Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell announced today the appointment of John Hutton as director of the city of Federal Way Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, which was effective July 21. Hutton has been serving as interim department director since June of this year.

“The Federal Way community has a growing need for parks facilities and recreation programs,” Ferrell said. “In John Hutton, we have a director who has the vision, passion and skills to grow our Parks and Recreation services to meet those needs.”

Since 2001, Hutton has served as the Parks Recreation Supervisor and has developed Federal Way’s recreation programs into one of the best in the state. The city regularly hosts successful major athletic tournaments and offers excellent youth and adult sports leagues. In addition, Hutton has overseen a growing range and depth of community recreation programs, including senior programs, special events, day camps, sports clinics and the inclusion recreation program, among others.

The new director is coming off an especially busy interim period during which he organized the Red, White & Blues Festival – the biggest community event of the year – the grand opening of the Town Square Park and the grand re-opening of the Family Funland playground.

“Parks and Recreation has the power to build community,” Hutton said. “The programs and facilities get people of all ages and abilities active and enjoying their city and their neighbors. That’s what excites me about leading this outstanding department. I believe there’s a lot more we can do to serve the community and improve quality of life.”

The mayor also announced the appointment of Parks Facilities Manager Steve Ikerd to the new position of deputy Parks director. In addition to his duties in facilities management, Ikerd will assist Hutton in leading the department and serve as acting director in his absence.

During his 23 years with the city, Ikerd has played major roles in many of the city’s facility development projects, including the development of the Celebration and Saghalie parks and the city’s relocation to the current City Hall in the late 1990s. Recently, he played a leading role in rebuilding Steel Lake’s popular Family Funland, adding inclusive recreation features, including the nation’s first AbiltyWhirl wheelchair roundabout. The facility opened on July 16.