City of Renton Contact
Laura Pettitt, Communications Director
Maryjane Van Cleave, Parks and Recreation Administrator
Maryjane Van Cleave appointed as Renton Parks and Recreation Administrator
City welcomes familiar face to leadership for Parks and Recreation Department
RENTON, WA (September 4, 2024) – Mayor
Armondo Pavone has appointed Maryjane Van Cleave as the city’s Parks and Recreation Administrator. Previously, she was the interim Parks and Recreation Administrator before being appointed on January 1, 2024.
Van Cleave has been with the city for ten years, serving in various capacities, beginning with Parks and Recreation as the Recreation Manager and then Recreation Director. Over the course of her tenure with the city, she has also served as the Administrator of the Equity, Housing and Human Services (EHHS) Department and the Communications and Engagement Director.
Of her new role, Mayor Pavone said, “As Mayor, I recognize that our Parks and Recreation Department is one of the most visible and influential aspects of city government in enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Under Maryjane’s proven versatility and leadership, I am confident that our cherished programs and destinations will continue to flourish, adapting and growing to meet the needs of future generations." Van Cleave stepped into the leadership role of the Parks and Recreation Department following the retirement of the previous administrator and the strategic reorganization of the EHHS department. This reorganization aimed to provide staff with the necessary support to excel in their roles while aligning focus areas under the correct reporting and approval structures. Throughout her career, Van Cleave has demonstrated exceptional versatility and a talent for driving change and improvements across various roles.
"I’m looking forward to prioritizing conservation in our parks and open spaces, promoting equity by ensuring access for all members of our community, and advancing health and wellness through recreational opportunities. It is an honor to continue to serve our residents in this new role." said Van Cleave.
Van Cleave holds 20+ years of experience in the Parks and Recreation field, with past roles including eight years with the County of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Department and working for the City of Sacramento's Parks and Recreation Department. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Gerontology from California State University – Sacramento. Van Cleave.
Originally from California, Renton has become her home for the past ten years, where she resides with her husband and daughter.
###
About City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 108,800 (2024), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace, and favorable business climate have attracted nationally recognized companies wishing to provide employees and their families with an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, Super Bowl Champion (2014) Seattle Seahawks, two-time (2016 & 2019) MLS champion and CONCACAF Champion (2022) Seattle Sounders FC (in 2024), and the eternal resting place of rock icon Jimi Hendrix. You can find more information on our website, news releases, Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.