Fred DeVictor soon will have more time to spend enjoying the multitude of parks and facilities that he oversees as the city’s director of Parks and Recreation.

DeVictor announced Friday that he will retire as the city’s top parks and recreation leader in March. He has been the director of the Parks and Recreation Department since 1975 and has been with the department since 1970.

“It is time,” DeVictor said. “A lot of friends have said, ‘You’ll know when it is time to retire.’ I have good health, I think, and after 37 years I think things are in good hands.”

City Manager David Corliss praised DeVictor and his service to the city.

“Fred’s leadership and vision in providing outstanding parks, facilities and programs for the Lawrence community have been an incredible contribution to the city,” Corliss said.

During his tenure, DeVictor oversaw the opening of the Holcom Park Recreation Center and Sports Complex, Clinton Lake Softball Complex, Eagle Bend Golf Course, Prairie Park Nature Center, the Indoor Aquatic Center, and 17 new parks.

DeVictor, 63, said he and his wife, Karen, have no particular plans for retirement.

“We don’t plan to move or anything,” DeVictor said. “This is home. I just plan to get out of the public eye a little bit more, and just get in better shape and relax.”

Corliss said the city would conduct a wide search for DeVictor’s replacement. He said it was too early to determine whether an interim director would need to be named.