Gary Packan

Gary Packan is the Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture for the City of Arlington since November 2025, leading a comprehensive parks system catering to diverse community needs. Previously, Packan served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Denton from March 2018 to November 2025, overseeing a $27 million budget and managing a team of 300 employees across various facilities. An experienced professional, Packan has held several roles including Conference Manager at Brand+Aid Marketing, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation in Arlington, and Assistant City Manager in Sandusky, where innovative projects such as Ohio's first flat water trail were developed. Packan also has a foundational background in Parks and Recreation from previous positions in Huron, Bowling Green, and Kettering. Educational qualifications include a Master’s in Recreation and Leisure Services and a Bachelor’s in Recreation Administration from Bowling Green State University.