Parks & Rec Director John Keprios Retiring at 35 Years

John Keprios is wrapping up a 35-year career with the City of Edina today, retiring from his post as Parks & Recreation Director on Thursday, Dec. 27.

Keprios has worked in the field of parks and recreation for more than 40 years, joining the City of Edina staff as a recreation supervisor in 1977. During his tenure, he served as assistant Parks & Recreation for eight years and has been director for the last 18.

"Being the director of this amazing department has been rewarding in so many ways," Keprios said. "No two days have ever been the same, and the job has always provided challenges that test all of my personal and professional skills."

The City of Edina is hosting a special retirement party from 3-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 27, at the Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse. Residents are invited to attend the free reception.

Keprios is also among the finalists for Edina Patch's inaugural Person of the Year award. Voting for the award runs through 9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

Among his accomplishments during his career are the creation of Edina's city-sponsored adaptive recreation program, the development of the Edina Senior Center, the construction of a pair of gymnasiums on school district property as well as the Tri-City Skate Park at the Southdale YMCA.

"What sets Edina apart from the rest is Edina’s amazing abundance of park facilities and the organization’s never-ending desire to always be step above," Keprios added. 

Keprios will be succeeded in his post by Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Ann Kattreh.

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