Mansfield Names New Parks And Recreation Director

MANSFIELD, CT — Mansfield has named Keri Montague as director of the town’s Parks and Recreation Department, town officials announced Thursday.

Montague started with the town on May 28, after beginning her transition in April by working with former Director Jay O’Keefe and Parks and Recreation staff.

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Montague comes to Mansfield with more than 15 years of experience in parks and recreation, according to the town’s announcement. The town said she also has municipal experience as a deputy director of community development and previously spent years with South Windsor in several positions, including assistant director of parks and recreation.

She succeeds O’Keefe, who retired April 30 after 32 years of full-time service to the community, according to the announcement. Jennifer Caldwell, the town’s recreation services manager, served as acting director during May as the transition took place.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the Mansfield community as the new Parks and Recreation Director,” Montague said in the announcement. “I’m looking forward to connecting with residents, as well as supporting existing programs, parks, and facilities, and helping create new experiences that make Mansfield an even more vibrant place to recreate.”

The Parks and Recreation Department is one of Mansfield’s largest departments, according to the town. Montague will oversee a staff of seven full-time employees and more than 200 part-time and seasonal workers. The department manages the Mansfield Community Center, recreation facilities, 19 parks and preserves, and more than 35 miles of town-owned trails.

The town also said the department recently completed a Parks and Recreation Master Plan with community input that will help guide growth and priorities in the coming years. More information about the department is available on the Town of Mansfield website.

Residents will have a chance to meet Montague at two community open houses on Thursday, June 11, at the Community Room in the Mansfield Community Center, 10 South Eagleville Road. The town scheduled the events from 10 to 11 a.m. and again from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The town said all are welcome at the receptions, where light refreshments will be provided. The open houses are intended to introduce Montague to residents as she begins leading one of the town’s largest departments.