Evanston city manager Wally Bobkiewicz has appointed a new director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, the city announced Monday.

Lawrence Hemingway will assume the position at the department on Feb. 8, the city said in a news release. Hemingway currently serves as director for Parks and Recreation for Wayne County Parks in Westland, Michigan, where he has worked since 2010.

Hemingway has also served as the chief operating officer for the nonprofit Detroit PAL, which organizes youth sports leagues, and as general manager for Detroit’s Recreation department before holding his current position.

At WCP, Hemingway monitored a budget of over $17 million, managed personnel, coordinated special events and oversaw day-to-day operations, according to the release.

Evanston’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department primarily serves to maintain and sponsor events through the city’s 89 parks and six recreation centers, according to the city’s website.

“The City is fortunate to have a leader of Lawrence’s caliber join us in Evanston,” Bobkiewicz said in the release. “His experience in Michigan provides an excellent foundation for coming to our city and providing recreation services that match our community’s needs. I welcome Lawrence to our team.”

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