Retiring director reflects Mill Creek Park

By DENISE DICK

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

CANFIELD — During Susan Dicken’s five years as executive director of Mill Creek MetroParks, park acreage increased, preserving natural areas.

Friday marked Dicken’s last day. She retired after 21 years with the park district.

“It’s just time for me,” said Dicken, 55, of Poland.

Her two sons are grown and living out of the area and she recently remarried. Her first husband died four years ago.

She was hired as a specialist in planning, grants and public relations and later became development director. In 2002, Dicken was selected from a national search to be executive director, the first woman to occupy the job.

“She has been an outstanding executive director for the park,” said M. Virginia Dailey, chairwoman of park commissioners. “We could not have done any better than Susan. She has just been outstanding in her love and devotion to the park.”

For complete story, see Monday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com