Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - Syracuse is losing another town employee.
Michael Hixenbaugh, superintendent of parks and recreation, has submitted his letter of resignation to Syracuse Park Board President Thomas Knopp. Hixenbaugh's resignation is effective at year's end.
According to a statement by Knopp, "Mike has been a real asset to the Parks and Town of Syracuse for almost five years now. He has been instrumental in our obtaining the Community Center and has been deeply involved in establishing many park projects such as Multi-Purpose Trails, Veterans Memorial and Skateboard Park, to name a few.
"I believe I speak for the Park Board in saying that he will be very much missed. On the other hand, we wish him well in his new career venture and know that our loss will be the Butterfield Park District's gain."
The park board will discuss at their next meeting finding Hixenbaugh's replacement.
In his letter of resignation, Hixenbaugh wrote, "It has been my pleasure to serve as the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Syracuse for the past five years. It is now time, however, for me to move on in pursuit of my career goals. Upon receipt of this letter, I tender my resignation as Superintendent of the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department."
Hixenbaugh has accepted the director position at the Butterfield Park District in suburban Chicago, Lombard, Ill.
"It is not without careful consideration that I made this personal decision," Hixenbaugh said in his resignation. "I appreciate the great support that I received from the Syracuse Park Board, the residents of the Town of Syracuse and the many that have volunteered their time and resources to the advancement of our goals. I am in debt to the many that have helped create its success and will always remember their contributions."
Hixenbaugh's last day of service is Dec. 23 and his last day of employment is Dec. 31. The gap between his last day at work and his last day of employment will be his remaining vacation and personal day benefits.
He wrote, "I wish to assist to the extent possible, and desired, the transition of leadership. I take great personal pride in the department and wish to minimize the effect this decision will have on its operations."
