City Testimonials: "I hope that you have received 500 calls saying THANK YOU for the new playground at Bonforte Park! It is a terrific neighborhood park and we so appreciate the improvements. I walk by every day and see so many children and parents enjoying themselves." -Citizen Comment "The crew from Engine 15A were professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful, not only did this group of professionals represent the Fire Department in a positive light, they also speak to a city government that is responsive and courteous to the public."- Citizen Comment "We've found with projects we're doing, the City seems to be as proactive as they possibly can be." -Real Estate CEO "Grateful for the progress made by CSPD to curb shoplifting." -Business Loss Prevention Manager "Not only was my concern addressed in a professional and timely manner, but Finance Planning & Analysis Manager Leslie Hickey took the time to let me know that changes were on the way. This is the direct opposite of some folks' perception of local government." -Citizen Comment "Thank you very much for fixing the potholes on the round about for Squirrel Tail and Brainard as well as the divot by the water outlet on Squirrel Tail towards Musgrave. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" -Citizen Comment "Accounts Payable Supervisor Patti McFarland was true to her word, she called me back within days to give a status report. Then she called again to update me. Then, she called today to let me know she had been able to contact the unreachable tow company, received an invoice, and would be reimbursing the portion the business manager agreed to pay! I know that it was a sustained effort because I tried for several months and got nowhere. I can't express my overwhelming gratitude to Patti and your office for their work in this matter. We run a service-based business and try to learn from other organizations whenever we can. I will bring up this instance at our weekly meeting as an example of good service to be commended and followed.Thanks to you and Patti for the surprisingly positive experience I had with your office." -Local Small Business Owner "Thanks to Traffic Technician Pete Doyle, his community attitude to work with the residents is commendable. Thank you once again." -Citizen Comment "Streets Operations Manager Bard Lower has provided me superb customer service, above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. I know that this has been a priority for your administration, and I felt it important to let you know that it is working. Mr. Lower and his associates deserve kudos for their proactive, thorough handling of this five-year-old snow plowing issue and I am grateful to you as well for making the City more responsive to citizen requests." -Citizen Comment "As a new resident of Colorado Springs, it’s apparent that the City really does excel in taking care of its residents and treats its citizens more like neighbors and friends than just customers on a long “to-do” list. Thank you for all your exceptional service." -Citizen Comment
You are here: Home / Leadership / Mayor Bach Announces Director Pending Council Confirmation

Mayor Bach Announces Director Pending Council Confirmation

April 17, 2012 By

                                                                   

CONTACT:

Cindy Aubrey

Chief Communications Officer

(719) 385-5254

NEWS RELEASE

April 17, 2012

                                                                                               

Mayor Announces Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

Mayor Steve Bach announced this morning the appointment of a new Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, pending confirmation by City Council on Tuesday, April 24.  After a comprehensive two-month recruitment and interview process with over 120 nationwide applicants, Karen Palus was selected by the Mayor and will begin her position with the City of Colorado Springs on Monday, June 18, 2012.  Ms. Palus will earn a salary of $128,000 per year.

“Karen’s extensive experience in park and recreation, as well as her leadership at the local, state and national levels will be a great asset to Colorado Springs.” said Mayor Bach.

Karen brings over 20 years of parks and recreational experience with both city and county government.  Most recently she served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Tampa where she worked for seven years.  During that time, Karen successfully attained National Accreditation by the Commission of Accreditation (CAPRA) for the City of Tampa’s Parks and Recreation Department.  Ms. Palus developed a park in the downtown core of the City of Tampa, after which time the park received numerous awards and was named one of the top ten new parks in the country for 2011.  She was the recipient of the Fellow Award, Achievement  Award, Outstanding Service Award and  Agency Excellence Award from the Florida Recreation and Park Association.

Ms. Palus began her career in Recreation for Brevard County Government in Florida.  She also worked in recreation for Martin County and Orange County.  Karen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Masters in Public Administration. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional as well as a Certified Youth Sports Administrator. She served as the Florida Recreation and Park Association President in 2004 and has been on their board of directors since 1997. She currently serves as the Head Faculty and Chairwoman for the Joe Abrahams Leadership Academy and is a trustee of the Florida Recreation and Park Association Foundation. 

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