News : Randall to retire from VPRD at end of year

VPRD officials presented Duane Randall a 'Key to the City;' he will retire at the end of 2014.

Vinton Parks and Recreation Director Duane Randall will retire at the end of 2014.

Randall informed VPRD Board members of his decision to leave after Dec. 31 earlier this year, and his decision was announced during Party in the Park events on Sunday.

Randall has served for 29 years; his tenure saw the building of the new pool, the addition of several parks, and recovery from the 2008 flooding and the 2011 wind storm.

In the coming months, VPRD Board members and the Vinton City Council will discuss changes in the position, including re-visiting the housing issue. For decades, the park director's salary package has included living in the house at Riverside Park. That rare arrangement is likely to change after Randall retires.

Assistant Director Brad Barker has said he is interested in applying for the job. The VPRD Board hopes to have a replacement chosen by Dec. 31, allowing time for a smooth transition.

Randall and his wife, Karen, and children Jamie, Brady and Erin, have been regular volunteers at virtually every major event during Randall's tenure.