A fond farewell
Just 3 months after its opening, Klyde Warren Park president announces resignation
Klyde Warren Park has had less than three months to settle into its existence in downtown Dallas, but it'll have to move forward with a new leader. Mark Banta, who served as president of the park since early 2012, will resign that role as of March 1.
No reason was given for his resignation, but officials indicated that it was not related to his job performance.
Banta has been in charge during the park's most crucial phase, the completion of construction last year leading up to its grand opening in October. The park's restaurant and kiosk, Savor and Relish, are slated to open by June 2013.
As Banta noted in a statement about his resignation, he's now been part of two significant park projects in two different cities, including his work with Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. Banta plans to continue working on similar projects and other greenspace initiatives.
Jody Grant, chairman of the board of the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation, praised Banta's work.
"Many have contributed to the launch of Klyde Warren Park, but Mark’s expertise and leadership during the last year have been invaluable," Grant said in a statement. "Mark’s official mantra of ‘clean, safe and active’ will always be a part of how we run the park."
A search for Banta's replacement will take place over the next few months, but in the meantime Grant and vice president for business affairs Celia Barshop will take on more duties.
