The City of Ventura is pleased to announce Stacey Zarazua as Parks & Recreation Director. Zarazua succeeds Nancy O’Connor, who retired in September 2023 after serving as Parks & Recreation Director since 2016. Zarazua will oversee the department’s three divisions: Parks, Recreation, and Community Partnerships.
“Stacey has a wealth of knowledge and experience from her more than 20-year career with Ventura,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “I’m very optimistic about her vision for the department and have no doubt her leadership with elevate our services to new heights.”
Zarazua joined the Parks & Recreation Department in 2001 as a Recreation Coordinator in the Youth Sports section and was later promoted to Aquatics Supervisor in 2005. Since then, she has held multiple leadership roles within the department, serving in all three divisions. Zarazua holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a master’s degree in public administration from California State University Northridge.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve our community as the City’s Parks & Recreation Director. Parks and Recreation is integral to building a healthy and thriving community,” said Zarazua. “I’m thrilled to lead our team of dedicated professionals in providing exceptional parks, programs, and services that will continue to make the City of Ventura a better place to live, work, and play!”
She is a member of the California Parks and Recreation Society and National Recreation and Park Association. She has volunteered in key organizational leadership positions to advance the field.
Zarazua will oversee the operations of over 800 acres of open space, including 46 parks, three community centers, multiple historic sites, a sailing center, an aquatic center, two beaches, and golf services. She will manage current and future park development initiatives and lead 56 full-time and over 200 seasonal part-time employees, who work to produce over 1,000 annual programs for all ages.
