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El Paso County proclaims retirement of parks director Todd Martz after 31 years
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners adopted a proclamation honoring Todd Martz’s 31 years with El Paso County parks, citing his leadership on accessibility programs, master planning and rebuilding Bear Creek Nature Center; the proclamation passed unanimously and commissioners offered tributes.
The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 17 adopted a proclamation recognizing Todd Martz’s retirement after 31 years of service to the county parks system.
The proclamation, attested by County Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleicher and listing Carrie Geithner as chair and Lauren Nelson as vice chair, noted Martz began at the Bear Creek Nature Center in 1994 and later oversaw a parks budget described in the proclamation as $8,500,000. It credited Martz with leading capital projects including the Fountain Creek Nature Center expansion, multiple exhibit renovations, outdoor classrooms, and county fairground improvements.
In remarks at the meeting, Martz thanked commissioners, staff and the public for their support and said he looked forward to retirement while expressing confidence in the parks team. "I really wanna thank all of you and all of your predecessors… The support that we've gotten … has been really tremendous," Martz said.
Commissioners and community partners praised Martz’s emphasis on accessibility and long‑range planning. Brian Olsen, executive director for Facilities and Strategic Infrastructure Management, highlighted joint work on Americans with Disabilities Act projects including ADA parking at the county fairgrounds, ADA pedestrian access improvements and the county’s Trailability program. Teresa Odello, division manager for recreation and cultural services, cited master plans for Paint Mines, Jones Park and Fox Run Nature Center and recalled Martz’s role rebuilding Bear Creek Nature Center after an arson fire.
Commissioner Williams thanked Martz for his leadership and recalled the creation of family‑oriented events such as Falcon Kite Fest and the county fair traditions that Martz helped sustain. Jack Gladley, speaking for Public Works, presented a street sign as a token of appreciation for Martz’s partnership on asset management.
The board voted 5-0 to adopt the proclamation. Following the vote the board took a brief recess for a photograph.
What happens next: the proclamation formalizes the board’s recognition; commissioners and staff said they will begin transition planning for leadership in the parks department.
