Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus released the following statement upon learning that former Orange County Parks Commissioner Graham Skea has passed away. Skea was 90.

“Graham Skea was essentially the face of the County Parks Department for nearly 40 years,” Neuhaus said. “He cared deeply about our Parks system and the residents that he proudly served. Graham was outgoing and well-liked, and he became a welcomed fixture in the community. His vision for the Parks Department helped it to develop it into the thriving program we have today. I was saddened to hear about Graham’s passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Skea retired in 2005 after serving as Commissioner of Parks and Recreation for 38 years. During his tenure, the County saw the creation of Thomas Bull Memorial Park, the County Golf Courses at Stony Ford and Hickory Hill, the Heritage Trail, the D-H Canal Park, Cronomer Park and the Orange County Arboretum. The Lodge at Thomas Bull Memorial Park is named after Skea.

For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.

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