San Diego Parks Foundation names Hinkin new executive director

On the heels of the successful launch of “Parks After Dark,” San Diego’s newest program that attracted thousands of people to three under-served parks this summer, Jon Hinkin has been named the San Diego Parks Foundation’s new executive director.

A former member of the USA Rugby team, the College Area resident brings decades of international sports expertise and business acumen as he takes the helm of the nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to supporting the City’s mission to build an inclusive park system that strengthens communities and provides equitable access to recreational opportunities.

“As a world-class athlete and successful business leader, Jon’s incredible work ethic, growth mindset, valuable leadership and community-driven approach position him well for his new role as San Diego Park Foundation’s executive director,” said Michel Anderson, chairman of the San Diego Park Foundation’s board of directors. “Jon brings his passion for inclusivity and diversity from his work with teams across the globe to the Parks Foundation so that all San Diegans can enjoy healthy activities at our parks, which are the crown jewels of our region.”

Hinkin was a member of the USA Rugby team for nearly a decade in the ’90’s, serving as the team’s captain in 1997-1998. He played in the inaugural Rugby World Cup Sevens in 1993 and was a reserve on the 1997 World Cup Sevens team.

From 2006-2019, Hinkin also served as vice president of competitions and tournament director for United World Sports and has nearly a decade of experience in building and managing sales and marketing, product support, customer support teams and processes for a variety of companies.

“Growing up, my neighborhood park played a pivotal role in shaping my love of sports, friendships and sense of community. It’s this foundation that helped inspire my dedication to promoting healthy choices and creating opportunities for all throughout my career,” said Hinkin. “In this new role, I look forward to working with our City and County partners to ensure that every San Diegan has access to a high-quality park and recreation center and building on the success of Come Play Outside and Parks After Dark.”

Locally, Hinkin has lived in various neighborhoods throughout San Diego for the past 30 years. Hinkin has won 12 national championships, including seven for the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) and is also an all-American soccer player and continues to play indoor soccer twice a week.

On Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2023, Hinkin will chair the San Diego Park Foundation’s 5th Annual Undertow Charity Golf Classic at the Torrey Pines golf course with proceeds benefitting the City and County’s park system.

Since it was established in November 2018, the Foundation has aimed to improve the human experience by reducing disparities in access to outdoor programs and spaces for San Diego’s most vulnerable communities as the driving force behind public-serving initiatives including:

Launching “Come Play Outside” with the City and County of San Diego in 2021, offering free or heavily discounted programming at more than 20 recreation centers and aquatic centers across San Diego’s southern and central neighborhoods. Participation has more than doubled from 17,000 individuals in 2021 to 30,000 in 2022.
Sponsoring Park Ambassador LEADER Academy providing young adults ages 16-24 living in low-income areas of San Diego opportunities to explore the world, challenge themselves, develop leadership skills, and gain exposure to career pathways in public service, environmental stewardship, and natural resources management.
Adopting Linda Vista Community Park by updating sports fields and courts, adding pickleball courts, new trees, lighting for security and safety, updating the playground equipment, and adding a walking path.
Building the Linda Vista Community Garden, creating the first community garden in a City of San Diego public park while reestablishing garden programs for underserved residents in collaboration with Linda Vista’s trusted local community center, Bayside Community Center.
Embarking on a tree planting initiative to help the City of San Diego meet its long-term climate action tree canopy goals and are currently raising money for park activations such as summer movies in the park and popular water safety programs.