Trudy Ivory’s favorite part of her nearly 30 years with Greensburg’s recreation department has been watching kids grow up.
She’s seen 6-year-old hockey players return to the rink every year until they graduate high school — then come back years later with their own children.
Ivory will retire from her position as recreation facilities manager Jan 29.
“It’s time for me to start another chapter in my life,” she said.
In the 1980s Ivory served as Greensburg Salem School Board’s liaison to the board that managed the city’s recreation program. In 1991 control of the program transferred from the board to the city itself — and Ivory was one of the first hires.
Recreation in the city has changed a lot in the last 30 years, she said. Participation in many programs — such as baseball — have dropped significantly. Ivory believes families and kids have less time for sports than they did in the past.
“Life has just changed, it’s evolved, and recreation has come right along with it,” she said.
Last year the Greensburg, South Greensburg and Southwest Greensburg baseball programs combined to form the Greater Greensburg Athletics organization due to dwindling membership.
“That partnership has been excellent,” Ivory said.
She’s been considering retirement for a while, but the stress of the coronavirus pandemic contributed to her decision, she said.
Her already-busy days got a lot busier due to ever-changing safety precautions, which required creating, scrapping and revising plans for city facilities.
Veterans Memorial Pool did not open last year, while the Kirk S. Nevin Arena opened with strict precautionary measures.
“I feel like I’m spinning my wheels,” Ivory said.
She will be replaced by Glen Moyer, a 10-year veteran of the city recreation program.
Moyer said 2020 was a difficult year, but he’s hopeful to see the recreation programs return to normal in 2021.
“We’re just looking forward to getting back on our feet here, and moving forward in a positive manner again,” Moyer said.
He said it will be sad to see Ivory go.
“She’s served our community for such a long time. She’s touched so many people in our community, and she has a well-deserved retirement coming up.”
Ivory said she plans to spend more time with her children and grandchildren, who live in Virginia.
“I really am thankful for everything that working for the city has afforded me,” she said.
