Mary Gardocki
Denton,TX
Summary
Results-oriented and passionate park planning public servant with over 25 years of strategic experience in sustainable, community-focused plans and projects. Proven leader in innovative park solutions and collaborative problem-solving. Skilled in all aspects of park acquisition and development, from conceptual design and master planning to project management. Experienced in budgeting, capital planning, public engagement, project management, and grant procurement. Dedicated to fostering vibrant, inclusive, and growing communities through thoughtful park planning. Committed to creating a balanced park system that enhances quality of life.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Park Planning Manager
City of Denton: Parks and Recreation Department
01.2025 - 07.2025
- Led politically sensitive, high-impact projects; delivered research and strategic recommendations to leadership.
- Directed long-range planning aligned with City vision, master plan, and needs of 160K+ residents.
- Managed capital improvement plan, budgets, and grant funding to maximize resources.
- Supervised staff, consultants, and contractors; set priorities, performance standards, and accountability measures.
- Oversaw capital projects, development agreements, and park dedication/fee programs.
- Advanced park acquisition, planning, and maintenance standards; engaged stakeholders and public through reports, presentations, and outreach.
- Applied GIS, design technologies, and project management systems to streamline planning and delivery.
Park Planning and Development Manager
City of Kirkland: Parks and Community Services Department
05.2018 - 12.2024
- Directed long-range planning and policy development through the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan, serving 92K residents.
- Oversaw $30M in capital projects including parks, trails, playgrounds, sports complexes, and public art installations.
- Managed all phases of planning, design, and construction; supervised staff, consultants, and contractors.
- Developed and implemented policies on park impact fees, design standards, off-leash options, and public art funding.
- Negotiated intergovernmental/private agreements for land acquisitions, partnerships, easements, and grants.
- Coordinated with city leadership, advisory boards, and regional/state/federal agencies to align planning and funding priorities.
- Led development of the 2022 PROS Plan, ADA Transition Plan, and Synthetic Turf Strategic Plan.
Parks Project Manager
City of Covington: Parks and Recreation Department
11.2016 - 05.2018
- Execute capital projects and master planning processes. Managed $7M community park development.
- Update park impact fee municipal code to improve funding for parks to align with growth development.
- Manage and coordinate all phases of park planning, studies, needs assessments and CIP.
- Manage public engagement process, planning, design, construction, supervision and administration of consultants and contractors.
Park Planner
City of Farmington: Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Dept
09.2015 - 10.2016
- Execute capital projects and master planning processes with community engagement.
- Project management, design and long-range planning through exceptional customer service.
- Implement the Park, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Master Plan’s programming and park goals.
- Implement the ADA Transition Plan.
- NRPA's Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) team members.
Education
Master of Landscape Architecture -
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PAMaster of Liberal Studies - Science, Technology and Society
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MIBachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MISkills
- Capital and operational budget preparation
- Capital planning and forecasting
- Complex problem-solving
- Strategic planning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Employee coaching and mentoring
- Project management
- Work planning and prioritization
- Team leadership and relationship building
- Organizational and time management
- Excellent communication and listening
- Issue resolution
Accomplishments
- Spearheaded community-driven initiatives, such as the "Catch the Butterfly" campaign, increasing community engagement from underrepresented constituents.
- Led a $30M Capital Improvement Program over 6 years in Kirkland, efficiently managing resources and stakeholder relationships to deliver sustainable park facilities.
- Awarded the 2023 WASLA Award of Honor for excellence in landscape architecture and innovative park designs.
- Acquired several parcels and easements to expand public open space by ~30 acres in highly developed communities.
Affiliations
- NRPA: National Recreation and Park Association
- ASLA: American Society of Landscape Architects
- TRAPS: Texas Recreation and Park Society
- TEXASLA: Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects
AWARDS
WASLA 2023 Award of Honor for Excellence in Landscape Architecture : Totem Lake Park
Kirkland City Manager Award for Excellence: Teamwork (3) and Project Management (1)
Timeline
Park Planning Manager
City of Denton: Parks and Recreation Department
01.2025 - 07.2025
Park Planning and Development Manager
City of Kirkland: Parks and Community Services Department
05.2018 - 12.2024
Parks Project Manager
City of Covington: Parks and Recreation Department
11.2016 - 05.2018
Park Planner
City of Farmington: Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Dept
09.2015 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Michigan
Master of Landscape Architecture -
University of Pennsylvania
Master of Liberal Studies - Science, Technology and Society
Eastern Michigan University
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