Lake Elsinore Hires New Director to Lead Community Services Department

The following is a news release from the city of Lake Elsinore:

Last week, the City of Lake Elsinore welcomed its newest Director to oversee the City’s new Community Services Department.

The Community Services Department was formed earlier this year and includes parks, special events and recreation programs within the City. Johnathan Skinner comes to the City of Lake Elsinore with nearly 30 years of experience in parks and recreation roles including his most recent position working for Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve as the Director of Parks and Recreation.

“The Community Services Department is a crucial part of our efforts to elevate the quality of life for our community by providing essential recreational amenities and programs our residents can enjoy,” said City Manager Grant Yates. “Johnathan has the experience, energy and enthusiasm we need to build upon our existing programs and create new opportunities to have fun in our community.”

The Community Services Department is responsible for a variety of activities including park development, acquisition, and rehabilitation; recreation programs; special events; youth, senior and volunteer services; and the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

Skinner has worked in the recreation departments for several public agencies, including the City of Reno, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, Incline Village General Improvement District in Nevada, and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. While serving as Director of Parks and Recreation in his last job, he managed a 190-acre Regional Park and Campground, 19 employees, 60 volunteers. While holding this position, he helped increase park fund revenues by more than $1 million and attracted 25,000 new visitors to the campground in just two years. The campground also received national awards for excellence during his tenure with the organization.

“I have a passion for park and recreation programs and I am excited to bring this passion to the City of Lake Elsinore to make a difference in this community,” said new Director of Community Services, Johnathan Skinner. “We have a unique opportunity to grab on to our vision to ‘Dream Extreme’ and bring to reality.”

The Director of Community Services position became vacant after long-time Lake, Parks and Recreation Director Pat Kilroy retired in May. Following his retirement, the City restructured the Lake, Parks and Recreation Department. The Community Services Department now oversees parks and recreation operations for the City and the Public Works Department oversees the Lake.