The town of Florence has hired former Glendale employee Paul King as the new director of community services effective Friday, April 7.

King brings more than 26 years of experience in the field of parks and recreation and previously served as recreation administrator in Glendale, according to a press release.

As the director of community services, King will be responsible for overseeing parks, recreation programming, the Aquatics Center and Viney Jones Library, special events, and the Dorothy Nolan Senior Center.

"I am thrilled to join the town of Florence and work with the dedicated staff and community to provide high-quality programs, services and events," King stated in the release. "I look forward to building on the town's strong foundation and exploring new opportunities to enhance the quality of life for residents."

During his time in Glendale, King oversaw the renovation of several parks and facilities including the Rose Lane Aquatics center and the Glendale Community Center.

"We are delighted to welcome Paul King to our team," Florence Town Manager Russ Martin stated. "His experience, energy and passion for community services make him an excellent fit for Florence. We look forward to leveraging his skills and experience to enhance the breadth and quality of our recreation services."

King is a certified park and recreation professional with a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Resource Management from Colorado Mesa University. Prior to working in Glendale, King served as a recreation manager in Aspen, Colorado, and Mesa.

With King’s appointment, Interim Community Services Director Alison Feliz will resume her role as recreation superintendent.