Colorado Springs officials have announced the retirement of Britt Haley, the Director of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services, set for the end of this year. After a period marked by considerable advancements in local parks and recreation management, Haley will be stepping down, and the city is preparing for a leadership transition.
Assistant Director Kim King, with a 25-year tenure in the Parks Department, will take on the role of acting director following Haley's departure. A national search to find a permanent replacement will be conducted, as detailed by the City of Colorado Springs. King, who stepped into her current role in 2023, holds a bachelor's degree in organizational management and an MBA from the University of Colorado. She has also maintained her status as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional since 2013.
During her tenure, Haley was instrumental in the growth and enhancement of Colorado Springs' parks and recreational spaces. Her efforts included significant land acquisitions and the launch of community projects such as the Panorama Park revitalization. Under Haley’s direction, the department achieved reaccreditation in 2025 from the National Commission on the Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, a distinction that places the city's park system in the top 3% nationwide.
Mayor Yemi Mobolade praised Haley for her dedication and impact on the city's landscape. "Britt has served Colorado Springs with vision, grit, and a deep reverence for the beauty of this city," Mobolade said, as obtained by the City of Colorado Springs. “Her leadership has been marked by remarkable stewardship of our natural treasures and a commitment to expanding access for every resident." Her legacy includes the development of new spaces like Fishers Canyon Open Space and overseeing infrastructure upgrades to facilities like Grey Hawk Park.
