MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood is welcoming a new face to its Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs with the Township Committee’s appointment of Melissa Mancuso, the department’s interim director, at the March 1 committee meeting.
Mancuso’s appointment follows the departure of Keith Knudsen, who held the position for four years and recently moved on to accept a position as director of Roxbury Parks and Recreation.
“I wanted to come to a more expansive recreation department, and it seems like Maplewood is really dedicated to recreation and cultural events,” Mancuso said in a recent interview with the News-Record. “Everyone here has been so friendly and welcoming to me, whether it’s the staff helping me out with questions or the people around town who have stopped in the office to say hello and introduce themselves to me.
“This is the perfect situation because the person leaving was moving on for a great reason and this was a really good time to be here and the community is so welcoming and helpful,” she continued.
Mancuso said her first order of business will be to ensure the department is continuing to run business as usual and that all programs for spring and summer are on track to begin on time.
“I really value the diversity in programming to be found in Maplewood. They have programs for all different ages,” Mancuso said. “I also love that, in addition to the traditional sports like softball and basketball, there are unique offerings like ultimate Frisbee, chess and drawing for people to get involved with.”
Mancuso comes to Maplewood from Vernon Township in northwestern New Jersey, where she served as the director of the Department of Recreation and Community Development.
Though Mancuso said the two townships are similar in demographics, the spread-out and mountainous terrain of Vernon Township is different from Maplewood, where so much is within walking distance.
In addition to working with various community and advisory boards, and with the mayor and Township Committee, Mancuso looks forward to working with the senior community and is excited about the recent progress made in Maplewood to address the needs of this demographic.
“I focused on seniors a lot in my previous position and there is a movement already here. I believe that honoring your elders is critical to a community, and Maplewood has a new coalition and this is the perfect time for me to be here,” she said. “It will be exciting to assess their needs, as well as the other groups in the community, and see what people are looking for. It’s great to work somewhere that everyone is on board and has the same beliefs.”
Mancuso also said she was impressed by how many community groups exist in Maplewood and all the activities and cultural events that take place in town.
“All of these other groups besides the township department are advocating for the town, making cultural events or bettering the experiences for the town, which is amazing,” Mancuso said. “As the director of Vernon Township’s department, I started a ‘Couch to 5K’ and built a lot of programs from the ground up. I’ve always had an open-door policy. If you want something done, let’s research it and see what we can make happen.”
Mancuso has also said physical fitness is a subject of particular importance to her and she would enjoy seeing the introduction of walking clubs and other noncompetitive activities that give people an opportunity to stay active.
Next up for Mancuso will be the Maplewood Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 19, to which she plans to add a few of her own personal touches.
“It’s a busy time here in Maplewood with camps and sports, and the pool opening up soon,” she said. “It’s the 50th year of the pool being open, so maybe we can have some fun anniversary events to celebrate. The coming together of people who work together always brings success, so I think we’re in a good climate here in Maplewood.”
About the Author
