Bell Stepping Down As WilCo Parks And Rec Director

AUSTIN, TX — Senior director of Parks and Recreation Randy Bell will be leaving the county at the end of July after nine years with Williamson County, officials said Tuesday.

After 36 years working in parks, Bell will take on the title of pastor and step into the role of minister in the Granbury, Texas, area, officials said. Bell has spent his life working in parks starting with Lake Brownwood State Park while working on his bachelor’s degree in recreation from Howard Payne University, according to a county-provided bio. He later earned a Master of Agriculture in Natural Resources Development from Texas A&M University, working in various Texas state parks along the way.

In 1995, he was promoted to regional director for the Central North district of Texas Parks and Wildlife. Bell worked for Texas Parks and Wildlife for 27 years, "...leaving a lasting impression on the region and was honored with a trail at Lake Ray Roberts State Park bearing his name, The Randy Bell Scenic Trail," officials said in a press advisory.

During his tenure at Williamson County, Bell has been involved in the acquisition, planning and development of several Williamson County parks and trails projects. He has overseen all projects funded by the 2013 voter approved park bonds which include funding for the renovation of the Williamson County Exposition Center in Taylor, additions to the Brushy Creek Regional Trail, and construction of amenities at River Ranch County Park in the Liberty Hill area.

“I have always felt that parks are islands in the sea of development. It has been my privilege to enhance our quality of life by providing these islands of green open spaces for people to relax and enjoy nature,” Bell said in a prepared statement. “I know our Williamson County parks will be in good hands with my successor who also embraces emulating the state park model. We want to conserve the public lands we have and educate the public so that their visit is memorable, safe, and does not harm the resource so that it can be maintained in perpetuity.”

In light of Bell's imminent departure, the Williamson County Commissioners Court has chosen Russell Fishbeck — a 33-year veteran of parks systems after a summer seasonal stint at Blanco State Park — to be the county’s third senior director of Parks and Recreation. According to a bio, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Parks from Texas A&M University.

Russell Fishbeck, via Williamson County.

Fishbeck served in many capacities with Texas Parks and Wildlife including as the Region 2 state parks director in Rockport where he oversaw 13 state parks and historic sites in South Texas. In September 2013, Mr. Fishbeck transitioned to Austin where he served as the state parks deputy director, supporting colleagues in the oversight and management of the entire State Park system.

“Our Williamson County parks are the crown jewels of our county,” County Judge Bill Gravell said in a prepared statement. “They have been carefully cut and shaped by Randy Bell whose vision brought clarity to our parks and trails projects. I know our new director of Parks and Recreation will do an incredible job of maintaining the high expectations and standards set by Randy.”

Added Fishbeck: "After working in parks all across the state, I am very excited to begin this chapter in Williamson County. Their parks, trails and recreational amenities are exceptional. My goal is to keep adding to the quality of life they provide for residents and guests alike."