Crystal R. Ross sees her job as Deputy Director for the Dallas Park and Recreation
Department as “being responsible for all of the fun things in the City of Dallas.” A selfproclaimed Park and Rec Kid, she oversees the department’s 42 recreation centers, a
senior activity center, marketing and communications, volunteer services, community
events, senior programs, and special leisure venues Forest Audelia Boxing Gym,
Samuell Farm, and the Teen Tech Center.
Crystal is committed to helping Dallas families and communities get access and
connectivity to local health resources. She has capably used her community and
corporate influence to establish successful partnerships that led to the opening of the
Baylor Scott & White Health Wellness Center at Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center, WellMed
Charitable Foundation Senior Activity Center, and three Parkland Healthcare System
clinics. She is most passionate about working with local and national community groups
and sororities and fraternities to create wellness opportunities for families in
communities where health disparities are the most acute.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from her beloved
Virginia State University (Petersburg, Virginia), the Seattle native, launched her parks
and recreation career with Seattle Parks and Recreation as a recreation leader. Prior to
joining Seattle Parks, she was with the Seattle Public Schools as a Family Support
Manager. Taking a leap of faith, Crystal relocated to Dallas sight unseen in 2000. She
joined Dallas Park and Recreation just three months after relocating as a recreation
coordinator, later promoting to recreation center manager, district manager, assistant
director and in 2021, she was named the Department’s Deputy Director.
Her commitment to the profession and passion for nurturing young people and families
has gained her a caring reputation, and she is sought after as a mentor to young - and
experienced professionals - throughout the department and country.
Nothing makes Crystal more proud than to be the wife of Bonnie Ross Jr. and the
mother of their son Dorian, a second-year Tulane University student. In her leisure time,
she is an active member of Friendship West Baptist Church, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Incorporated, and numerous community organizations. A die-hard Seattle Seahawks
fan, she is always cheering for Geno and the Hawks.