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Hashim Taylor, an Alexandria native who grew up participating in the city’s recreation programs, will return home to lead the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.

Taylor will officially become the department’s director on April 14, 2025. He plans to expand community programming, improve public spaces and ensure residents across Alexandria can access high-quality recreational opportunities.

Most recently, Taylor served as parks and recreation director for Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He oversaw more than 5,000 acres of parkland, 100 miles of trails, three golf courses, six swimming pools and several recreation and cultural facilities.

In Cedar Rapids, Taylor helped secure more than $12 million in state and federal funding for ReLeaf Cedar Rapids, a $37 million reforestation initiative created after the 2020 derecho storm.

He also led projects including the Ellis Golf Course Event Center, Jones Park Lodge, Hughes Park, 16th Avenue Dog Park, Riverside Skatepark and a 10-court pickleball complex. His work included advancing plans for community gardens, the Westside Library Park project and an update to the Greenway Parks Plan, while broadening recreation programs for a larger and more diverse population.

Before moving to Iowa, Taylor was Prince William County’s recreation program manager, overseeing countywide programs, facilities and community engagement. He previously held leadership positions in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, managing major recreation projects, public-private partnerships and efforts to revitalize parks and improve public access.

Taylor holds a Master of Business Administration from Regent University and serves on the National Recreation and Park Association’s board of directors.

His childhood experiences with Alexandria’s recreation, parks and cultural programs helped shape his interest in public service and community work. Outside the office, he enjoys exploring parks and participating in classes and activities offered by recreation departments.