Mayor Keith Kazmark and the new Recreation Director Tom DeSiervo hosted a Town Hall meeting for residents on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 24. In addition to learning about Tom’s background and qualifications, they learned about programming being planned for residents of all ages.
Tom comes to the Borough from Glen Rock where he served as Director of Recreation, and, before that, worked in Bloomfield as a Recreation Supervisor. He also holds his National Professional Parks and Recreation Certification.
With the spring athletic season, our Department of Recreation will offer sports programs and other activities to the children in town. As was discussed in spring 2019 when the Borough pitched a merger to the West Paterson Boys & Girls Club leaders and members, the Borough would hire paid staff to organize and manage youth programs, just as it does for its summer camp. It will also continue to run its annual activities for seniors, community celebrations, and holiday events.
The Boys & Girls Club, which has been in operation for over 50 years, will remain operational as a 501(c)3 and can continue to be a fundraising arm to supplement programming.
Spring baseball and softball registration is underway and ends on Monday, Feb. 28. Opening day is planned for April 9. Planning for WP Summer Camp is ongoing and registration will open on Tuesday, March 1. Kids will see a 98% return to normalcy at camp with field trips once again being planned.
Summer street hockey is expected to be reintroduced. For the fall, soccer will be offered and talks are beginning with Little Falls and Totowa regarding football and cheerleading. This fall, the Recreation Department also aims to begin running the School District’s before- and after-care program. A focus on coach education will also be made, offering coaches clinics and supportive training. In addition, the School District is looking to have a full-time staff member that will coordinate after-school activities for children.
“The possibilities are endless,” DeSiervo said, of all the different types of offerings that can be made to both children and adults. School District Superintendent Dr. Michele Pillari agreed. “We have a tremendous opportunity before us” with regards to the ability to offer clinics, conditioning in the new Memorial School fitness gym, and much more.
A former kitchen space at Memorial Middle School off of the gym has been set up as an office, where DeSiervo and a soon-to-be-hired recreation clerk will work. It has an outside entrance and will also allow staff to be accessible during games and practices there. The Borough’s Recreation Events Coordinator Kelly Spinalli will continue to work out of the Municipal Building, where she will continue to organize events.
Anyone with ideas or questions can contact DeSiervo at tdisiervo@wpnj.us.