Michael Lafreniere has been appointed director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services for the city of Burien.

Lafreniere, who has been parks and recreation director in Fife for the past seven years, will start in his new position Oct. 3.

"Michael will be a wonderful asset to Burien because of his extensive background in parks and community services," said City Manager Gary Long.

"We are pleased that he will be working with our community as we develop new parks and programs."

Burien's parks chief is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the activities of a Parks and Recreation Department with an annual operating budget of almost $2 million, a six-year capital budget of $18 million and over 300 acres of park land, including two parks on Puget Sound with nearly one mile of shoreline.

"I am very grateful for this opportunity to continue my public service career in the community of Burien," said Lafreniere.

"Parks and recreation programs are so vital to the quality of life in our communities and neighborhoods. They are an essential part of the community, social and economic fabric of a healthy city."

Lafreniere replaces Larry Fetter, who left his Burien position this summer for a similar parks department position with the city of Enumclaw.

During his tenure in Fife, that city's parks acreage has grown from two small recreational facilities to over 130 acres of parks including a municipal aquatics facility.

He managed the purchase and acquisition of property in Fife worth $8 million for community and regional parks, and initiated and facilitated the formation of the Fife Historical Society and establishment of the Fife History Museum.

In addition, Lafreniere secured numerous state, county and private grants. He also developed outreach programs to the Latino community.

Previously, he was community liaison for the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and executive director for the Maple Valley Community Center.

He once served with the Peace Corps in the Solomon Islands.

"The range of what Burien offers its youth, families and senior adults is very impressive and I look forward to working with our partners in the community to build upon those strong foundations," Lafreniere added.