Ellsworth has hired its first-ever parks and rec director who will oversee the city’s parks and public lands, facilities and planned events.
Roddy Ehrlenbach, a local high school graduate who has worked for Sugarloaf ski resort in western Maine for more than 20 years, is expected to start his new position with the city Monday, Aug. 4, city officials said.
The newly created parks and recreation department oversees and maintains properties such as the city’s harbor park and marina on Water Street, Demeyer Field on Boggy Brook Road, Knowlton Park on State Street and Branch Lake Public Forest.
The director also will oversee the city’s janitorial and facilities teams, serve as liaison to the city’s recreation, harbor, cemetery and arbor commissions, and lead city efforts to boost local waterfront and trail development. The position also will work with local civic and volunteer groups and will help to coordinate citywide public events and festivals.
In addition to his work at Sugarloaf, Ehrlenbach also has municipal experience, having served on the select and planning boards in Carrabasset Valley, where the ski resort is located.
“Roddy is more than a seasoned recreation professional,” said Charlie Pearce, Ellsworth’s city manager. “He’s a passionate, community-minded leader who understands the transformative power of parks and recreation.”
