CLEVELAND — Having initially been hired as the CEO of Cleveland Metroparks in 2010, Brian Zimmerman is set to remain in the position for at least another 10 years.
On Thursday, the Cleveland Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners announced that Zimmerman "has agreed to a long-term formal commitment to serve as the Park District’s CEO through the next decade." An extension of Zimmerman's contract had been authorized by the Board of Park Commissioners at the 2023 board meeting in an effort to "solidify his leadership of Cleveland Metroparks through its recently adopted Second Century of Stewardship Plan."
“The Board of Park Commissioners is excited to share that Brian Zimmerman will remain CEO of Cleveland Metroparks as it enters its second century of stewardship,” President of the Board of Park Commissioners Bruce G. Rinker said in a statement. “Since Brian joined Cleveland Metroparks in 2010, he has been transformational in strategically connecting our region, growing the Park District and enhancing its impact for all we serve. He has helped establish Cleveland Metroparks as one of most recognized and highly regarded park systems in the nation. This long-term contract recognizes Brian’s tremendous leadership and ensures his commitment to and stewardship of Cleveland Metroparks for years to come.”
Last year, the Board of Commissioners announced its Second Century of Stewardship Plan, which will attempt "to build on the success of Cleveland Metroparks over the past decade and sets forth core goals to conserve, welcome, sustain, innovate, engage, and connect the Park District to better the region." Among Zimmerman's responsibilities as a part of the plan will be:
- Advancing the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy (CHEERS) with project partners.
- Helping bring the southern portion of Gordon Park under the management of Cleveland Metroparks as a part of the city's lakefront transformation.
- Prioritizing trail connections, with an emphasis on east side communities.
- Continuing the execution of the Cuyahoga County Greenways plan.
- Restoring Garfield Park's historic pond while increasing recreational and education opportunities.
- Continuing to assess management opportunities of the East Cleveland portion of the historic Forest Hill Park.
According to a release, Zimmerman has helped grow the Metroparks' park district by more than 15% through strategic land acquisitions in his time as CEO. In each of the last three years, the Metroparks have welcomed a record 19 million visitors.