Kara Petty has been a member of the City of Miami Gardens family since 2005 in various positions, most recently as the Parks and Recreation Director. Prior to that, her experience ranges in both recreation and management roles for the City of Plantation’s Parks and Recreation Department for 6 years.

Mrs. Petty holds a B.A. degree with a major in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University.  She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and a Certified Playground Safety Inspector through the National Recreation and Parks Association as well as a graduate of the statewide Joe Abrahams Leadership Academy.  From 2006 to present, she was selected as the Director of Professional Development for the Southeast Region of the Florida Recreation and Parks Association.  Her most recent accomplishment was serving as the Co-Chair for the FRPA 2009 State Conference.

Her professional memberships include:  Florida Recreation and Parks Association and National Recreation and Parks Association