Craig Sargent-Beach, the city’s long-time community services director, will retire in December after 25 years of service in San Marcos.
“Craig has dedicated his career to transforming the city’s parks and enhancing its recreation offerings,” said City Manager Jack Griffin. “His expertise, institutional knowledge and dedication to San Marcos will be missed.”
Sargent-Beach, 59, managed the community services department during a period of tremendous expansion. He spearheaded the development of a 60-mile interconnected trail system as well as the design and construction of 30 new city parks. He also led the charge to add dog and skate parks to San Marcos, along with several water play elements like splash pads, slides and climbing walls.
Those who have worked with Sargent-Beach say he has been an ardent supporter of community services and has provided staff with the leadership and support needed to do their jobs well.
“He has been a good listener and problem solver, and has always been open to new ideas,” noted Assistant Community Services Director Holly Malan.
Sargent-Beach joined the city as a recreation supervisor in 1987 after serving as the managing director for Camp Big Bear. He was quickly promoted to Assistant Community Services Director where he served until former Community Services Director Bill Schramm retired in 2007.
“When I started, San Marcos was mobile homes, chicken ranches, dairies and not much else,” recalled Sargent-Beach. “I feel proud to have been part of the innovative team that transformed our community into what it is today.”
Once retired, Sargent-Beach plans to travel to Lake Tahoe and the Sierras. He also has a rail trip to Colorado planned. He will continue his passion for parks and the outdoors by developing his own three-acre property in Lake Elsinore
