The parks system in Minneapolis has selected a new chief of its Recreation Division.

Tyrize Cox, an administrator in the St. Paul School District, takes over the Minneapolis Park and Recreation post on Sept. 6.

"I'm excited for Tyrize to join the Park Board team," said Park and Recreation Superintendent Jayne Miller in her announcement last week. "Her commitment to public service and the communities of Minneapolis will serve the organization and community well. Tyrize will help further our work in making our outstanding park system accessible and in service to all residents of Minneapolis."

The Recreation Division oversees facility operations, including rec centers, golf courses, aquatic facilities and beaches, ice arenas, cross-country skiing venues and the Wirth Winter Recreation Area; recreation, education and interpretive programming; use and event permitting; and athletic fields and complexes.

Cox, 45, will succeed Nicholas Williams, who in June became parks and recreation director in Oakland, Calif., where he grew up.

A lifelong resident of Minneapolis, Cox is currently director of the Office of Family Engagement and Community Partnerships for the St. Paul schools. Her résumé includes working for the Minneapolis and Robbinsdale school districts and the Minneapolis YMCA.

Paul Walsh