ESCONDIDO - Don Anderson got his first job with the city of Escondido 44 years ago when he was 16, working part time as a recreation leader and lifeguard. He has worked for the city ever since.

But the virtually lifelong Escondido resident announced Wednesday that he is retiring from the position he has held for the last 13 years as director of community services.

"It was not an easy decision," Anderson, 60, said. "I've been blessed to work for an organization that is service-oriented, and it's something I've always believed in."

Although Anderson officially will retire in July, he will continue to work until the end of the year part time for the city manager's office on special image and appearance projects, he said Wednesday. His announcement came two days after Assistant City Manager Jack Anderson announced his retirement.

Don Anderson has worked full time for the city for 38 years, starting in 1969 as a recreation supervisor, then served in several other positions before being promoted to director of parks and recreation in 1988, according to a city news release. That title was changed to his current one six years later during a reorganization of city positions.

Anderson will be replaced by Jerry Van Leeuwen, director of housing and neighborhood services, who will take on the responsibilities of both positions, city officials announced Wednesday. Van Leeuwen's post won't be filled, they said.

Anderson oversaw a range of city divisions and activities from recreation, libraries and public art, to maintenance and operations, and recycling and waste reduction.

Through the years, Anderson helped develop many city recreation projects, such as Kit Carson Park, Mountain View Park, Ryan Park, the East Valley Community Center and the recently opened Grove Park in central Escondido, the news release says.

"Don has been both an integral part of the city and a personal friend for many," City Manager Clay Phillips said in the release. "He is such a part of Escondido in so many ways. He will be missed by all of us."

Among the accomplishments that Anderson said he is most proud is the creation of the East Valley Community Center on East Valley Parkway, and the sports center and sculpture garden, both in Kit Carson Park in south Escondido.

The sports center opened in 1998 with a skate park, an arena soccer court and a hockey arena. The sculpture garden, Queen Califia's Magical Circle, was created by world-renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle and opened in 2003.

"That was probably one of the most interesting, rewarding projects," Anderson said. "Watching that incredible project unfold was quite fulfilling for me."

Anderson said he started in recreation because he loved to work with young people, but found that as he advanced, he was able instead to provide diverse recreational opportunities for them. Although he had wanted to become a teacher and coach, he decided to stay with the city because he enjoyed his co-workers, his job and living in Escondido.

"Having lived here since I was a year old, I love this community, and I thought, why would I want to leave Escondido?" Anderson said.

He and his wife, Susan, a retired San Pasqual High School attendance office worker, raised four children in Escondido.

Upon retiring, Anderson plans to work out at the gym, spend time with his children and grandchildren, and travel. He and his wife are planning an Alaska cruise in the fall, he said.

Contact staff writer Paul Eakins at (760) 740-5420 or peakins@nctimes.com.