kayaking and hiking are all calling out to him.

As a self-described home improvement junkie, he looks forward to having more time for woodworking projects and possibly dabbling in historic house restoration. He and wife Melinda also plan to travel.

Byrd described the recreation and parks department’s five-year master plan ending in 2022 as “a systemic improvement program for infrastructure.”

But, as he prepares to leave the department, he isn’t focused on listing capital projects he has overseen or are in the pipeline.

“What I’m most proud of is not any brick-and-mortar accomplishment,” Byrd said. “I strived to keep the department on a positive momentum and that resulted in community support.”

Byrd also knows the department will continue to thrive.

“I’ve had a fulfilling career and I leave the department knowing there’s an unbelievable depth of talent here,” he said.

Ball said he ordered the nationwide search because Byrd left big shoes to fill.

“There’s a great deal of opportunity to build upon our excellence and I was willing to cast a wide net,” he said. “But right now, we’re celebrating John and his legacy and that’s exciting.”