Fairfax County Parks Director Resigns

John Dargle has resigned from his position as director of the Fairfax County Park Authority.

The resignation was announced in a release from parks officials Monday.

In an email to Patch, Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie wrote Dargle resigned to “pursue some other personal interests.” 

“The Park Authority Board wishes him the best in his future endeavors,” Bouie wrote.

The Board will conduct a national search for a Dargle’s successor. Bouie said the search would likely take anywhere from six to nine months.

Cindy Messigner, the authority's deputy director and chief financial officer, will serve as acting director until a successor is found. Messinger has worked in the Park Authority for more than 30 years.

Parks face a $200,000 reduction in the county’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget that will eliminate funding for maintenance and renovations to tennis and basketball courts.

“The Park Board has every confidence in our park staff and Ms. Messinger’s ability to guide us through this interim period and to set in motion the search for Mr. Dargle’s successor,” Bouie said in a statement Monday.

Dargle was appointed director in June 2008. During his time with the agency, the Park Authority received its third Gold Medal Award, successfully passed two Park Bond referenda and dealt with a number of budget challenges in light of the recession.

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