Wrangell Sentinel -

Some people swim for fun, while some do it for health.

Wrangellite Kim Covalt does it for both – and for the last 23 years has also gotten paid to do it as an employee of, and eventually the director of, the Wrangell parks and recreation department.

Covalt recently announced his retirement from the organization where he has worked since 1990.

“I have been extremely happy working for the City and Borough of Wrangell these past 23 years,” Covalt wrote in a letter to Borough Manager Tim Rooney dated Jan. 7.

Covalt began working for the city in the capacity of custodian and maintenance before moving up the ladder into the director’s chair.

While on duty last week at the pool, Covalt offered his view on what he considered a highlight of his time in office.

“We’ve been able to add more activities with less budget dollars over the years,” he said. “It’s been because of the help of volunteers throughout the community that we’ve been able to do that and they’ve been a great asset to the department.”

Covalt added that he had intended on working until he was 65, but a heart condition sidelined his plans. He said he plans to relax a bit now that he is stepping down.

“I really want to enjoy life while I still can,” he said.