Parks and Recreation Announces Leslie Brinson as Recreation Services Division Director

Parks and Recreation is proud to announce the appointment of Leslie Brinson as the new Recreation Services Division Director, effective Aug. 18. With more than two decades of leadership in recreation programming, event planning, and program administration, Brinson brings proven expertise and a strong record of building community through innovative programs and partnerships.

In her new role, Brinson will shape the future of recreation services by expanding opportunities for residents and ensuring that core programs are consistently delivered at the highest quality. She will oversee Kid City camps, the Banneker Community Center afterschool programs, and signature events such as the Farmers’ Market and summer Performing Arts Series.

“We are thrilled that Leslie is stepping up into this leadership role,” said Tim Street, Parks and Recreation Department Director. “Her extensive experience in creating beneficial and creative community events and programs will help us continue to offer the best for Bloomington.”

Since 2017, Brinson has served as Community Events Manager, later re-aligned as Recreation Services General Manager. Before that, she was Program/Facility Coordinator at the Banneker Community Center, where she oversaw the growth of Bloomington Youth Basketball and managed the Family Resource Center. She holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Centre College in Danville, Ky.

Brinson successfully guided Parks and Recreation through the rigorous Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) reviews in both 2021 and 2025, achieving a perfect score of 154 standards in 2021. Results of the most recent accreditation will be announced in October.

She has also taken on leadership roles at both the state and national levels through the Indiana Park and Recreation Association and the National Recreation and Park Association. Notably, she steered Parks and Recreation’s community events through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, developing creative solutions to safely provide programs for residents of all ages.