photo by: City of Mesa, Arizona

Luis Ruiz

The City of Lawrence on Friday announced in a news release that it’s appointed a new director of parks, recreation, arts and culture following a national search.

Luis Ruiz, who currently serves as the deputy director of community facilities for parks, recreation and community facilities in Mesa, Arizona, will begin his role with the City of Lawrence on Monday, May 13. Ruiz will be responsible for overseeing all of the city’s departmental services, programs, parks, facilities and properties. He’ll also work toward achieving goals in the city’s strategic plan by enhancing Lawrence’s arts and culture scene, supporting downtown and fostering community engagement through parks and events.

“I am thrilled by the opportunity to work alongside city leadership and the Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture staff,” Ruiz said in the release. “Together, we will collaborate with community leaders and organizations to create meaningful and lasting impacts for the residents and visitors to a vibrant Lawrence community.”

In Arizona, Ruiz has spearheaded operations, programming, budgeting and strategic management for a portfolio of community facilities and outdoor amenities such as the Mesa Convention Center, the Mesa Amphitheatre, the Mesa Cemetery and Dobson Ranch Golf Course. He previously managed performing arts venues in two other Arizona cities, Tempe and Phoenix.

The Parks and Recreation Department’s last permanent director, Derek Rogers, retired in late 2023. Since then, an assistant director with the department, Lindsay Hart, has served as interim director.