After more than 27 years in his position, Derry Township director of parks and recreation Matt Mandia has announced his retirement, effective Friday, April 30.

Mandia came to Derry Township in 1994 as assistant director of parks and recreation and soon transitioned into the role of director. As director, he oversaw a variety of services, including the former recreation center on Cocoa Avenue, nine public parks that span a total of 194 acres, more than 13 miles of walking and biking trails, and numerous events and recreational programs.

He shared that the department's projects had made a difference in the lives of residents. "From my life-changing experience working with the Jonathan Eshenour Foundation to expand the bicycle and pedestrian trail to 13.5 miles to the development of Gelder Park and Founders Park to watching kids participate in programming at the recreation center only to eventually see them as parents walking through those same doors with their children, (it) is so impactful and gratifying knowing we made a difference," he said. Mandia also reminisced about memories of the Memorial Day ceremony and parade, the Halloween parades, and the Kids Club and Summer Day Camp programs.

For nearly eight years, Mandia has also led the planning of the new Hershey Community Center, which will open in the summer of 2022. "My hope is that this facility will be a beacon of goodness in our community for generations to come," he said.

Mandia commended everyone on his team for working hard to have a positive impact on the quality of life for Derry Township residents. He acknowledged the contributions of all current and past team members, such as former township manager Jim Negley, department heads, and all staff. "Many don't understand the commitment that it takes to provide meaningful recreational services to a community," said Mandia. He noted that his colleagues' jobs usually revolve around times when most people are off school or work and are looking for leisure activities. Mandia said that the parks and recreation department works during normal business hours, preparing to work on non-business hours to provide those experiences and programs.

As for what's next for Mandia, he said that he and his wife plan to hike, bike, travel, and volunteer. "We have both given to our professions for more than 30 years and decided that this was the time for the transition to our next phase in life," he added.

Mandia said he hopes that future Derry Township Parks and Recreation teams and township leaders continue to make the outdoor park and trail spaces a priority, as they have been for many years. He added, "These places provide a silent but very powerful and positive impact to residents. A walk on one of our trails, a bike ride, watching a youth sports game, or merely sitting quietly in one of our amazing parks, all brings an unmeasured value to our lives."