City of Troy Parks and Rec Director retires after nearly four decades

Inside Smith's office, his badges and credentials from over the years hang on display. Nate Henderson photo

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 served the Troy community by building and leading the city’s Parks and Rec division. Now in his 36th year behind the director’s 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. “It’s time to pass the torch on to our great team here at Troy Parks and Recreation, and I know they will continue to do great things above and beyond what I was able to accomplish.”

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

“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, and throughout all the growth in the Rec Center and SportsPlex, Smith said 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.

“Without question, the thing that I am most proud of is the relationships that we have forged with […] this one big community,” Smith said. “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.”

While he may be leaving his position as director, that doesn’t mean he plans to stop supporting the community he loves. Smith said 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 Disney World.

It’s currently undecided who will be taking Smith’s place behind the director’s desk, but Smith said he has nothing but confidence that whoever fills the roll will be the right person for the job.