Summit Metro Parks has named Mark Szeremet as its chief of planning and development. With over 28 years of service with the park district, Szeremet will now lead the planning department’s efforts to plan and implement capital improvements to preserve the quality of natural resources and enhance the visitor experience.
Szeremet holds a master’s degree in urban planning, design and development from Cleveland State University. Since joining the park district as its first park planner in 1996, his responsibilities have included general and regional planning, design, construction, surveying, real estate, policy and zoning issues, permitting, GIS/GPS, grant writing and management and other special projects.
In his leadership position, Mark looks forward to engaging with park staff, partners and the community to understand their needs. “I hope to connect with everyone — at events, programs and facilities — to best support our community and together ensure that each day is a wonderful day to enjoy the parks,” said Szeremet.
Mark resides with his family in Sagamore Hills, Ohio. He enjoys bringing home knowledge, insight and stories to share about the parks and nature, from asphalt to water quality and everything in between. Most recently, those include his “dad jokes” about the Gorge Dam removal: “What did the fish say when he hit a concrete wall? ‘Dam!’” Mark is excited to be part of this once-in-a-generation project, which will provide new opportunities for visitors to enjoy Gorge Metro Park and support wildlife habitat.
To learn more about the Gorge Dam removal and other current Summit Metro Parks planning projects, visit bit.ly/SMPProjectUpdates.