Skea's tenure has benefitted many

To the editor: Orange County Executive Diana’s recent announcement that the county has initiated a national search for our new county parks commissioner was the only bright spot in the sad news that our own long-time Parks Commissioner, Graham Skea, will retire at the end of 2005. During Commissioner Skea’s 38-year reign, the county expanded its parks system to 3,300 acres with nine parks and four historic sites, two golf courses and horse show areas, more than 11 miles of walking, skating, biking trails, a snow tubing area, fishing ponds, campsites, and tennis courts, benefitting all our residents. Commissioner Skea is a giant in parks service, not only in the Hudson Valley but around the nation. His vision and dedication over the years have helped create unparalleled open space and recreational areas throughout the county. The Orange County Citizens Foundation has been fortunate to work closely with Commissioner Skea over the past 35 years, collaborating on numerous recreational projects, including the D&H Canal Park, the Orange County Heritage Trail and the Orange County Arboretum. His departure will leave a substantial void in our county government. County Executive Diana’s recognition that replacing Commissioner Skea’s requires a national search is a testament to the county’s commitment to quality of life for our residents. We urge the county executive to move forward with the search as quickly as possible to ensure continuity within the system and throughout the county. While Commissioner Skea’s shoes will undoubtedly be very difficult to fill, we are confident that a prompt and thorough search will produce fine results. We applaud County Executive Diana for his swift action and attention to this important matter that affects all of our residents. Patricia Gilchrest President Orange County Citizens Foundation