North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation
The Park & Recreation Department is lead by the following team of employees (pictured from left to right) Chris Swartz, Vickie Loftice, Sharon Davis and Bill Thornton. Please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions and we will be glad to assist you. To help us serve you better, please include your name and address in e-mail correspondence.
Vickie Loftice - Director of Parks & Recreation
Vickie Loftice holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Park and Recreation Administration from the University of North
Texas. She is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional through the National Park and Recreation Association and
a member of the Texas Recreation and Park Society where she recently served on the Board of Directors. Vickie has served
on numerous professional and civic boards and committees including a recent appointment to the United Way Northeast
Steering Committee. She began her career with the City of Denton before coming to the City of North Richland Hills
in 1989. In 1998, she accepted the position of Director of Parks and Recreation in Petersburg Alaska where she served
1 1/2 years before returning to North Richland Hills.
Telephone: (817)427-6620
E-mail: vloftice@nrhtx.com
Bill Thornton - Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation
Bill Thornton has been with the City of North Richland Hills since 1992. He established his career in the municipal
environment, with over 25 years of experience in parks and recreation administration, strategic planning, park
development, park maintenance and operations. He earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Park Administration from
Texas Tech University. Mr. Thornton is a member of the Texas Recreation and Park Society and a standing member
of the North Central Texas Council of Governments Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Task Force. Mr. Thornton
oversees park planning and park maintenance and operations.
Telephone: (817)427-6620
E-mail: bthornton@nrhtx.com
Sharon Davis - Assistant Director Parks & Recreation
Sharon Davis has been in the Parks & Recreation profession since 1979 and has worked for the City of North
Richland Hills since 1993. Her current responsibilities include Recreation, Athletics, Richland Tennis Center,
Youth Sport Associations, Senior Centers, Cultural Arts and Special Events. She is a graduate of the University
of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree and belongs to the following professional organizations:
National Recreation and Parks Association, Texas Recreation and Parks Society and the Learning Resources Network.
Sharon has represented the City by serving on several committees over the years.
Telephone: (817)427-6620
E-mail: sdavis@nrhtx.com
Chris Swartz, Manager of NRH2O Family Water Park
Chris began his career in the waterpark industry in 1989 at Wet 'n Wild, Orlando as a lifeguard. He moved up through the ranks to Operations Training Supervisory while studying Marketing at the University of Central Florida where he received his degree in Business Administration. In 1994, he joined the team at White Water/American Adventures in Marietta, Georgia as Operations Manager. Chris left White Water to lead the opening of NRH2O Family WaterPark for the City of North Richland Hills where he continues to work as the Park Manager. He has presented numerous times for the World Waterpark Association both in the United States and internationally and has also presented for local, state and national conferences including AIMS, Texas Recreation and Parks Association and NRPA. Chris has served as a faculty board member for the National Parks and Recreation Association Rockey Mountain Revenue / Management School and currently serves as the Treasurer on the World Waterpark Association's Board of Directors.
Telephone: (817)427-6501
E-mail: cswartz@nrhtx.com
