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YourHub.com \\ Antelope Valley \\ Stories \\ Milestones \\ Retirement

Lancaster Parks & Recreation Director retires

On 10/1/2008

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Contributed by: City of Lancaster on 6/17/2008

After 20 years of exceptional service, Lancaster Parks, Recreation and Arts Director Lyle Norton has announced his retirement, effective Oct. 1.

Norton has been a significant part of many developments within the parks, recreation and arts system, as well as a key contributor to the city's initiatives over the years.

"I cannot thank Lyle enough for his work in creating one of the finest Parks, Recreation and Arts programs in the entire state of California," said Lancaster City Manager Mark V. Bozigian. "We will all miss his leadership."

Under Norton's direction, the Lancaster Parks, Recreation and Arts Department has made great strides in the needs of local residents and in making Lancaster a destination site for sports and entertainment enthusiasts around the nation.

Lancaster's award-winning parks include the Lancaster National Soccer Center and Big 8 Softball Complex.

Both facilities host local, regional and national tournaments throughout the year. Other facilities such as the Lancaster Performing Arts Center and Lancaster Museum Art Gallery invite those with artistic and cultural interest to enjoy local and world-class performances and displays.

Annual special events such as the California Poppy Festival, Celebrate Downtown Lancaster, and Aerospace Walk of Honor are all staples to the community.

Beyond being key revenue drivers for the city, these venues and activities build a sense of community among residents that surpasses any monetary value.

"The city and entire community have always valued and supported parks, leisure and cultural services. We have never taken that for granted and continually strive to earn credibility with our constituents," Norton said.

While the city recruits for a permanent assistant city manager, Bozigian has appointed Norton as interim assistant city manager through Oct. 1. Norton will work on enhancing the city's communications program, building the city's Safer and Stronger Neighborhoods program and contributing to other important projects on the city's agenda.

"The opportunity to interact daily with a vibrant staff and high quality city management team and City Council is something that I appreciate more each day. The last 20 years have been the most challenging and rewarding of my professional career," Norton said.

With Norton's transition to interim assistant city manager, Parks, Recreation and Arts Assistant Director Bob Greene has been appointed as interim director of parks, recreation and arts.

Greene has been with the city for 21 years and has worked with Norton to develop the many fine programs, services and special events the city offers to the public.

Bozigian made one other appointment this week. In light of the retirement of communications manager Anne Aldrich, communications specialist Nicole Allen has been appointed to interim communications manager for the city.

She will be working directly with Norton on the city's communication programs. The city is currently recruiting for a permanent communications manager.

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