Columbus parks announce new leader for system

The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department has a new leader.

The parks board announced that Nikki Murphy will take over the parks director position, effective Monday. She currently serves as Associate Director of Recreation for the city parks system.

City officials say that the hiring process involved a comprehensive nationwide search which attracted nearly 100 applicants. The search was conducted by a committee representing the Parks Board, City Hall, and the community/visitor’s center.

She is credited with leading the $40 million NexusPark redevelopment and the creation of the city’s first true community center.

Prior to her work in Columbus, Murphy served as director of Washington Township Park in
Avon and at the National Center on Accessibility, where she was an expert on outdoor accessibility and ADA compliance. She holds dual master’s degrees in Recreational Sports Management and Outdoor Recreation from Indiana University. She has served on the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association Board of Directors.

Current parks director Mark Jones announced in July that he was stepping down after 11 years in the role to pursue other professional opportunities.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department.