Revere Launches Parks and Recreation Commission, Elects Jacklyn Damiano as Chair

By The Advocate

The newly formed Parks and Recreation Commission met for the first time this week.

Members voted to elect Jacklyn Damiano to chair the commission. Parks and Recreation Department Director Michael Hinojosa will serve as an ex-officio member of the commission.

The City Council was initially reluctant to create the commission for fear that it might interfere with Hinojosa, who councillors agreed does an exceptional job of organizing activities and managing the city’s recreational resources. However, it was decided that the commission could engage the community, give residents a vehicle for input and bring new ideas to the Parks and Recreation Department.

Adriana Borriello, the activities coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department, told the new commission that public engagement is one area where they could be helpful.

“We would love something along those ideas to help us. We’re always striving to incorporate public opinion and what the community would like to see more of. We struggle to get our information out there,” Borriello said.

Often residents say they didn’t know about events. The department needs help informing residents about what city-sponsored recreational activities are being offered.

Commissioners, who bring a wide range of experience to their posts, all agreed that the commission could help expand recreational opportunities which will contribute to the quality of life in Revere. The commission agreed on conducting an audit of recreational resources and activities in part to better understand what the city has to offer and partly to look at the scheduling for field time for youth soccer.