Texas Recreation and Park Society names Rich DePalma executive director

The Texas Recreation and Park Society has appointed Rich DePalma as executive director after a nationwide search, tapping a longtime parks, public affairs and nonprofit leader to help guide education, advocacy and member services across Texas. DePalma steps in with more than 20 years of experience and a long history of involvement with TRAPS and Austin-area civic groups.

Why it matters: - TRAPS is choosing a leader with deep experience in parks and recreation, public engagement and nonprofit work. - The appointment comes as the statewide group looks to strengthen education, advocacy, professional development and member services for parks and recreation professionals in Texas. - DePalma’s background in public projects and community outreach could help the organization connect professional needs with local funding and facility planning.

What happened: - The Texas Recreation and Park Society announced Rich DePalma as its new executive director on July 17, 2026. - TRAPS said its Board of Directors unanimously selected DePalma after a nationwide recruitment process. - Board President Aaron Dobson said DePalma brings the experience, relationships and strategic leadership needed to build on the organization’s foundation. - DePalma said he is honored to serve and wants to listen to members while working with staff and partners to expand TRAPS’ value.

The details: - DePalma has more than 20 years of experience in parks and recreation, public affairs, strategic consulting, community engagement, nonprofit leadership and public-sector initiatives. - Before joining TRAPS, DePalma was a vice president with FGM Architects. - At FGM Architects, he worked with communities across Texas on public projects, including parks and recreation facilities. - His work included strategic planning, public engagement, partnerships and identifying traditional and alternative funding opportunities for public projects. - DePalma had already been active in TRAPS before the appointment. - He most recently served on the TRAPS Legislative Committee. - He also supported TRAPS through professional presentations and organizational sponsorship. - DePalma is a frequent speaker at the Texas Recreation and Park Society Institute and the National Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference. - DePalma serves as board president of the Barton Springs Conservancy. - He also serves on the advisory board of Hispanic Professionals in Parks and Recreation. - His prior civic and nonprofit leadership includes vice chair of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board, president of the TreeFolks Board of Directors, board member of the Austin Parks Foundation and co-founder of Friends of Dick Nichols Park. - DePalma has also served on public advisory bodies focused on sustainability, conservation, community development and public investment. - TRAPS describes itself as a statewide professional organization that advances quality of life in Texas through parks, recreation and leisure opportunities. - The society says it supports professionals through education, professional development, advocacy, networking, leadership opportunities and the exchange of ideas and best practices. - TRAPS included a LinkedIn link for more information: the organization’s LinkedIn page.

Between the lines: - The choice signals continuity, not a reset, because DePalma already has ties to TRAPS and to Texas parks and recreation circles. - His mix of consulting, civic leadership and public-project experience suggests the board wants an executive director who can work across government, nonprofits and community stakeholders. - The emphasis on advocacy, funding and public engagement points to a broader mission than internal administration alone.

What's next: - DePalma will lead TRAPS as it continues its work on education, advocacy, professional development and member support. - His existing relationships with TRAPS members, Texas communities and statewide parks organizations may shape the group’s next phase of outreach and programming.

The bottom line: - TRAPS is betting on a seasoned insider with broad civic credentials to guide the organization’s next chapter in Texas parks and recreation.