With a lifelong commitment to public service, Robertson brings extensive leadership experience and a background in conservation, natural resources and the environment. He served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps for nearly 30 years and credits his service with instilling leadership, accountability and the ability to solve problems under pressure. 

“I’ve learned it’s all about taking care of your team and having solid operational systems in place. I like to call it ‘being brilliant at the basics,’” the district administrator said. “I think these principles apply to public administration and to managing a park system – focus on the basics, support the team and ensure we deliver real value to the Fair Oaks community.”

Before coming to the district, Robertson served as deputy director at California Fish and Wildlife and chief deputy director at California State Parks. 

In addition to his full-time job, he serves on a national conservation board with roots dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

Robertson manages daily operations for 12 public parks serving roughly 35,000 residents and reports to the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District’s Board of Directors. The board oversees fiduciary priorities and sets the district’s broader vision.

FORPD Board Director and local historian Ralph Carhart (right) shares a story with Robertson at Gum Ranch Park. Photo by Judy Andrews

“We have a great team in place, and we’re excited to have Aaron on board,” said Raymond James Irwin, board chair of the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District. “We owe it to the community to ensure the right person can lead the district with a steady, calm hand. Aaron does that beautifully.” 

The district employs more than 65 full- and part-time staff members, whom Robertson calls “the hardest-working people he’s ever worked with.” The organization has four departments, each led by a manager who reports directly to Robertson.

The departments are Facility Maintenance, Recreation and Administration. Arts and Entertainment is the FORPD’s newest addition, providing cultural and performing arts experiences to the community.

Located in the heart of the village, the new Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center opened one year ago as part of a multi-million-dollar bond project approved in 2018 to renovate and improve Village Park.

“So far, we’ve received great feedback from the public during our first opening season,” said Jen Schuler, arts and entertainment manager. “With many live shows sold out, we’re closely monitoring audience preferences and responses to improve future offerings and tailor programming for different ages and groups.”

With Village Park renovations complete, Robertson is refocusing on daily operations to ensure the district’s financial systems are sustainable and the team’s internal processes are “airtight.” 

“We’re always working on facility improvements and upgrades, as well as ways to improve park access,” said the district administrator. “You see parks eroding over time. I don’t want that to happen here.”

Through a partnership grant from SMUD, the district is replacing the old tennis court lights at Miller Park with more efficient LED lighting. The district is also renovating irrigation systems at parks that need them, especially at Phoenix Park, where the sports fields are located.

Robertson is also leading the district in developing a strategic plan to guide the next 10-20 years. As part of a community outreach strategy, FORPD recently released a survey to identify areas for improvement and residents’ preferences for park services, amenities, events and programs. The district invites the community to participate in scheduled outreach opportunities and complete the survey. More information is available on the district’s website at forpd.org. 

“My vision for the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District is to achieve operational excellence by being transparent and responsive, doing the small things consistently well, ensuring every park is safe and accessible, and continuing to deliver outstanding park spaces and programs efficiently,” said Robertson. “Fair Oaks is a wonderful, welcoming community. I want our parks to reflect that for years to come. Residents here truly care about their parks, which makes this work uniquely rewarding for me.”   

Robertson loves the Fair Oaks community and says it reminds him of a small town where he grew up in Texas. He and his wife, Ronee, live in Roseville and have three adult children and three young grandchildren, ages 15 months, 5 and 7.   
 

The Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District’s main office is at 4150 Temescal St. in Fair Oaks. For more information about the district and to access its Fall Activity Guide, visit forpd.org.