Belfast Hires New Parks and Recreation Director

Adrien Lumumba brings experience in college athletics and facilities management to the role.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The city of Belfast, Maine has hired Adrien Lumumba as its new Parks and Recreation Director. Lumumba has a background in college athletics, having worked at institutions like Rice University and the University of New Hampshire, where he directed facilities, oversaw capital projects, and coordinated large events. This is his first job in municipal government.

Why it matters

Belfast's parks have seen increased usage in recent years, leading to concerns about rule-breaking and nuisance behavior. Lumumba's experience in managing facilities and events will be crucial in addressing these challenges and improving the city's parks and recreation offerings.

The details

The city received 18 applications for the Parks and Recreation Director position and held two rounds of interviews in January. The hiring committee, which included City Manager Erin Herbig, was very impressed with Lumumba's education and professional experience. In addition to hiring Lumumba, the City Council also voted to appoint Carolyn Steeves as the assistant to the parks and recreation director and pool operator. Steeves has taken on a variety of responsibilities since being hired as the city's pool operator last April.

  • Lumumba was hired as the new Parks and Recreation Director on March 3, 2026.
  • Carolyn Steeves was appointed as the assistant to the parks and recreation director and pool operator on March 3, 2026.

The players

Adrien Lumumba

The new Parks and Recreation Director for the city of Belfast, Maine. Lumumba has a background in college athletics, having worked at institutions like Rice University and the University of New Hampshire, where he directed facilities, oversaw capital projects, and coordinated large events.

Erin Herbig

The City Manager of Belfast, Maine and a member of the hiring committee that selected Lumumba as the new Parks and Recreation Director.

Carolyn Steeves

The new assistant to the parks and recreation director and pool operator for the city of Belfast, Maine. Steeves was hired as the city's pool operator last April and has since taken on additional responsibilities.

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What they’re saying

“We were very, very impressed with his education and with his professional experience.”

— Erin Herbig, City Manager (bangordailynews.com)

“I think my background and experience has positioned me to come into this position and bring a fresh perspective.”

— Adrien Lumumba (bangordailynews.com)

What’s next

The city plans to move forward with improvements to the playground and restrooms at Belfast City Park, and the City Council recently voted to accept the donation of a 94-acre off-leash dog park.

The takeaway

Lumumba's hiring as the new Parks and Recreation Director comes at a crucial time for Belfast, as the city's parks have seen increased usage and challenges in recent years. His experience in college athletics and facilities management will be valuable in addressing these issues and enhancing the city's parks and recreation offerings.