KELLY FARRELL / Staff

Parks and Recreation Director Dana Souza tips his glass to say "cheers" to Marco Island Charter Middle School Principal George Abounader Thursday evening at Orion Bank. Leadership Marco hosted a farewell party for Souza, whose last day with the city is Nov. 14. Souza begins with the larger parks and recreation department in Greenville, S.C. Nov. 17.

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MARCO ISLAND — It was a somber celebration as Leadership Marco members bid farewell to Parks and Recreation Director Dana Souza at Orion Bank Thursday. The community has planned several events to honor Souza's contributions to the city before his last day of work, Nov. 14.

City Administrative Assistant Debbie McCabe was among several attendees Thursday who said she was sad to see Souza leave.

Souza resigned as director of the parks and recreation department Oct. 16. He worked for the department since its inception, joining the city in 2002 from Portland, Maine, where he held the post of parks and recreation director. As Marco's parks and recreation director, Souza is responsible not only for the city’s park lands and recreational facilities, but also for the upkeep of landscaping along city medians and right-of-ways.

Souza's countless contributions in the last six years include creating the spray park, teen center, Veteran's Community Park and other park areas.

Souza was unanimously elected by city council April 21 as interim city manager when Tony Shoemaker, the interim for four months, handed in his resignation in March and recommended former city Finance Director Bill Harrison who retired Oct. 28. However, City Council appointed Souza who served as the interim City Manager from March through May.

Souza was instrumental in the August creation of the Island Parks and Recreation Foundation headed by board members Adam Koszo, president, Greg West, vice president, Terri DiSciullo, treasurer Lyndsi Koszo, secretary and Carrie Canfield. The foundation was primarily formed to assist the city in building a community center at Mackle Park and building sports fields, particularly at Tract K.

The Island Parks and Recreation Foundation announced a party they are hosting for Souza on Saturday to honor him for his creation and sustenance of the MICKYS Program, which organizes sailing events for local youth.

According to a prepared release Monday by MICKYS' Dean Howard, "the party won't be only about (Souza)."

Rather it is to be a celebration of the whole parks and recreation department, its staff and accomplishments under Souza's leadership in the department over the last five years, Howard wrote.

Tickets are available at the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, Mackle Park and Racquet Center. Adult tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the event. Children 13 and older are $5; 12 and under free, and leashed dogs are also free, according to the announcement. Admission includes food, drink, games and entertainment provided by the City Tumblers, Eagle cheerleaders and Eagle football team.

The party is 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at Mackle Park.

The City of Marco Island is also planning a farewell for Souza 5 p.m. Wed. Nov. 12 outside CJ's on the Bay in the Esplanade. The event is open to the public and jors d’oeuvres for 100 guests will be available on a first come, first serve basis with a cash bar. The city will present Souza with a parting gift just days before he heads to Greenville, S.C.