Paige Barnes, Rustic Canyon Rec Center Director, Leaving After Nine Years

By Laurel Busby

News & Infomation Editor

Paige Barnes, who served as the facility director of Rustic Canyon Recreation Center for nine years, will be taking on a new role as the facility director at the recreation center in Glassell Park, which is closer to her Sylmar home.

The new Rustic Canyon Park director is Jovan Heron, who has already stepped into the position. For the next week, Barnes said she will be splitting her time between Rustic and Glassell Park.

“The transfer date came suddenly so there has been very little time for transition,” said Barnes, whose last Rustic event will be the Holiday Magic celebration on Dec. 10 from 6-8 p.m. “That will be nice to give heartfelt hugs and goodbyes.”

Former Rustic Canyon Park Facility Director Paige Barnes

Barnes sent out the following letter to the community to share her appreciation for her time in Rustic Canyon:

Dear Rustic Canyon Community,

As I reflect on the past nine years serving as Facility Director at Rustic Canyon, my heart is full. It has been an honor and a true pleasure to serve this community—a community unlike any other, rich with history, creativity, and the kindest people (and pets!) one could hope to meet.

Together, we accomplished so much. Our beloved “Rustic Nights” fundraiser will forever stand out as one of my proudest collaborative efforts. Through your generosity, we were able to install the beautiful French doors in the courtyard, upgrade the tennis shed, repaint the building inside and out, and restore the facility to the charming character it held a century ago. Bringing the property back to its original splendor has been a labor of love, and seeing it shine again has been one of the greatest rewards of my career.

Our 100-year anniversary celebration—and the opening of the cornerstone and commemorative tea—will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a privilege to be part of such a meaningful moment in the center’s long and storied history.

I will deeply miss all the wonderful personalities who filled my days with laughter and purpose: Coconut and Jalapeño, my favorite four-legged friends; Randy Young, my rock; Dave Card, Eric Balfour, and the always-entertaining cast of characters with CATS Theater—Ronnie, Fred, and so many others who made the job joyful.

As I prepare to pass the torch, I am thrilled to welcome your incoming director, Jovan Heron. Jovan brings a fresh perspective, a deep commitment to community, and an energy that I know will serve Rustic Canyon beautifully. I have no doubt that she will continue to steward this special place with care, vision, and heart. Please welcome and support her as warmly as you have supported me.

As I step into a new chapter, I want to extend every blessing to each of you. Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, and allowing me the privilege of serving this extraordinary community for nearly a decade. Rustic Canyon will always remain close to my heart.

With gratitude and affection,
Paige Barnes

[A previous Canyon News article about Barnes can be found at this link.]