Jen began her career in Parks and Recreation like many of us did, as a summer camp counselor at Yarmouth Community Services. She graduated from USM and what started out as a summer job evolved into a full-time position as a Recreation Programmer, working under the guidance of the late Russell Packett and lo and […]
Past Award Recipients
2021 Outstanding Parks Professional Award Winner Kevin Bailey, Windham Parks & Recreation
March 17, 2022It is with pleasure that I nominate our Parks Maintenance Foreman for this award, as I feel strongly that he is worthy of being honored. When I began my position in Windham in June 2015, Kevin was employed for 30 hours during the summer months and 15-20 hours during the winter months. It became quickly […]
2021 Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Joe McKenney, Biddeford
March 17, 2022Joe has been very active in his community. He is a small businessperson (local photographer) who has donated countless hours in support of the Recreation Department. He is also active with the Heart of Biddeford, Friends of Clifford Park and Dog Park Committee. He began service with the Recreation Commission in 2009 and eventually became […]
2021 Facilities of Merit Award Winner Auburn Senior Community Center
March 17, 2022The Auburn Senior Community Center (ASCC) was originally a Parks garage that was no longer being used from 2014-2018. The local senior groups approached the City requesting a portion of the building be converted into a Senior Center so the 50+ groups had a designated home vs. the gym at the Rec center. In 2018 […]
2021 “Dr. Bill Eckart” Young Professional Award Winner Amelia Meier, Saco Parks and Recreation Department
March 17, 2022Amelia Meier has worked for the City of Saco for 9 years and has had a few different roles throughout her time here. She currently is the City’s Wellness Coordinator and the Saco Parks and Recreation Department’s Community Outreach Coordinator. Two of the largest components of her job include building programs and providing opportunities for […]
2021 “William V. Haskell” Distinguished Professional of the Year Award Winner Robin Cogger, Director, York Parks & Recreation Department
March 17, 2022Robin Cogger has worked for the York Parks & Recreation Department for over 30 years, beginning as a camp counselor as a college student. During this time, she is held many positions, including Special Events Coordinator, Recreation Coordinator, Assistant Director, Director of the Senior Center, and her current role as the Department’s Director. York manages […]
2020 “William V. Haskell” Distinguished Professional of the Year Award Winner Hillary Hallett, Recreation Director, Easton Recreation Department
March 16, 2021Hillary has been a dedicated professional who has worked on behalf of Maine Recreation and Park members in her region since 2016, serving on the Maine Recreation and Park Association as the liaison to the Northern Maine Community Recreation Association. She spearheaded efforts to revitalize the various program of the association by chairing committees and […]
2020 “Dr. Bill Eckart” Young Professional Award Winner Gary Colello, Director, Bridgton Recreation
March 16, 2021Gary Colello is being recognized by his professional peers with an award by the Maine Recreation and Parks Association. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership for the residents of Bridgton by developing, coordinating and implementing recreational opportunities for all ages. Gary has recently served on the MRPA Fall Workshop and the MRPA annual conference planning committees. […]
2020 Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award Winners Ron St. Pierre and David Mansfield, Bangor
March 16, 2021Ron and David are a big reason why many children and adults have been able to play the game of baseball in the Bangor area. In 1989 Ron and David were Bangor Little League coaches who also coached with the writer Stephen King. They were a big reason that M.r King donated 1.2 million dollars […]
2020 Outstanding Parks Professional Award Winner John “Linky” Erskine, Park Operations Manager and City Arborist at South Portland Parks, Recreation and Waterfront
March 16, 2021Linky is being recognized by his professional peers with an award by the Maine Recreation and Parks Association. John “Linky” Erskine has worked for the City of South Portland for over 30 years in a variety of capacities from Animal control officer, Parks mechanic, Parks foreperson, and is currently the Parks Supervisor in charge of […]