Parks and Recreation board member to run for Cedar Park council

By Joseph M. de Leon Wednesday, 24 February 2010

CEDAR PARK — Wayne Ruark, vice chairman of the parks and recreation board in Cedar Park, announced Feb. 21 his candidacy for Cedar Park City Council Place 6.

Ruark, who was appointed to the board in June 2008, was voted vice chair in July 2009.

“I am running to ensure that a trustworthy, knowledgeable and responsible person fills the seat being vacated and continues Cedar Park's current and future success,” he said.

Ruark, who grew up in Irving, moved to Cedar Park from Austin five years ago. The car dealership service consultant has a 6-year-old son, Nathaniel, and has been married to his wife, Maricela, for 15 years.

During the time Ruark has served on the parks and recreation board, he is most proud of helping to move forward the design process of a monument at Veterans Memorial Park.

“It’s a really important part of the city to be able to recognize our veterans,” he said. “Starting from scratch, taking an idea to council and watching it become a reality has been an eye-opening experience.”

If elected to council, Ruark said he would help lure large employers, continue to lower taxes and find ways to encourage residents and people from surrounding areas to take part in Cedar Park’s recreational and entertainment-related events.