Item 3C. Special Matters: Resolution of Appreciation to Darla Smith
Superintendent's Recommendation:
MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-21; A RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO DARLA SMITH UPON HER RETIREMENT FROM THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT.
Prepared By: Bri Koch, Park Operation Supervisor and Luke Skinner, Associate Superintendent
Background:
With heartfelt appreciation, we recognize Darla Smith for her service to Three Rivers Park District. Darla has been a dedicated employee for over 36 years.
Darla Smith joined Three Rivers Park District in January 1989 at Richardson Nature Center. She vividly remembers walking into her interview at Richardson where she could hear sleet falling onto the leaves and thought to herself, "If I get this, I am never leaving!”
Darla started as a part-time benefited Receptionist until 1996 when she was promoted to full-time Division Secretary. She is extremely dedicated and passionate about parks. A few of Darla’s personal highlights of her career with Three Rivers Park District include: the first raptor release at French Park; holding a Bald Eagle; caring for the resident raptor, turtles and snakes at Richardson; serving as a host for the 2012 Special Park Districts Forum; and leading both the Employee Club and Management Support Team for several years.
Darla has a way of creating connections that develop into long-lasting relationships with our staff and park users. Darla never hesitates to spend the extra time answering questions in the campground or over the phone when people come in who want to know all about Three Rivers. During times when adaptability is needed, Darla always steps up – for example, in the spring of 2020 she took on a variety of tasks from maintenance to carpentry to boat inspections. She has a wealth of knowledge from her experience throughout the Park District, which began at Richardson Nature Center, moved into the famous Baker Barn and finished out at the Baker Operations Center and Campground.
The attached Resolution of Appreciation is being presented for Board consideration, recognizing Darla Smith’s contributions to the Park District.
Attachments:
