Revere City convenes new Parks and Recreation advisory commission, elects chair and vice chair

Revere City held its first Parks and Recreation advisory commission meeting, during which members introduced themselves, set basic operating plans and elected officers for the new body.

Jacqueline Damiano, a Head Start program director from Beverly, volunteered to serve as chair and was approved by voice vote. Nick Govain, a Revere resident who works in global security and referees hockey, was named vice chair; the group did not select a secretary and agreed to revisit that role at a future meeting.

The meeting focused on helping the department improve outreach and access to programming. Adriana Boriello, administrative assistant to the parks director, said the department recently sent a public survey to learn how residents prefer to be contacted and what prevents people from registering for programs. “So a couple of weeks ago we actually sent out a survey to the public … we want to hear from you guys, what’s the best way of how we can get in contact with you?” Boriello said. She asked commissioners to help bridge communication gaps.

Commission members flagged limited field and gym space as a persistent challenge. Wilson Correa, a coach, said residents frequently complain there is not enough space for soccer and proposed local tournaments and better utilization of existing facilities. “Sports is very important in the growth of kids,” Correa said.

Shannon Bianchi suggested compiling a citywide inventory of parks and recreation facilities so commissioners can conduct a spring “soft audit” and become familiar with available resources. Boriello agreed to provide the list and to draft a rentals policy and procedures document that will include information about hours and how residents can reserve gym and facility time.

Members discussed meeting cadence. Adriana said Director Michael Hinojosa proposed bimonthly meetings to allow the commission time between sessions to work on tasks. The group tentatively accepted a bimonthly schedule and said the clerk’s office will be consulted to finalize meeting days and times.

During public comment, Paul, a Ward 4 city councilor and former commission member, said he had brought the commission’s reinstatement to the City Council months earlier and that councilors unanimously supported restarting it. “So several months ago, I proposed a motion in front of the council and it was supported unanimously by my colleagues, to start this commission back up,” Paul said. He encouraged residents to participate and provide feedback to the commission.

The commission concluded the organizational meeting with tasks for the next session: department staff will circulate the parks and facilities list, distribute a rentals policy and procedures draft, and commissioners will work to finalize officer roles and a consistent meeting schedule.