Devoir returns to Shoreline’s parks department

  • John Santana<br>Enterprise editor
  • Friday, February 29, 2008 7:55am

Lynn Devoir, who was Shoreline’s first parks and recreation director, is coming back to the department she started, but in a different position.

Devoir, whose last day of work as Mill Creek’s recreation supervisor was Oct. 22, begins a new position Monday, Nov. 1 as Shoreline’s new recreation superintendent.

“I feel like I’m going home,” said Devoir, a longtime Shoreline resident who served as parks and recreation director in Shoreline from February 1996 to December 1998.

Devoir’s new position is a high-ranking position in the city’s parks department. She will supervise Shoreline’s teen programs, athletics, aquatics, general recreation, specialized recreation programs and seasonal events. Devoir will report to parks and recreation supervisor Dick Deal.

“I feel like it’s time for me to work for a little bigger organization,” she said. “Most of the people who work there I hired when I was there. I know what a wonderful group of people they are.”

Devoir went to Mill Creek in February 2002. In her time there Devoir planned and coordinated the city’s 20th birthday celebration, reinstated the holiday tree lighting and Easter egg hunts. She also helped secure funding for the summer concerts in the park, which were funded entirely through private sector donations.

Outgoing Mill Creek parks board member Karen Brandon called her “an excellent leader” while city manager Bob Stowe called her “a fantastic person” and “a joy.”

Devoir’s departure came as Mill Creek’s recreation program’s budget faces cuts as that city faces an annual revenue/expense deficit of at least $175,000.

Some Mill Creek City Council members have expressed a desire to see the recreation department have revenues matching expenses and not require funding from the city’s general fund.

While not directly wanting to pin any unhappiness with City Council members, Devoir said, “I do admit, I was hoping to work for a city who is more supportive of parks and recreation programs. I consider recreation to be an essential service.”

Devoir also admitted disappointment when the Mill Creek City Council opted to kill the community center project earlier this year without putting the issue before voters, as was initially planned.

A community center would have hosted many recreation programs, most of which are currently held in one room in city hall.

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