West Bloomfield Parks and Rec Deputy Director to Retire

Source: West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation

He has served as Deputy Director for West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation for the past 18 years and has overseen parks and recreation operations and park development for almost 25 years.

West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission Deputy Director, David Burley has announced his retirement in a letter to Parks and Recreation Director Daniel Navarre.

“It is with mixed emotions that I inform you of my retirement from West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation effective Feb. 28, 2013.  It has been my pleasure to serve the Commission and residents of West Bloomfield for nearly 25 years. ” Burley said in his letter.

“During that time I have had the opportunity to assist the Commission in expanding from four parks with 56 acres to a comprehensive park system comprised of 14 park sites and over 590 acres.” 

Navarre said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working side by side with Dave over the last 14 years. His great knowledge of the park system and ability to create a teamwork approach with the staff will be missed.”

Burley was recruited and hired by West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Director, Joey Spano in March of 1988 and served as the Park Maintenance Supervisor until his promotion to Deputy Director in 1995.

During his 25 year career in West Bloomfield, Burley was involved with the development and construction of the West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve and Trail Network, Drake Sports Park, the renovation of the Family Aquatic Center and construction of the Recreation Center, Bloomer Park, Bloomfield Knolls Park, Sylvan Manor Park, the Community Sports Park and the restoration of Schulak Farm.  In his role as Deputy Director, Burley was responsible for the Recreation, Transportation, Parks, Grounds, Maintenance and Operations Divisions.

“Working for the Commission has allowed me to be involved in trend setting park developments such as the West Bloomfield Trail, the Off Leash Dog Area at Karner Farm and the skate park at Drake Sports Park and most recently the transformation of Marshbank Park and the trail extension project,” Burley said.

Burley’s letter continued, “None of these things would have been possible without the strong support of the Commission, staff and the past directors for whom I served.  I want to thank Dan Navarre, Sally Pierce and Joey Spano (park’s directors) for recognizing my abilities and supporting me during my career.

"The various Commissions that have served during the past 25 years have provided both moral and financial support to make the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission a leader in the park and recreation field and a true environmental steward for West Bloomfield Township.

“I have enjoyed working for the residents of West Bloomfield and I have worked with some outstanding professional staff and Commissioners and I am proud to consider many of them my friends,” said Burley. “It is these people and the residents of West Bloomfield that made my years here at West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation most enjoyable and I will miss them.” 

“It is my sincere wish that my work here has had a positive effect on the quality of life for the residents of West Bloomfield.”