New Westport recreation director plans to boost programming and improve facilities

WESTPORT -- What started out as a broken slide at a playground has turned into a growing department with a mission statement, an upcoming summer program and an enthusiastic director.

The Recreation Department is back in full swing and its new director Dana Stewart recently reflected on her first few months on the job.

Stewart’s presence comes after a broken slide at the Town Hall annex playground a few years ago led to some questions over a once non-existent recreation budget to pay for it. Finance officials scratched their heads over why the town had no department that could fix the slide. These concerns led to a battle cry for a Recreation Department budget, a director and active programming for the first time in decades.

Town Meeting in May, led by Recreation Commission Chairwoman Renee Dufour, persuaded voters to create the director position and fund it. Selectmen helped finalize the position and appoint Stewart late last year.

“I am very excited and honored to have the job as Recreation Director for the town of Westport. This town is such a special place with its beautiful beaches, natural conservation areas, active farming, and small-town feel,” Stewart said. “Over the past couple of months I have been busy meeting with various people within the community to better get to know the town, its residents, and to learn what kind of recreation needs there are.”

Stewart said a survey went out and was answered by more than 100 people in town, helping the department make programming decisions.

“It is clear that the community wants a variety of recreation opportunities for people of all ages. Some that stood out were programs such as fitness, special events, after school programs, camps, cultural experiences and more. We are working on this and hope to be able to offer them all,” Stewart said, adding that summer programming can also be expected this year.

Stewart said the Recreation Commission meets monthly to brainstorm ideas. The department also will be hosting an Open House March 23 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Town Hall Annex Gym.

Attendees will be able to sample recreation activities, including archery demonstrations, shooting hoops with basketballs, trying out indoor mini-tennis, an art table, face painting, a costume-dress up corner for kids, a hula hoop contest, and other games. There will also be refreshments and live music.

Stewart said that she and recreation officials have also worked hard to establish policies and procedures for its part-time staff and volunteers.

“This will help ensure that our programs are run in an effective, safe, positive manner and that everyone will have a great time,” Stewart added.

She said other goals include identifying ways to improve indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, as well as acquiring needed supplies.

Stewart said the department has a small budget, but a "Donation Wish List" located on the Recreation Department page.

Questions about donations or programming can be directed to steward@westport-ma.gov or 508-636-1003.

The Recreation Department can also be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/westportmassrecreation.