TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — The City of Troy is saying farewell to its beloved Parks and Recreations Director after more than 30 years of service.

For three and a half decades, Dan Smith has served the Troy community by building and leading the city’s Parks and Rec division. Now in his 36th year behind the director placard, he’s hanging up his hat.

“In my mind, I know I could do this for a lot longer, but in my heart I just felt like it was the right time,” Smith said.

Smith’s last day as director will fall on Sept. 30, 2026, something that he says feels surreal.

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“I’m definitely noticing that the days are going by faster,” Smith said. “It’s definitely going to be a change in lifestyle but I’m looking forward to it – I’m looking forward to the chapter.”

In all his time with Troy Parks and Rec, Smith says the thing he’s most proud of isn’t the facilities he’s helped build – it’s the bonds he’s forged with the generations of families who visit them year after year.

“Never in my life have I meant it more than now to say what a tremendous honor and privilege it has been to […] work in parks and recreation and to serve the people of Troy,” Smith said.

While he may be leaving his position as director, that doesn’t mean he plans to stop supporting the community he loves. Smith says no matter what, he’ll stay busy doing whatever he can to help others.

The City of Troy Rec Center will hold a retirement celebration for Smith on Monday, Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome to pay a visit and commemorate Smith’s time serving the community.

As for his first plans post-retirement, Smith is looking forward to spending some quality time with his grandchildren, his son, and his daughter-in-law at DisneyWorld.