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.