July 18, 2022: Julie Rocha and Sabrina Taylor Schmitt, two long-serving park and recreation professionals, have been recently appointed as directors at THPRD. Rocha, who has worked for THPRD for 15 years, was named the Sports and Inclusion Director. Taylor Schmitt, who has worked for the district for 17 years, was appointed Recreation and Aquatics Director. They have been serving as interim directors since September 2021, as the district was in the midst of an organizational realignment due to the pandemic.
“We are very pleased to be able to announce Julie & Sabrina as Recreation Directors for THPRD,” said Doug Menke, General Manager. “They have both done an exceptional job leading the recreation division, during this most challenging time, and have proven to be champions for inclusion, innovation, and leading with integrity.” With around 350 staff (a mix of full-time and part-time staff) and an annual budget just over $27 million, the Recreation Division is THPRD’s largest team.
About Julie Rocha
Julie Rocha, CPRP (Certified Parks & Recreation Professional), graduated from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) with a bachelor’s degree focused in Political Science. At UNC, she was a goalkeeper and captain of the Women’s Soccer Team. After graduation, she embarked upon an extensive career in parks and recreation in Colorado and Washington before coming to Oregon. Julie has been with THPRD for 15 years. During this time, she has implemented sports field allocations, district-wide gender inclusion policy and training, and supervised a paid internship program designed for students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or identify as a Person of Color. Julie has advised on several park development and redesign projects and worked with local service providers serving diverse populations and individuals experiencing disability by expanding current programs. These programs address gaps, create partnership opportunities, and promote inclusive play in our community.
About Sabrina Taylor Schmitt
Sabrina Taylor Schmitt, CPRP (Certified Parks & Recreation Professional), graduated from Western State College of Colorado with bachelor’s degree in recreation, with honors. She continued her studies with an Executive Masters in Public Administration, EMPA, from Portland State University. She has worked for THPRD for 17 years, joining the district as a Center Supervisor and later as Recreation Department Manager. Sabrina is active in the Oregon Recreation and Parks Association (ORPA) currently serving as a board member at-large. She has led innovations in THPRD’s aquatics department and oversaw the district’s initial Pride celebrations as well as new cultural events. Taylor Schmitt has been a champion in expanding THPRD services to the underserved.
About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 250,000 people in the greater Beaverton area. The district oversees year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of recreational classes, 117 parks, nearly 70 miles of trails, and 162 natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.
| Contact: Holly Thompson Communications Director 503.614.1218 (direct) |
Date: July 18, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Click here for official release (PDF). |