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Five Rivers MetroParks director announces retirement

Staff photo by Ron Alvey Executive director of Five Rivers MetroParks Charlie Shoemaker

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By Joanne Huist Smith, Staff Writer Updated 1:03 AM Saturday, August 14, 2010

DAYTON — The man who elevated urban parks around the Dayton area into local landmarks plans to retire as executive director of Five Rivers MetroParks effective Feb. 28.

Charlie Shoemaker, whose career with the park district spans 33 years including nine as executive director, submitted his resignation to the Five Rivers MetroParks Board of Commissioners on Friday, August 13.

“I will never truly be able to separate myself from what this agency stands for, or from the people who have made it the outstanding organization that it is today,” Shoemaker said. “I also know that the tradition of community involvement will continue in new and creative ways that maintain and expand loyalty to this extraordinary asset.”

Alan Pippenger, president of the MetroParks Board of Commissioners said Shoemaker met with staff early Friday to share the news.

The board voted Friday to hire executive search consultants Waverly Partners Inc., to conduct a national search for Shoemaker’s replacement. The search will cost $33,000.

Pippenger said the firm, which has offices nationwide, including Cleveland and Toledo, has a lot of experience with searches for non-profits and parks systems. He said the first step will be for the board to map out what challenges they anticipate in the next three to five years, and what characteristics they desire in a new director.

“Charlie has expanded so much the concept of what we do in urban parks,” Pippenger said. “These have been pretty eventful years.”

From urban adventure opportunities to preserving wetlands, Shoemaker’s legacy is vast. One of the most striking, the 17,346-square-foot pavilion that opened at RiverScape MetroPark in June. Made of white woven fiberglass fabric stretched over steel trusses, the structure not only houses concerts and other events, but provides welcome shade and a place to relax during warmer months. The adjacent RiverScape bike hub offers rentals of pedal boats, inline skates and bikes .

“MetroParks contribution to the whole Downtown Dayton plan has been huge,” said Dr. Michael Irvin, a member of the Downtown Dayton Partnership Board. “This plan is about creating a sense of place where people want to live work and play.”

Irvin called the improvements to RiverScape “world class.” “It’s changing the vibrancy of the city,” he said.

Looking for unique ways for people to connect with the outdoors, Five Rivers MetroParks opened MoMBA (MetroParks Mountain Bike Area) in September 2007 at Huffman MetroPark.

After two years of muddy roads, earth-moving machines and construction crews, the park district unveiled the $4 million renovation of Hills & Dales MetroPark. The park was originally 297 acres and a gift from John H. Patterson. Today, it’s split between the city of Dayton’s Community Golf Course and the 85-acre forested park managed by Five Rivers MetroParks,

Patterson’s original plan for the park included a scenic pond at what is now Dogwood Camp. The pond has been restored and features an overlook-style shelter along with benches.

MetroParks, under Shoemaker’s leadership, also looked for ways to lure folks into a park experience, even if their tastes ran more toward shopping than nature.

The PNC Second Street Market, 600 E. Second Street, joined the mix of MetroParks holdings in November 2001. From fresh cut flowers and produce to wine, freshly baked bread and pies, the market offers a unique urban shopping experience.

“Throughout Charlie’s tenure, he has advanced our core mission of land conservation, recreation and education,” Pippenger said.

Shoemaker can often bee seen in a MetroPark on the weekends on a nature walk or attending an event.

“He just wanted to be there,” Pippenger said. “He’s totally involved with the park system. He really lives its.”

MetroParks has 25 parks that cover almost 15,000 acres.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2362 or josmith@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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