Warren Rensehausen, a Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP), began his distinguished 30-year career in the recreation field here in Bristol, as Assistant Director of Parks of Recreation in June of 1990. He will return to Bristol as its newest Director of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Of course, he never actually “left” — Rensehausen, his wife, Laura, and four children are lifelong residents of Bristol, and he has been actively involved in local athletics and recreation through the Recreation Advisory Board, King Phillip Little League, Boy Scouts of America, Bristol Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, and CAL Basketball & Volleyball.

Professionally, since leaving his post in Bristol in 2001, he has served as the Parks & Recreation Director for West Warwick and Fairhaven, Mass.

Bristol received nine applicants for the position, replacing former director Sarah Klein, who announced her retirement earlier this year. An eight-member panel, including residents and public officials, interviewed the applicants and selected Rensehausen, whose impressive resume includes several honors, such as the RIRPA Walter Henry Award, RIRPA Jack Cronin Award, West Warwick Police Community Achievement Award, and RIBVCA Division 3 Coach of the Year Award.

“I started here many years ago, and this is where I want to finish my career,” he said, noting that, with his youngest child a freshman in high school, he won’t be retiring anytime soon.

Though Rensehausen won’t officially take on his new position and get the lay of the land until June 15, given his interests and focus both professionally and as a community volunteer, he said he would like to add more kids’ programming, where there is opportunity and interest from the community.

“I’m really happy to be back,” he said.