UPDATED July 6, 6 p.m.
Milton's outgoing Parks and Recreation director said he was thankful that City Manager Chris Lagerbloom brought him onto his team.
John Rebar is is heading back to Florida after just under a year working in the city, Milton Communications Manager Jason Wright confirmed July 5.
He was asked about his accomplishments and the future of Parks and Recreation in Milton, giving his answer via email earlier today, July 6.
"Over the past several months I have had the privilege to direct the addition of 32 new recreation programs, be part of starting the Comprehensive Park System Master Plan and commence construction on three capital projects to expand recreation space for our residents and visitors," Rebar said.
"The next few years will be big ones in terms of Milton’s Parks and Recreation efforts, and I’m certain residents will be thrilled with what is in store," he said.
Check out the accompanying pdf file to read all of what Rebar had to say about milton and his departure.
It was on . He had worked for Doral, FL, for a little less than four years before starting the job in Milton on Aug. 15, 2011. His last day will be July 19.
Now Rebar will be working in Miami Gardens, FL, back in his home state.
Daniel Rosemond, Miami Gardens assistant city manager and community development director, said Rebar is suited to the job because he worked his way up the ranks in the Parks and Recreation field, including his experience especially with the city of Doral, FL and its start-up process. Dealing with a similar process to Miami Gardens would be a good fit, Rosemond said.
"His outlook, his work style also made him a good fit," he said.
Rosemond said the city interviewed seven to eight individuals with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the field. He did well enough to make it to the second round of interviews, and Rebard was selected for the second round of interviews. "And he did very, very well in that second interview," he said.
Miami Gardens is a relatively new city of 109,000 residents, the assistant city manager said.
"We were incorporated in 2003 as the 33rd municipality in Miami-Dade County," Rosemond said.
Miami Gardens is the third largest city in the county, behind Miami and Hialeah and is about 20 square miles in size.
"We've got over 225 acres of park space, 17 parks in our system, including a brand new community center which is 50,000 square feet," Rosemond said.
He said they are looking for the department to provide resources to engage the residents to live much more active lives.
"And it really starts with having good programming for all ages," Rosemond said, "having things for people to do at the parks."
It will be Rebar's job to launch some programs to get the community on track to healthier living, reducing obesity rates and the medical consequences of that condition.
Wright said the city is weighing its options right now and examining its upcoming budget.
"Chris [Lagerbloom] is working with our HR director," Wright said.
The city's search committee already is considering how to fill the position, he said.
Rebar replaced Cyndee Bonacci, who quit to spend more time with her family.
