Robert Armistead, CPRP, is the Director of Travis County Parks in Austin, Texas. He was the Assistant Director from 2008-2023. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Sociology, and from Southwest Texas State University with a M.Ed. in Sports and Leisure Management. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
Prior to working with Travis County Parks, Robert was Assistant Director with the City of Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department in 2007-2008. From 1976-2007, he worked with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department, retiring as Division Manager, Programs. Robert served as a member of the NRPA Board of Trustees from 2003-2009. He was a member of the NRPA Urban Youth Initiative Advisory Committee (1999-2002) and was on the Council of State Association Presidents (CSAP) Executive Committee (2009-2011). He was a member of the NRPA Southwest Regional Council / Network from 1995-2012 and served as Chair in 1998-99. He received the 2005 NRPA Southwest Region Fellow Award and the 2006 NRPA Ralph C. Wilson Award.
Robert was President of the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) in 2009-2010 and served on the TRAPS Board of Directors in 2002-2006 and 2008-2011. He was the recipient of the 2004 TRAPS Dan Whitworth Fellow Award, and the 1991, 2001, and 2015 TRAPS President’s Award. Since 2010, Robert has been a Fellow with the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), has served on the Bylaws, Externship and Mentoring committees, and is currently on the Board of Directors, serving as Treasurer (2021-2025).
He has also served on the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Executive Board (2002-2007, 2015-2017) and as Finance Committee Chair (2009-2024). He was also a volunteer with Texas Special Olympics track and field for many years.
[updated 08/23] - Member since 2010