photo by: Journal-World file photo

Lawrence Parks and Recreation director Derek Rogers is pictured on Friday, July 21, 2017, at South Park.

The City of Lawrence has announced that Lawrence Parks and Recreation Director Derek Rogers will retire at the end of 2023.

Rogers, a lifelong resident of Lawrence, has been in his position since 2017. As director, Rogers oversees all Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department services, programs, parks, facilities and properties, including Sports Pavilion Lawrence, three recreation centers, Prairie Park Nature Center, Carnegie Library, three aquatic centers, the Youth Sports and Clinton Lake sports complexes, Eagle Bend Golf Course, the Lawrence Loop, numerous regional and neighborhood parks, dog parks, skate parks, disc golf courses, trails and natural lands, among other facilities, according to a city news release.

City Manager Craig Owens will conduct a national search for the next director. Rogers will be engaged in the search process and transition. The recruitment effort will begin immediately, and the city hopes to complete the hiring process by December 2023.