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How do I find the parks department public information officer's contact?
Quick answer
Check the parks-and-rec section of your city's official website for a 'media contact' or 'press' link, search for the city's communications director, look at recent news stories citing parks officials, or call the parks-and-rec main line and ask. PIOs are required to respond to media within 24-48 hours in most cities.
Public information officers (PIOs) are the official media contact for parks-and-rec departments. To find them: (1) Visit the city's official parks-and-rec website and look for a 'media' or 'press' or 'contact' link, often in the footer. (2) Check the city's main communications page β many cities centralize PIOs under a chief communications officer. (3) Search recent news stories about parks issues and look for the official spokesperson named or quoted. (4) Call the parks-and-rec main line and ask for the media contact. (5) Submit a public-records request via the city clerk if a contact is not published. PIOs are typically required to respond to credentialed media within 24-48 hours under departmental policy. Be specific in your inquiry β name the splash pad, the question, and the deadline. PIOs can route you to the right subject-matter expert and confirm facts before publication.