Jerry Carlos, Recreation Coordinator and Aquatics Supervisor, has been with the City of Boerne Parks and Recreation Department for 17 years – spending the first five years in parks maintenance at Northrup Park and City Lake Park.
He was part of the team that helped to make City Lake Park what it is today by establishing roads, dedicated parking areas, and much more. After that he worked another five years maintaining Boerne Cemetery, ensuring visitors would find a lovingly cared-for space to remember their loved ones.
For the last seven years, Jerry has been at the parks administration office working to plan and host the numerous events and programs Boerne has to offer. His favorite is the annual fishing tournament at the lake, teaching kids how to fish and handing out prizes to the winners.
Whether he’s taking in a rec league softball game, working with the lifeguards in the summer, or just being outside at one of our amazing parks, every day brings something different at the parks department. He loves to see the community come together and have a good time.
“The thing I like is when people don’t know about us and then we tell them about what we offer and give them a guidebook,” Jerry said. “They have no idea, and they’ve been living here for five years. They spread the word and a month later they have a group of friends putting together a volleyball team.”
One thing most people don’t know is that Jerry is the heart and soul of the parks department’s beloved racoon mascot Rex. Donning the suit at events and interacting with kids is something Jerry has really enjoyed.
After 17 years with Parks and Recreation, Jerry has decided to pursue a passion he’s had for a long time and is currently serving as a volunteer firefighter with the Boerne Fire Department. He has earned his fire certification and is currently working on his EMT certification with plans to pursue firefighting full-time in the near future.
Jerry was born and raised in Boerne. He and his wife Jessica have three children.
Thank you to Jerry for your dedication to the Boerne community and the work you do to keep us active and enjoying our parks. So, the next time you see Jerry (or Rex) at the park, stop and say hi!
This profile is part of a series showcasing members of City staff who provide exemplary service. We want to spotlight their hard work and some cool behind-the-scenes things you might not know.