Bethel Parks & Rec Chief Retiring After 37 Years

BETHEL, CT — Bethe's long-time Parks & Recreation director is hanging up her clipboard.

Eileen Earle is retiring after 37 years of service to the town. She said she was "thankful for the opportunity."

The assistant director for Parks & Rec, Rachael McGrath, will take over for Earle when she retires on Apr. 1.

"While the town of Bethel has grown during Earle’s tenure, she has managed to bring many improvements to the services offered by the Parks and Recreation department," First Selectman Dan Carter said in a statement Monday. "Improvements at Meckauer park, the Bethel Dog Park, and the numerous athletic fields are just a few of projects that benefited by Earle’s leadership. She also guided her staff through the creation of many new programs, including an expansion of the theater program."

McGrath has worked in Bethel in Parks & Rec for 18 years. Prior to joining the department, she was the assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Quinnipiac University.

"I am eager to move forward with projects that were begun by Eileen," McGrath said. "I have big shoes to fill and I am looking forward to a challenge."