New Parks & Rec. Director Appointed In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Board of Education Vice Chairman Anthony Calabrese has been appointed the town’s Parks and Recreation Director, Fairfield First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced. Calabrese succeeds longtime Director Gerald Lombardo, who recently retired after serving the town for 29 years. The appointment is effective April 17, according to Tetreau.

Upon Lombardo’s retirement, Calabrese had been serving as the Department’s Interim Director while continuing his role as Recreation Coordinator. (To sign up for Fairfield breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Calabrese, a Republican, plans to step down from the Board of Education soon, according to the Fairfield Citizen.

As Recreation Coordinator since 2005, Calabrese helped develop and supervise community recreational, youth services, social and special events. Among his many responsibilities, he had also played a key role in the near-term and long-range planning of recreational and youth service needs, according to Tetreau.

“I am thrilled that Anthony will serve as Director of our Parks and Recreation Department,” Tetreau said in a press release. “His ability to successfully manage the Department as Interim Director for the last few months while continuing his role as Recreation Coordinator is indicative of Anthony’s effective leadership style and his love and enthusiasm for recreation.

“I want to express my deep appreciation and thanks to Gerry Lombardo for his years of outstanding contributions to our Town’s recreation and parks facilities and programs. I wish him a very happy, healthy and much-deserved retirement.”

Prior to working for the Town of Fairfield where he resides, Calabrese worked at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club in Southport and the Bristol Boys & Girls Club in Bristol. Calabrese was also the Assistant Supervisor at Play and Learn for the City of Norwalk’s summer program.

Calabrese received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Recreation Administration from Southern Connecticut State University. He also holds the following professional memberships— Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), and Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association (CRPA).

“I am excited and honored to have been selected for the position of Director of Parks and Recreation,” Calabrese said. “I look forward to continuing my work within the Parks and Recreation Department and expanding upon the existing programs. It is important to me that our department continues to improve the quality of life for Fairfield residents of all ages.”

Pictured: First Selectman Mike Tetreau and the Town’s new Parks and Recreation Department Director, Anthony Calabrese, at Kiwanis Field on Old Dam Road. (Contributed photo)