After 9 months, Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department has a new permanent director.
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced yesterday that Erik Barbieri takes over, effective February 18. He has over 25 years experience in the field, after leading “major municipal recreation initiatives and facility development projects throughout Connecticut.”
Barbieri has served as New Britain’s director of parks, recreation and community services since 2015. He managed 7 divisions, including parks, recreation, a golf course, cemeteries, senior and veteran services, and disability programs.
He helped the city complete several multi-million dollar capital improvement projects, including the $10.5 million reconstruction of Osgood Park and $5.4 million rehabilitation of AW Stanley Park.
He oversaw major city-wide events, including international soccer exhibitions, and developed “innovative recreation programs.”
Erik Barbieri
Before his current post, Barbieri was superintendent of recreation for New Britain. He was responsible for large-scale youth programs, after-school initiatives, and the transformation of local parks and sports facilities.
He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, with a bachelor of science in parks and recreation management.
In Westport Barbieri will oversee parks, beaches, recreational facilities and community programs.
Tooker says, “His extensive leadership in parks and recreation, combined with his commitment to community engagement and facility excellence, makes him an outstanding choice to lead our Parks and Recreation Department into the future.”
Barbieri succeeds Jen Fava, who resigned in May to take a similar position in Darien. Rick Giunta served as interim director, before returning to his role as deputy director.
Wishing him the best of luck. He has a very nice smile. Reminds me of me (after I tried out the fancy schmancy rest room on the South beach at Compo).