance the division's ability to improve operations and structure, and further enhance workplace culture.

"Chris brings a wealth of experience to this position that will positively inform maintenance, renovations, and new projects that align with indoor and outdoor recreation interests around the valley," Community Services Department Director Robin Chalhoub said. "We're really excited to have Chris join the "fun department."

"I am excited to serve as Parks and Recreation director and to reunite with several of my former County colleagues in this new capacity," said Otto. "It's been remarkable to see how the division has evolved with enhanced regional park options and programs like My County Rec Pass. I look forward to working with a great team to realize even more access for all county residents."

Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation operates and maintains 19 pools, 21 recreation, aquatic, and ice centers, six golf courses, four ice sheets, four licensed childcare programs, 24 neighborhood parks, 42 regional parks, thousands of open space acres, more than 350 miles of trails, and a historic working farm. More information: slco.to/parks-rec.