Rex Derr, director of the state parks system, plans to retire this November.
He informed members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and department staff in an e-mail late Wednesday.
Derr has guided the department through choppy waters in recent years as declining state revenues has led to talk of park closures and transfers of some parks, including one to Snohomish County.
His departure may reinvigorate discussion about merging the agency into the Department of Natural Resources. A bill to carry out the merger did not pass the Legislature. However, the current proposed budget of the Senate prescribes changes in the parks department that senators sought to accomplish through the merger.
Here’s what Derr wrote to his employees Wednesday:
Hi everyone,
There’s a time in all our lives when we take stock and think about what’s next. That time has come for me, and I wanted you all to be among the first to know that I will be retiring November 30, 2010. On every front, I believe the time is right. Personally, Anne and I have grandkids that we want to enjoy, and we’re still young and fit enough to get out and explore the outdoors that we love – full time! Here at State Parks, I believe we’re on solid ground. We’ve been through a very challenging time, and no doubt there are more challenges ahead – but because of you, we continue moving ahead, providing superb parks and services. And people know it and appreciate it. Our friends, our park visitors and our policymakers are confident in us – an abiding confidence that they express in so many different ways, precisely because of your commitment and excellent work. Your progress on agency initiatives and the Centennial 2013 Plan is evident everywhere we look.
And we need to just keep moving!
I informed the Commission and the executive leadership team of my decision a few minutes ago and now am telling you all – well in advance, so the Commission and staff can have the time to develop a transition plan, hire a new director and keep on our great mission. I am extremely proud to know and work with all of you and can already tell that the next few months will be bittersweet …
Rex
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