Palm Springs parks director departs amid ongoing challenges

The city of Palm Springs is once again on the hunt for a department head after its director of parks and recreation left earlier this month.

Yvonne Wise, who started in the City Hall leadership role in June 2022 ended her stint on July 11, a city spokesperson confirmed Monday. She will be replaced in the interim by Lauri Aylaian, who currently serves as vice chair of the city’s Planning Commission because the city is also currently without an assistant director for the department.

“Her spot on the Planning Commission will be held for her and remain vacant while we recruit,” the spokesperson said of Aylaian.

Wise came to the city from San Diego, where she ran the Port of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation for five years. Her jurisdiction spanned five cities and included the 34 miles around the San Diego Bay. She oversaw public access to 22 parks, piers, athletic fields, two cruise ship terminals, and an aquatic center.

It is not known what may be next for Wise. Attempts to reach her were unsuccessful.

During her tenure in Palm Springs she faced criticism from the public for her department’s handling of issues at both city parks and the Palm Springs Swim Center. The Swim Center issues, including frequent closures of the facility, were so frustrating for users that they formed a group to help force change in early 2023.

Among the changes Wise and her department staff attempted were hiring additional lifeguards, modifying hours of operation, and improving communication about the closures. Still, little improvement was reported by frequent pool users.

Adding to Wise’s woes, the chair of the city’s Parks & Recreation Commission resigned in November 2023, citing frustration with lack of progress with issues involving city park facilities.

“I have gotten berated with e-mails (and) phone calls on my business number regarding issues that are out of our control – from the swim center to the lack of available ball fields,” wrote  Jerry Alcorn in his resignation letter. “…I truly feel their frustrations. But even explaining the reasons for the issues in-depth, and even having presentations on them, I’m still getting berated with e-mails and phone calls.”

While a department head vacancy at City Hall is somewhat rare these days, that was not the case only a few years back. During one year-long period ending in 2022, the city was not only recruiting to fill the role that was formerly occupied by Wise, but also seeking a city manager, an assistant city manager, a police chief, a fire chief, a city clerk, and a planning director.

---