City names new recreation manager

A 20-year veteran of city recreation was chosen to be Costa Mesa’s new recreation manager, city officials said in a news release Wednesday.

Travis Karlen comes to Costa Mesa from Maricopa, Ariz., where he was also its recreation manager. He replaces Penny Loomer, who took the position on an interim basis in February.

Karlen begins July 28 at an annual salary of $105,516.

Karlen has managed six aquatics facilities, meeting spaces, an amphitheater complex, an ice arena, a gymnasium, a teen center, a skate park and a community center with a fitness facility, according to a news release.

“We are excited to have Travis on board to help us continue the great work done by our recreation team,” city CEO Tom Hatch said in the release. “I’d also like to thank interim Recreation Manager Penny Loomer and those in our recreation department for their extra effort and dedication during this transition period.”

—Bradley Zint

Twitter: @bradleyzint