Napa Parks & Rec Director To Retire, City Role Shift Saves Money

NAPA, CA — The city of Napa announced its plans this week for the Parks and Recreation Department once Director John Coates retires in August.

The city has decided not to fill the vacancy but will keep the department intact by shifting administrative duties. As the city prepares for Coates' departure next month, day-to-day operations are continuing under the supervision of Recreation Manager Katrina Gregory and Parks & Urban Forestry Manager Jeff Gittings.

Following Coates’ retirement, general oversight of the Parks & Recreation Department will fall to Vin Smith, the city's director of Community Development.

By shifting department oversight, Parks & Rec services will not be impacted and the city is able to save the money that would have been spent on a salary.

"As a City, we are also dedicated to preserving the quality of services that our Parks & Recreation department offers our residents, and believe that these administrative adjustments will do just that while preserving essential City budget," City Manager Steve Potter said in a news release.

Coates will be recognized at Tuesday's Napa City Council meeting for his many contributions to the city of Napa.

"All of us here at the City are thrilled for John and wish him well as he enters retirement," Potter said.