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Happy Haynes

Executive Director of Denver Parks & Recreation

Who is Happy Haynes?

Happy Haynes is the former Executive Director of Denver Parks and Recreation, serving in this role from 2015 to 2023.12457 She is a Denver native who received a BA in Political Science from Barnard College at Columbia University and an MPA from the University of Colorado Denver.235

Haynes has had a long career in local government in Denver, including:

  • Aide to Denver Mayor Federico Peña in the 1980s3
  • Denver City Council member from 1990-2003, becoming the first African American woman elected to the council13
  • Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's liaison to City Council from 2003-20053
  • Chief Community Engagement Officer for Denver Public Schools from 2009-20113
  • At-large member of the Denver Public Schools Board of Education from 2011-2019, serving as President from 2013-2015135
  • Deputy Mayor of Denver in 2017 and 201935

In retirement, Haynes continues to focus on increasing quality and funding for parks, advocating for equity in outdoor spaces, and promoting nature-based solutions for climate change.2 She serves on several non-profit boards including the Trust for Public Land, City Parks Alliance, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Salazar Center for North American Conservation.2456

Haynes' LinkedIn username is happy-haynes-93a19834.6

Highlights

Oct 18 · tpl.org
The Trust for Public Land Welcomes Denver Parks & Rec Executive ...

Related Questions

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How has Happy Haynes contributed to the Denver Public Schools Board of Education?
What challenges did Happy Haynes face during her time as Executive Director of Denver Parks and Recreation?
Happy Haynes
Happy Haynes, photo 1
Happy Haynes, photo 2
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Location

Denver Metropolitan Area