New county parks and rec director hired

Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu selected Bennett Knox to serve as the new Whatcom County Parks and Recreation director. Knox, who has worked for Louisville Metro Parks for 20 years, is replacing former director Michael McFarlane following his June 21 retirement. 

Knox most recently worked for Louisville Metro Parks as parks administrator for the natural areas division and Jefferson Memorial Forest. He founded and managed Wilderness Louisville, a nonprofit that supports the natural areas division of Louisville Parks and Recreation. 

“Bennett brings vision, energy, a passion for equity and a dedication to ethical parks management,” wrote Jed Holmes, Whatcom County community outreach facilitator, in a statement.

Knox earned his master of engineering management in resource ecology from Duke University, bachelor’s degree in natural resource conservation from the University of Kentucky and is a certified park and recreation professional. 

Christ Thomsen, Whatcom County parks operations manager, will serve as interim director until Knox fills the position at the beginning of September.

Knox was selected out of about 25 candidates. The parks and rec department oversees 16,000 acres of land including natural areas, parks, campgrounds, historic buildings and nearly 70 miles of trails. It also manages eight senior centers, a community center and gun range. 

Whatcom County Council is expected to confirm Knox’s
appointment.