Doug Coutts is the new South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District director.

Coutts was hired after a 15-year tenure with the Park District of Highland Park in the Chicago area. At the time of his hiring, he was the director of facilities.

Working on Whidbey Island is a homecoming of sorts for Coutts, who graduated from Western Washington University.

“We look forward to continuing to improve the high quality programs and facilities offered by South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District with Doug as a member of the staff team,” wrote Don Wood, parks chairman in the parks’ newsletter.

He was hired with a $65,000 salary. As an employee, he is not on a contract.

Coutts can be reached at dirswprd@whidbey.com or 360-221-6488.