Clovis hires new parks director

CLOVIS — The city of Clovis has hired a new parks and recreation director, with Russell Hooper coming to Clovis from Dallas.

Hooper, who has 14 years in the parks and recreation field, will begin duties Monday. He succeeds Mark Dayhoff, who retired at the end of 2020. Hooper most recently served as Dallas’ District 1 manager for park maintenance and operations, and is a certified parks and recreation professional.

The city decided on Hooper in its second hiring round to replace Dayhoff. The chosen candidate in the first process decided not to accept the city’s offer, but Howalt told the parks, recreation and beautification committee during its February meeting that he was pleased with the candidates that emerged in the second round.

“Given his vast experience with parks and recreation,” Howalt said, “I anticipate great growth within this department and I would like to personally welcome the Hooper family to our community.”

In a city release, Commissioner and parks chair Fidel Madrid said he looks forward to the “fresh perspective” Hooper will bring.