Buffalo’s new deputy parks commissioner said Tuesday that some creative strategies should be pursued to fund improvements to the city’s sprawling parks system.

In her first meeting with the Common Council since she was appointed to the newly created position, Susan M. Gonzalez also stressed the need to upgrade “pocket” parks as a way to revitalize neighborhoods.

Gonzalez was tapped by Mayor Byron W. Brown for the $85,000-a-year job as part of the city’s decision to retake control of parks Jan 1. The county had been managing the facilities since 2004.

Buffalo has about 190 parks, playgrounds and recreation centers.

When South Council Member Michael P. Kearns raised questions about Buffalo’s fiscal commitment to its historic parks system, Gonzalez acknowledged that the city has ranked dead last on a list of 150 municipalities in per-capita spending for parks.

The figure is even more jolting, given the fact that Buffalo ranks eighth among the nation’s cities when it comes to the percentage of land occupied by parks. By forming a series of partnerships, said Gonzalez, Buffalo might be able to “right-size” its parks system by having nonprofit groups and other organizations assume responsibility for some facilities.

“We just have so much parkland and park space,” she said.

The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy continues to manage the six parks and connecting parkways designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in the 19th century. The city has to finalize a long-term pact with the conservancy, but Gonzalez said talks are continuing as the group performs maintenance tasks under an earlier agreement.

While Gonzalez stopped short of calling on the city to beef up funding for parks initiatives, the mayor recently proposed two strategies that could channel more money into parks projects.

Brown wants to use $1.1 million in federal anti-poverty block grants to improve parks and recreational centers. The mayor also has talked about dedicating some funds from the city’s growing surplus to help pay for quality-of-life improvements, including parks projects.

Some lawmakers asked Gonzalez about lean staffing in community centers. She said a new agreement with city unions will make it easier to use subcontractors and other service providers in the centers.

Gonzalez is a familiar face in City Hall, having served as director of recreation in the Community Services Department, executive director of the Buffalo Police Athletic League and coordinator of special events in the city.