This is not the first “Unsung Heroes” award that Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department has earned.
It probably won’t be the last.
But once again, the men, women and young employees of this very important, public-facing town agency should be singled out, and thanked profusely.
Recently, I worked closely with Parks & Rec on 2 projects.
The 1st-ever Soundview Summer Stroll took a ton of planning. From the moment Kristin Mott Purcell, Sunil Hirani and I met with the department, months ago, the question they always asked was: “How can we help?”
Parks & Rec handled every aspect of the Stroll with efficiency, energy, creativity and smiles.
Moving stanchions? Setting up tents? Finding a generator? No problem!
Staff members picked up trash all afternoon. Interim director Rick Giunta and operations chief Carm Roda were everywhere — and always just a text message away.
All day, both officials said how happy they were that attendees had fun.
Parks & Rec helped throw a party for 3,000 people. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)
Three days earlier, a smaller event — the annual “06880” blog party — was another success.
Again, Parks & Rec played a key role. The guest services staff roped off the area early, moved tables, and kept checking in to see that everything was okay.
In just a few months as interim director, Giunta has generated great spirit throughout his department. It’s clear that his employees feel like a “team.”
The result — at the Summer Stroll, the “06880” party, on the beach, at the Summer Kickoff party in June, and throughout the rest of Parks & Rec’s parks and recreational facilities — is seen and felt by everyone.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker often calls Westport a great place “to live, work and play.” The town’s Parks & Recreation Department plays an important role in — especially — our much-appreciated chances to play.
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
Operations director Carm Roda solves a problem.
It comes as no surprise to anyone who has ever engaged with Rick Giunta over his long career with the Town that the Parks & Rec Department has run seamlessly since he stepped in as interim Director.
It isn’t just his experience or his natural humanity that makes him such a masterful head of one the largest and most demanding operations in our Town. As long time resident with family roots going back at least a generation, he considers everyone in our community as a friend and neighbor.
How valuable is Rick Giunta as Director of Parks & Rec? In a word, I think he’s priceless.
Well said Gloria! I concur. A permanent appointment for Rick would undoubtedly be in Westport’s best interest!
I Agee with Gloria and mike like I said before he does a wonderful job and you can call him or email or or carmine I hope Mrs tooker gives him the full time position Thanks Rick and all of wonderful parks and recreation staff what you do all year long
Jamie Boone at Parks & Rec is also fabulous to work with!
Not one complaint since the least Fava rite Jen left town in a blaze of glory (one down and one left to go). My dogs aren’t in this fight anymore but I think Mr. Giunta deserves to lose the “interim” from his title. As to the other Jen, I think the democratic process in Westport will settle the matter in November. Westporters love a good election. I hope they get one this time.
Rick Giunta, born and raised Westport native, 33 year employee with the town starting as a special police officer and served part time while working for Parks & Recreation.
Soft spoken and concise because he is that respected. Never raises his voice, and simplifies everything for all the understand leaving little to no question. Extremely transparent and a coach. He also coached PAL.
Rick has been promoted to grandfather recently as well. Let’s promote him to permanent director of Parks & Recreation.
The last nine years at budget season, he has assisted and even presented to the town to the Board of Finance.
He’s got it. 🇺🇸
Great job always by all at Parks and Rec. Rick Giunta can make things happen in his sleep. Please don’t let him get away…