'Wishing him and his family the best': Gallegos congratulates newly confirmed Houston Parks and Rec director

Houston's new Parks and Recreation Department director has the congratulations of at least one city council member.

Houston City Councilman Robert Gallegos, who represents District 1, used a social media account to offer his congratulations to Houston Parks and Recreation Department Director Kenneth Allen.

"Congratulations to Mr. Kenneth Allen who was confirmed today as director of the @HoustonTX Parks & Recreation Department," Gallegos said in a Wednesday, Sept. 1 Twitter post. "He's a 29-year veteran of the department; an excellent and hard-working leader. Wishing him and his family the best!"

Allen, who has been interim director for about 10 months, was named to the full position by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, according to a Wednesday, Sept. 1 news release issued by the mayor's office. Allen previously worked as the department’s assistant director of recreation and wellness.

Allen "has done an exceptional job" for the department during his time as interim director, Turner said in the news release, adding that Allen "shares my vision of building strong neighborhood parks that strengthen connections with communities."

"I look forward to seeing him continuing to lead the parks team and accomplishing the comprehensive goals and initiatives I created to improve Houston’s neighborhood parks," Turner said.

As director, Allen oversees Houston's 380 parks, 60 community centers, 163 miles of trails, urban forests, recreational programming and activities, budget and facilities management, and a staff of about 700 full-time and seasonal employees.

"I am honored to serve in this position to guide Houston's park system," Allen said in the news release. "I will work tirelessly to make our parks inviting and well maintained, not just for our signature parks, but for all of them. I also want to thank Mayor Turner for his continued faith in me to fulfill his vision for this department. I look forward to continuing my work with the Mayor’s Administration, City Council and all partners to enhance the quality of life for all residents that frequent HPARD facilities and programs."

Allen was named interim director late last year, and after 36 years of service to the city, following the resignation of his predecessor Steve Wright.

Wright, who had worked with the City of Houston for about three years, resigned to take over a similar position in College Station, according to a College Station news release at the time.