Kevin Kobayashi named city of Belmont’s new Parks, Recreation, and Culture director

Kevin Kobayashi was named the city of Belmont’s new Parks, Recreation, and Culture director, starting April 27.

This transition also marks the retirement of the city’s current director, Brigitte Shearer, whose leadership over the past eight years has helped strengthen Belmont’s parks, programs and community services. Kobayashi brings more than 25 years of experience in municipal golf operations and parks and recreation, along with a strong track record of leadership in managing public-facing services, facilities and programs. Most recently, he served as the Golf and Visitor Services manager for the city of San Mateo’s Parks and Recreation Department, overseeing the 105-acre Poplar Creek Golf Course and the city’s Park Ranger program. During his tenure, he also managed 32 parks, including ball fields, playgrounds and maintenance operations, and later assumed oversight of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, two community pools, picnic reservations, adult and youth sports programs, and gym rentals at San Mateo High School.