NEW YORK, July 30 (UPI) -- Rob Lowe has joined the cast of the U.S. sitcom "Parks and Recreation," NBC announced Friday.

The former star of "Brothers & Sisters" and "The West Wing" will be reprising his guest-starring "Parks" role as energetic state auditor Chris Traeger when the comedy series returns in mid-season 2010-11, the network said.

"I am beyond thrilled that Rob will be joining the cast for more episodes," Mike Schur, the show's co-creator and executive producer, said in a statement. "I have truly come to value his fashion sense, grooming habits and workout tips. Also, he is hilarious, and adds a wonderful dimension to the cast. But really, it's the workout tips."