Former business owner named to lead parks and recreation division

Costa Mesa has hired Bob Knapp, a former business owner and youth sports supporter, to head its Parks and Recreation Division.

Knapp will start July 16. His annual salary is $105,516.

“He’s uniquely qualified, having run a successful business for years managing many employees and being deeply involved in and knowledgeable about sports and school activities in our community,” city CEO Tom Hatch said in a prepared statement. “He’ll give us a fresh look at the services we provide and further develop those relationships.”

Knapp and his wife, Jennifer, operated Rainbow Magnetics in the city for 15 years before they sold it in 2008. Knapp stayed on as a consultant.

Knapp has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Cal State Long Beach. His children are active in youth sports and he was once on the Costa Mesa National Little League’s board of directors.

“The work that Parks and Recreation does for the community is vital to Costa Mesa,” Knapp said in a statement. “I’m excited to build on a great city tradition.”

— Joseph Serna

Twitter: @JosephSerna