UPDATED: Longtime Harford Parks and Rec Director, Joe Pfaff, To Resign

Joeseph Pfaff, longtime Director of Parks and Recreation for Harford County, has turned in his letter of resignation to County Executive David Craig.

Below is a copy of a letter Pfaff sent to his staff, letting them know about his departure from the department:

Dear Staff:

I am writing you today because I wanted you to hear of my decision before anyone. Today I have submitted my letter of resignation to the County Executive. I will vacate my position at the pleasure and on a schedule desired by Mr. Craig.

As I said in my letter to Mr. Craig, I don’t know if it was my recent “hole in the head” incident or the realization that old age is coming on like gang busters but I think it is time to move on. My time over the holidays gave me plenty of quality time to make my decision.

One thing I do know for sure is that my 15 years in Harford County have been some of the best years of my life. It has truly been my pleasure to work with so many wonderfully gifted and committed people… staff and volunteers alike. You have enriched my life and I will always cherish the time we have spent together. I will leave Harford County a better person because of you.

Please know that the Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation is in good shape and has become a household name in communities throughout our county because of your dedication and tireless efforts.

As I have said so many times in the last 15 years: ” you should be very proud of your accomplishments…I know I am”!

Thanks for the memories! It has been a great ride and I will never forget our time together. I love you guys! JP

From Harford County Government:

Joe Pfaff Retires from Government Service

Served as Director of Parks and Recreation for 15 years

(Bel Air, MD) – – Joe Pfaff, Director of the Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation, will retire from government service effective February 1, 2010. Pfaff, was appointed director of the Department of Parks and Recreation in January 1995, by former County Executive Eileen Rehrmann and has served in that position the past 15 years.

Since his appointment in 1995, the Department of Parks and Recreation has expanded programs and dramatically improved the number and quality of athletic fields and recreational facilities for the public. During the past 15 years the Department of Parks and Recreation has expanded the number of indoor recreation facilities from one (Churchville) to a total of nine in 2009. In the past 16 months the department has installed four artificial turf fields, with a fifth at Havre de Grace High School due to be completed by September of 2010.

The 14 field Cedar Lane Park was Harford County’s first regional sports facility. Additionally, the first section of the Ma and Pa Trail was opened in 1997. Since then two more phases have opened totaling six and one-half miles.

In 1995, the Department of Parks and Recreation had an open space inventory of 1,746 acres. Today the open space inventory is 4,640 acres.

“I am proud of the accomplishments that the personnel of the Department of Parks and Recreation have achieved during my tenure,” remarked Director Pfaff. “The quality of our facilities and programs should continue to serve the citizens of Harford County well for many years to come. It has been an honor and privilege for me to serve as director of this outstanding department the past 15 years, and I wish to convey my thanks and appreciation to County Executive Craig and Director of Administration Lorraine Costello for their support,” Pfaff stated.

Director Pfaff added, “Through the dedicated efforts of the 20 volunteer recreation councils along with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, we have been able to offer the citizens of Harford County a wide array of leisure opportunities with more on the way”.

“Joe Pfaff has done an exemplary job as director of the Department of Parks and Recreation and he will sorely be missed,” remarked County Executive David R. Craig. “Joe went the extra mile to ensure the citizens of this great county had outstanding parks and rec programs and facilities,” Craig stated.

Arden C. McClune, a long-time county employee and current Chief of Capital Planning and Development with the Department of Parks and Recreation has been tapped by County Executive Craig to serve as the acting director of the department. McClune began her service with Harford County Government in November 1984.

“Arden has done an outstanding job as Chief of Capital Planning and Development for Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation and is well prepared to step in and assume the reigns as the acting director of the department,” County Executive Craig stated.

The Department of Parks and Recreation serves more than 50,000 youth, adults and seniors throughout Harford County with a variety of programs and events.