Fifteen years after retirement, Mary Merrill will reprise her tenure as superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

The board of commissioners approved Merrill's appointment to the position at its Wednesday meeting. She will fill the role from February to October at salary of $14,278 per month while the board searches for a permanent replacement for outgoing Superintendent Jayne Miller, who is leaving for a job as president and CEO of the nonprofit Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

The board also voted Wednesday to approve a severance package for Miller that includes six months of salary — totaling more than $85,000 — and some other benefits. The severance payout was stipulated in Miller's contract, said Park Board spokeswoman Robin Smothers.

Merrill began working for the board in 1972 as recreation director for Powderhorn Park. In 1999, she became the first woman of color to be appointed to the superintendent position. She retired in 2003. She later served as a park board member.

"Mary is uniquely qualified to serve as interim superintendent while the Board of Commissioners conducts a search for the next superintendent of our beloved park system," Brad Bourn, board president, said in a statement. "There are few stronger advocates for our city's youth than her."

Andy Mannix • 612-673-4036