Parks & Recreation Department - Administration

Meet the Management

Mr. David E. Carter was named Director of Parks and Recreation, effective February 1, 2010. Mr. Carter replaced Mr. Robert “Bobby” Clifton who retired November 30, 2009, after 48 years of service, including eight as the director.

Mr. Carter comes to Chesapeake from Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he held the position of Parks and Recreation Director. He previously served for 22 years in a similar role for Wake County (Raleigh), North Carolina, and as Director of Conservation Finance-Southeast Region, for The Trust for Public Land for 3 years.

David Carter holds a bachelor of science degree in Park Administration from the University of Massachusetts, and a masters of science in Recreation Resource and Forestry from North Carolina State University. He is nearing completion of his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Natural Resource Management Policy from North Carolina State University.

Mr. Carter is a member of the National Recreation and Parks Association and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. He is also the recipient of the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” the highest civilian award presented by the State of North Carolina for extraordinary service to the state. He oversees a department with more than 180 full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff members. The City has 68 parks, ranging from small neighborhood parks to the 763-acre Northwest River Park. The department also operates the City’s eight community centers, along with leisure, therapeutic and athletic programs for residents of all ages and needs.