MEDFORD — Some say the city has earned a reputation as a sports town thanks to the success of its youth teams.
On Thursday, Mayor Stephanie M. Burke made good on a campaign promise to hire a recreation director for the city.
During the 2016 campaign, Burke pledged to establish a municipal recreation program under one roof along with a full-time, year-round director.
That dream was realized last summer when the Medford City Council approved a $262,000 budget for the new Recreation Department in 2018. Kevin Bailey began the new gig just after the new year.
“Launching a Recreation Department within the city of Medford is very exciting for the community,” Burke said in statement. “I am proud of the great work that the Recreation Focus Group completed and the recommendations they provided me with for moving forward.”
Bailey’s experience includes posts as an assistant aquatics director at MIT and the town of Brookline.
“I am very enthusiastic and eager to begin enhancing the activities and services offered to Medford residents,” he said in a statement.
The newly-created department will offer year-round recreational programs for Medford residents of all ages.
Bailey is responsible for developing, implementing and supervising recreation services while developing work plans and strategies.
As director, he is also charged with making sure adequate recreation resources are available to achieve those goals. Bailey is also responsible for assisting in planning for a comprehensive recreation program; proposing capital improvements; and development of facilities and equipment.
