Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation Department has announced that Leslie Brinson will serve as the new Recreation Services Division Director, beginning her role on August 18. The appointment reflects both her long history with the department and her deep commitment to providing meaningful programs for residents of all ages.
Brinson steps into the position with more than 20 years of experience in recreation programming, event planning, and community-focused leadership. Over the course of her career, she has become known for bringing people together through innovative programs and for guiding teams through complex challenges. In her new role, she will be responsible for shaping the future direction of recreation services across Bloomington.
Among her duties will be oversight of some of the city’s most popular programs, including Kid City camps, afterschool programs at the Banneker Community Center, and signature community events such as the Farmers’ Market and the summer Performing Arts Series. For many families, these offerings are cornerstones of local life, and Brinson will play a key role in ensuring that they continue to thrive while also evolving to meet changing needs.
“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.”
Brinson’s path through the department has been steady and accomplished. Since 2017, she has served as Community Events Manager, a role later restructured as Recreation Services General Manager. Before that, she worked as Program and Facility Coordinator at the Banneker Community Center, where she oversaw the expansion of the Bloomington Youth Basketball program and managed the Family Resource Center. Her background also includes a Bachelor of Science in education from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, giving her a strong foundation in both teaching and program development.
Her leadership was especially visible during the department’s accreditation process with the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). In both 2021 and 2025, Brinson guided the department through extensive reviews, earning a perfect score of 154 standards in 2021. The results of the most recent review are expected this October, and her work has been central to ensuring the department continues to meet the highest standards nationwide.
In addition to her local responsibilities, Brinson has contributed to the field of parks and recreation at both the state and national levels. She has been active in the Indiana Park and Recreation Association and the National Recreation and Park Association, building partnerships and sharing best practices with professionals across the country.
Her leadership was also tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, when community events and programs faced sudden disruptions. Brinson worked to create safe, innovative solutions that allowed residents to continue enjoying recreation opportunities despite restrictions. These efforts included reimagining events, finding new ways to connect families, and ensuring that programs remained accessible at a time when they were needed most.
With this new appointment, the Parks and Recreation Department is positioning itself to continue offering strong, reliable, and creative programs. For Brinson, the role represents both a recognition of her past work and an opportunity to expand her impact in the years ahead.
As she takes on her new responsibilities, community members can expect a focus on building connections, strengthening existing programs, and ensuring that Bloomington’s recreational offerings remain a vital part of city life.
