Ron Darner worked for the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department from 1967 to 1997, serving as the Director of Parks and Recreation for 25 years. 

 

Mr. Darner’s accomplishments during his years as Director included:

 

·        Park system acreage growth by more than one-third and the number of athletic and other recreational facilities more than doubled.

 

·        With Mr. Darner’s leadership, a coalition of San Antonians convinced Congress to pass legislation to include the San Antonio Spanish Missions as part of the National Park Service, thereby assuring their preservation as historic park sites. The legislative process, which took nearly three years, required almost constant attention from Mr. Darner, including presenting testimony, providing supportive data and garnering public support. The bill passed in 1978.

 

·        Development of major park facilities, to include the Botanical Gardens, golf courses, RiverWalk improvements, natatorium, and nature parks.

 

·        Worked to establish the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the San Antonio Botanical Society, both of which raise private sector dollars that help fund renovations and improvements to the department’s facilities.

 

·        Instrumental in creating the After School Challenge Program, forging a partnership with San Antonio Independent School District to begin the program with three sites in 1991. The program grew to include sites in eight school districts and 136 sites by 1997.

 

·        The department received the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in 1989, the highest award given by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

 

·        Served as president of the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) and on the Board of Directors.

 

Mr. Darner received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University.  Registered Landscape Architect in Texas. 

Memberships included:
·        National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
·        Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS)
·        Urban Parks and Recreation Alliance
·        American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administrators

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