The City of Ankeny will host a public reception to recognize retiring City Manager Carl Metzger . The event Monday, June 25 from 5 to 7 p.m., will be at The Pinnacle Club at Otter Creek Golf Course, located at 4100 N.E. Otter Creek Dr.

“I hope the citizens of Ankeny will take this opportunity to stop in and thank Carl for his steady leadership and dedication to our community,” said Ankeny Mayor Steve Van Oort. “He has been a good friend to Ankeny and during his tenure as city manager put his heart into preserving the quality of life and livability we all enjoy today.”

Metzger has served as Ankeny’s City Manager since 1985 and will retire effective June 30, 2012. During his 27 years of public service, the city of Ankeny has grown in population from 18,000 to almost 50,000 today. During this period Ankeny has been nationally recognized as one of the 100 Best Places to Live by MONEY Magazine, Family Circle Magazine’s Best Town for Families, designated a Playful City USA by the KaBoom! Foundation six consecutive years and continues to attract attention for its family-friendly neighborhoods and quality of life amenities.

“I want to extend my appreciation to the Mayor and City Council for their support and thank the citizens of Ankeny for their passion and commitment to our community and for making my role in building Ankeny a rewarding experience.”

Assistant City Manager Jim Spradling will serve as interim city manager effective July 1.