The Missoula City Council confirmed Marina Yoshioka as the city’s parks and recreation director on Dec. 8, voting unanimously after a brief presentation and public comment.

Mayor Mary Davis introduced Yoshioka as the mayoral appointee and said she brings “exceptional experience, a collaborative approach, and deep commitment to connecting people with place.” Council President Amber Sherrill, who chaired the interview panel, moved to confirm the appointment, saying Yoshioka “knocked it out of the park” in her interview and that the selection process included staff, the parks board and council members.

The council opened the item for public comment; one member of the public made a brief suggestion about bird nesting at a large pavilion. There were no objections from council, and a roll-call vote confirmed the mayor’s appointment. Yoshioka is scheduled to start Jan. 5; interim director Ryan Applegate will continue leading the department until then.

Why it matters: The parks and recreation department manages Missoula’s parks, trails and facilities and is responsible for planning, maintenance and community programs. Council members said the appointment follows a thorough selection process and will help sustain services and community partnerships.

The meeting record shows the council took the formal vote and reported the confirmation as passing without opposition. The council moved on to other business after welcoming Yoshioka and noting the department’s role in local recreation and conservation initiatives.