City Manager James F. Parajon has named Hashim Taylor the new Director of the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA). 

Hashim Taylor is an experienced parks and recreation professional with a strong background in leading large-scale projects and expanding community programming. Originally from Alexandria, Taylor grew up participating in the city’s Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) programs- an experience that helped shape his passion for public service and community impact. 

Most recently, Taylor served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he oversaw operations for more than 5,000 acres of parkland, 100 miles of trails, three golf courses, six swimming pools, and several recreation and cultural facilities. During his time there, he played a key role in securing over $12 million in state and federal funding to support the $37 million ReLeaf Cedar Rapids initiative- a major reforestation effort following the 2020 derecho storm. He also led the development of several community projects, including the Ellis Golf Course Event Center, Jones Park Lodge, Hughes Park, 16th Ave Dog Park, Riverside Skatepark, and a ten-court pickleball complex. In addition, he helped advance planning efforts for the Greenway Parks Plan update, community gardens in parks, and the Westside Library Park project, while expanding recreation programming to serve a broader and more diverse population.

Before his time in Iowa, Taylor was the Recreation Program Manager for Prince William County, Virginia, where he oversaw countywide recreation programs, facility operations, and community engagement efforts. He also held leadership roles in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, where he managed large-scale recreation projects, public-private partnerships, and park revitalization efforts aimed at improving public access to quality parks and facilities.

Taylor earned his Master of Business Administration from Regent University and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Returning home to Alexandria is especially meaningful to Taylor, and he’s excited to lead the RPCA team in creating more opportunities for residents to connect with their parks, recreation spaces, and cultural programs. His focus will be on expanding community programming, improving public spaces, and ensuring that everyone in Alexandria has access to high-quality recreational experiences.

Outside of work, Taylor enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring local parks, and trying out different classes and activities offered through the department. He’s looking forward to being an active part of the community and helping residents discover everything Alexandria’s Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities department has to offer.

He will officially assume the role of Director of the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities effective April 14, 2025.