After dedicating more than three decades to greening and gilding the parks and recreation scene of Delaware County, Marc Manfre is set to leave his post. His retirement closes a significant chapter of his life that started modestly as an intern and culminated into 34 years of impactful service, according to the county’s news release.
Manfre’s tenure is described as instrumental in nurturing 855 acres of open space, which includes a variety of attractions from dog parks to golf courses. Having worked his way up the ranks, his efforts significantly contributed to the preservation and development of these spaces, including overseeing the addition of two community centers and 25 playing fields. According to Delaware County officials, Manfre also played a key role in coordinating the Summer Concert Series and the Festival of Lights—events deeply ingrained in the community's festive fabric.
Highlighted among his achievements in 2023 are milestone projects that have positively shaped the county's parks infrastructure. A pinnacle of these accomplishments, as stated in the same news release, include the opening of the Destination Playground at Rose Tree Park, Upland Park's renovation, and Phase I of the improvements to the Little Flower property. These enhancements speak to a legacy that prioritizes public enjoyment and community well-being.
With his newly arrived grandson James, the former parks director is looking toward a future of familial joy, presumably filled with many a shared day within the very spaces he helped flourish. His dedication to Delaware County’s outdoor havens has left a lasting legacy for which residents, his colleagues affirm, are profoundly thankful. Manfre's retirement is met with high regard and best wishes from officials and the community alike.
