The Town of East Haven has a new recreation director, with Liz Franco-Spano officially beginning the job on July 1. Franco-Spano comes to the role from an education background with more than three decades of service in East Haven and takes on a role that faces some significant immediate challenges.

“In many ways this is simply a continuation of my life’s work in this community. I have a very real connection to our town and its residents and I’m looking forward to reconnecting with many of the families that I know from teaching in this new role,” said Franco-Spano. “Retiring from teaching was emotional, but knowing that I now have the challenge of implementing new and exciting programs and activities in a community that can impact not only families that I know, but those who are new to this community is very exciting.”

The recreation director “touches all areas of our community” and organizes programming, activities, and special events hosted through the department as well as oversees the youth service coordinator. The director is also responsible for the beach and its related activities, the ice rink, and the pool.

The town has been in the process of updating and revamping both the pool and the ice rink. Franco-Spano notes that both projects are high priorities and that the bids for the ice rink have already been requested and will be opened soon.

“The mayor [Joe Carfora], along with our Town Council, recognize how important the rink is to our community and we want that up and running as quickly as possible,” she said. “As for our pool, we continue to lobby for and address the need for a new multidimensional facility. I am part of the process of seeking funding and planning. A community pool is a necessity and a top priority.”

The pool, which is located at 200 Tyler Street, was closed in January 2020 after safety concerns were brought to light. In early June 2021, the state legislature approved $2 million in state bonding to the town in order to help fund the renovations at the pool. The State Bond Commission must now allocate the funds.

“This is welcome news for East Haven families,” said State Senator Paul Cicarella (R-34) in a press release. “What once was a key element of the town’s recreation programs and appealed to residents of all ages had fallen into a state of extreme disrepair…Renovating the town pool will give all people in our community access to recreational opportunities…This state support gives East Haven an opportunity to design and create a safe and modern facility for our kids to use, learn in, and enjoy.”

State Representative Joe Zullo (R-99), who is a member of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, agreed that the pool is a “vital recreational asset in our community, I know residents have missed having it and I’m thrilled to know that, in partnership with Mayor Carfora, we’re going to be bringing a first-in-class facility to our community.”

In addition to taking on the big projects that have been looming for some time, Franco-Spano plans to evaluate all of the recreation department’s program “from top to bottom to be sure that we have as many quality and impactful opportunities as possible.” She is working closely with Youth Service Coordinator C.J. Cofrancesco on developing the “best possible programs for all age groups.”

Franco-Spano will also be collaborating with the Recreation Board on “new and progressive” ideas and programs. The department is currently in the midst of implementing a new computer system called MyRec that allows residents to access and register for programs online. She is hoping the program will be active within the next two months.

In addition to the new technology, Franco-Spano has also been working to update the website to make it more interactive with updated postings as well as cultivate a “very active” social media presence. The East Haven Recreation Department can be found on Facebook at EHRecDept and online at www.townofeasthavenct.org/recreation. She also plans to host a table at the upcoming Fall Festival.

Franco-Spano is overseeing the scheduled summer programming such as the Town Green Concert Series, the concerts on the beach, movie nights, and the East Haven Proud Parade. She is also developing new programming that will be announced soon.

“I am thrilled that the mayor invited me on to his team and I am excited to work hard to help the Town of East Haven,” said Franco-Spano. “The bottom line is that working with the community and its wonderful people has really has been my life’s work. I have deep pride in this town and being part of a rebuilding of this great place is an honor.”