Stone Appointed Interim Parks Chief

Fri., March 10, 2000

From Staff

The Spokane Park Board on Thursday named Mike Stone its interim director while it searches for a permanent park director.

Ange Taylor, the outgoing director, was granted $6,000 in severance pay as part of his original contract and allowed to retire April 3, a month earlier than planned.

Taylor joined the city in 1996 and is credited with strengthening the parks system in Spokane.

A $15 million bond issue approved by voters last year came under Taylor’s leadership.

“I think his name will always be held in great regard for the leadership he has given,” said Park Board member Carol Barber.

In a short, emotional farewell, Taylor said the job was a challenge, and he feels the park system is in better shape than when he arrived.

“I thank you and wish you the very best,” Taylor told the board at its regular monthly meeting Thursday.

The board has hired an executive search firm to find a qualified replacement.

Stone is currently the special operations division manager in the Parks Department. He has 10 years of experience in city parks management, including responsibility for municipal golf courses.

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