Parks Board names new superintendent, to start Oct. 1

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by Steve Wiandt

Reporter

Cuyahoga Falls -- The new superintendent of the city's Park and Recreation Department has been named.

Bill Lohan was appointed to that position March 13 by the Parks and Recreation Board, effective Oct. 1 of this year. Following a 50-minute executive session, the board voted 4-1 to appoint Lohan to fill the spot. The motion included granting Lohan "day-to-day operational oversight and authority over the Park and Recreation Department" from now until Oct. 1.

Charles Glanville, chairman of the board, voted against the measure.

"I have felt for the past two years that the parks and recreation department should be run by a parks and recreation professional, and obviously I still feel that today," said Glanville after the meeting. "But [my vote] has nothing to with Bill Lohan."

"I'm certainly looking forward to the challenge, and working with an excellent staff," Lohan said.

Lohan said he will continue working for the city as the Natatorium's facility manager, but his work overseeing the Parks and Recreation Department will not supplement his income.

Lohan said the city is paying a $52,000 severance package to current Park and Recreation Superintendent Merritt Darrell Lovelette, who is working from home until Sept. 30 when his resignation goes into effect. Lovelette on Feb. 14 submitted his resignation to the board effective Sept. 30. The board on Feb. 14 voted 3-2 to accept the resignation with Glanville, Carolyn Shroyer and Bob Heath supporting the measure, which allows Lovelette to work from home until Sept. 30.

Lohan said he's "getting two jobs for the price of one." He said it remains to be seen whether he continues working two jobs and getting paid for one after Oct. 1.

"It's not about the pay for me," he said. "This is my opportunity to contribute my talents to the community."

Lohan, 59, retired as vice president of operations for Alltell four years ago. He's been employed by the city for three and a half years. He started out working in Community Development, he said, before becoming manager of the Natatorium two years ago.

E-mail: swiandt@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3915