A longtime fixture of Altona's recreation department is retiring at the end of the year.

Ron Epp, the town's Recreation Services Manager, began his career in 1992 and over the course of nearly three decades was a key player in growing the community's recreation programming and facilities, a personal highlight for him during his time with the department.

Among the list of accomplishments, Epp played an integral role in fulfilling the Town of Altona's Millennium Plan which launched in 1996/97, shortly after the community's centennial in 1995.

"That was a big community effort with support from council and many volunteers/volunteer committees. Altona really pulled together and today we have the Millennium Exhibition Centre, the Altona Aquatic Centre, the trail system and many other projects," said Epp.

Other developments that took place during Epp's time leading the department include new tennis courts, a revamped playground at Altona's Centennial Park, the Gallery in the Park, Buffalo Creek Nature Park, Access Field, The Bridge Skatepark and the community gardens.

He notes the demand for facilities has certainly changed over the years, adding the Millennium Exhibition Centre is an example of how the town has been able to respond to those needs.

"We used to have just a stand-alone rink and a curling rink, well now we have a multi-use centre with the ice arena, the curling arena, the banquet hall, the running track, indoor playland, and meeting rooms...it's certainly well used," said Epp.

"Being able to keep the facilities in good shape that I am charged with, I can't do that without the support of council and the support of all of our staff, so that's been rewarding," added Epp, noting he's worked with numerous town councils and administration during his career, as well as hundreds of full time and seasonal recreation staff.

In addition, Epp oversaw the expansion of the town's recreation programming.

He says he's enjoyed working with the public to bring various new options to the table, noting nearly three decades ago there were maybe two dozen programs offered in a year and now he says there's well over 100.

"We go out there and we asked people 'what do you want to see?' and then it's up to us to find somebody who can instruct it," explained Epp.

Social media has also changed how the staff keeps in touch with the trends, as well as the needs and wants of the community.

"There are trends that come and go. For example, years ago line dancing was huge and then it went away and now we have it again this year. Yoga right now, we've got a huge amount of yoga classes," said Epp.

All the while, Epp says the goal has been to provide these programs at a reasonable cost.

Speaking on behalf of Council, Mayor Al Friesen expressed profound gratitude for Epp’s dedicated service to the Town of Altona and its residents.

"Ron's enthusiasm, willingness to pitch in wherever and whenever, leadership, knowledge, and experience will be sorely missed. In a career that spanned almost three decades, his forward-thinking and commitment to Altona will positively impact our community and our residents for generations to come," said Friesen in a media release.

As for what lies ahead for Epp, he plans to continue contributing to the community - just in a different way. Residents can look forward to seeing him escorting local kids to school in his new role as a school bus driver.

Epp's last day with the Town of Altona will be December 31, 2019.

"I can't forget to thank my wife Rhonda, I couldn't have done this without her," he added.