Daniel Trautner Named RPV Director of Recreation and Parks

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes last week announced the promotion of Deputy Director of Recreation and Parks Daniel Trautner to director of Recreation and Parks.

Mr. Trautner took the helm of the city’s largest department at the end of July following the retirement of former Director Cory Linder. He oversees 14 full-time and over 60 part-time staff, all recreational programming, special events, seven staffed park sites, and the open space and trails division, which manages the 1,500-acre, city-owned Palos Verdes Nature Preserve.

Mr. Trautner brings 22 years of experience in the field of recreation and parks, spending the past decade in Rancho Palos Verdes during a time of growth and transformation for the department.

“I can’t wait to continue working for the amazing people in this community, and with City leadership and staff,” he said. “This really is a dream opportunity, and I am extremely honored to have been appointed to lead this incredible department.”

During his time in RPV, Mr. Trautner has played a key role in major projects, including the opening of Eastview Dog Park, the revitalization of Lower Hesse Park and Ladera Linda Community Park, the rollout of the ParkMobile parking system near Del Cerro Park, relocating the Point Vicente Lighthouse Fresnel lens to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, and installing a Tongva monument at Abalone Cove Park. He established partnerships with neighboring agencies to offer swimming programs in the city and created popular new events, including Movies in the Park, Concerts in the Park, and the holiday skating rink and tree lighting ceremony. He led Recreation and Parks staff through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to respond to the landslide emergency that has temporarily closed 10.5 miles of trails in the City.

“The Recreation and Parks Department is known for bringing the community together. At a time when togetherness is needed in Rancho Palos Verdes, it was clear to me that when former Director Cory Linder announced his retirement, the only and best successor was Dan Trautner,” said City Manager Ara Mihranian. “I have worked with Dan for over a decade and know firsthand that he will successfully lead the department and the organization into the future both for his team and the community. He is hard working and a hands-on player, and his heart is in the community and is committed to representing their interests and vision.”

Prior to joining the city in 2014 as deputy director of Recreation and Parks, Mr. Trautner worked for the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation as a district manager. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, both from Cal State Long Beach.