By Mark Ferenchik • The Columbus Dispatch  •  Wednesday March 11, 2015 

Alan McKnight is retiring as executive director of Columbus’ Recreation and Parks Department after more than 38 years with the city and eight as the department’s leader. 

His last day will be May 31.

McKnight, 61, led the department during some turbulent times as he dealt with budget cuts during the Great Recession, and was forced to close recreation centers and pools, decisions he called gut-wrenching. “Folks are very passionate about their parks and rec centers,” he said.

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