After Three Decades, Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton Heads Department for One Final Day
By Jeff Toquinto on March 22, 2018 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
With plenty of things to close out, the staff of the Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department held a luncheon for outgoing Director Don Burton on Wednesday. With his final day on the job after roughly 30 years with the city today, those who have worked for him gave him a final sendoff and also presented him with a gift.
Long-time Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth, who will assume the director's job, was one of those on hand Wednesday. Shuttleworth and staff presented Burton with a cutting board engraved with the city's logo on the front and with the signed names of the entire staff on the back.
"This was super nice to see all the staff here together. It was very touching," said Burton. "This means a lot because I think it lets you know that your employees appreciate you. I hope they know how much I appreciate them."
On Friday, it will make the first time in 30 years where Burton won't be required to get out of bed early. Instead of showing up at the Benedum Civic Center for work, he can go back to sleep or whatever his wife Kym has on her "honey do" list.
"I'll probably go back to sleep," said Burton. "I've been here every morning at 7:30 a.m. for the last 30 years. Changing things around will take some getting used to, but I'm sure I'll adjust."
Burton said he already has plans, which include "taking it easy." He also wants to do some traveling and will look into other things as time moves forward.
Below are photos from Wednesday's luncheon.
