Jay Hart, who served as Albuquerque’s parks and recreation director for five years, is crossing the Rio Grande to work in Rio Rancho.

Rio Rancho city councilors unanimously approved Hart to be the parks and recreation director for the city. He will start on March 1 and have an annual salary of $92,000. Hart will resign his position with Albuquerque on Dec. 1.

In the interim, acting director Connie Peterson will continue to head the department. Hart has 30 years of experience and was chosen for the position over 23 other applicants.

In recommending him for the position, City Manager James Jimenez told the council that Hart is the person to move the department forward and to the next level.

“He has engaged the Albuquerque mayor, council and community and built a fine parks and recreation department,” Jimenez said. “I like the way he relates to staff and his management ability. He has experience in open space management and we need that in Rio Rancho.”

Hart has enough public service time to retire, but he is not ready to hang it up.

“I could have retired four years ago, but I am having fun doing my job,” Hart said. “I am ready to move on from Albuquerque, but not ready to retire. This is a great opportunity here in Rio Rancho.”

He is ready for a challenge.

“This is a dynamic community and we need to look to the future on how we can meet the community’s growing demands and needs,” Hart said. “With the economy the way it is, we will have to tighten our belts, but we must use our existing resources to continue offering services.”

Hart has a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State and a master’s degree from Central State (Oklahoma).

The Parks, Recreation and Community Services department has a $7.6 million budget this fiscal year, ending June 30.

The department provides quality and diverse recreation and educational programs, cultural and enjoyable opportunities, senior services, paratransit services, community centers, trails and parks, and preserves open space for all residents.