Mark Hall is Manteca’s new Parks and Recreation Director.

Hall has served with the department for more than eight years including the last four as Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation-Facilities.

Hall takes over duties handled by City Manager Karen McLaughlin when she was doing double duties for 2.5 years as assistant city manager and interim Parks & Recreation director. McLaughlin assumed the second role after the retirement of Steve Houx in a bid to reduce budget costs. The city is still saving money as there are no plans to fill the assistant city manager’s post in the near future.

McLaughlin, in making the appointment, noted Hall’s expertise in parks management helped earn him the position.

Hall said his priorities for the department are to continue to develop and prepare department staff for future growth and to increase the efficiency of operations with an eye on reducing costs.

McLaughlin as interim director had worked with Hall closely on several key issues including significant reductions in the park maintenance staff, taking over the landscape maintenance districts, the BMX track development, the Library Park expansion, and the Lincoln Park ball field improvements.

“Mark has demonstrated his ability to get projects completed and will be a tremendous asset as the overall leader of the department, McLaughlin said.

Hall worked for 18 years for the City of Benicia in parks and building maintenance prior to joining the City of Manteca.

Hall is a US Navy veteran. He’s married. Between him and his wife they have five grown children.