The city of Westminster has a new parks, recreation and libraries director.

Don Tripp, from Des Moines, Iowa, was hired on May 3 and replaces Bill Walenczak, who retired in April after 22 years with Westminster.

Tripp has 33 years of experience in the parks and recreation field and leaves Iowa after 21 years as the Des Moines parks and recreation director. When he heard about the open position in Westminster, he said, he knew it was time to make a change.

“I have known for a long time that Coloradans place a high premium on their parks and recreation,” Tripp said. “I have two sons, Brandon and Derrick, who live in and near Westminster, so I’ve seen it firsthand. Add to all this the opportunity to move to one of the top jobs in parks, recreation and libraries in America. I feel so fortunate.”

Although he’s excited about the move to Colorado, he said he will miss his staff in Des Moines, with whom he had strong relationships. He said it has been inspiring to work with people who are smart and love their jobs. But he said he’s looking forward to the future, creating strong relations ships with the staff in Westminster and working for an award-winning department.

“When I saw the condition of the parks, recreation centers and libraries, I immediately saw a high level of quality,” he said. “But the more compelling thing was the people using the parks and recreation centers and having a great time. These people are choosing to spend their precious time at these places, and it truly shows that people care about their park system. It was a very humbling and inspiring experience.”

Tripp will begin his duties as director on June 18.

“Don brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new duties in Westminster, and I look forward to working with him to build upon the strength of our outstanding department of parks, recreation and libraries,” said Westminster City Manager Brent McFall.