Kendall’s new recreation director looks to grow program

Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Newly appointed Kendall Recreation Director Michelle Werth is ready to get to work in her office at the Town Hall.

KENDALL – Kendall’s new recreation director is well prepared for the job.

Kendall native Michelle Werth graduated from Kendall High School in 1994 after growing up playing rec. sports. She has coached teams, served as a recreation commissioner since 2010, and she has three young boys currently involved in the Kendall recreation program.

“I have now transitioned into this role,” she says of her new position.

Her children, ages 9, 6 and 4, “all play soccer, baseball and basketball.”

Werth took over the position Aug. 1 with the retirement of long-time director, Barb Flow.

“I’m nervous and excited about taking this on,” she says, and adds that she is happy Flow is nearby for guidance and advice.

“Barb has been great,” she says. “I can call her anytime.”

Flow is still a presence at the Town Hall. She was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Town Board, effective Aug. 1.

The Kendall recreation year just came to a close and Werth says this is a great time to start fresh. She says she has several ideas for the department including looking into programming for kids that goes beyond sports, “perhaps a Lego camp or a kids craft night,” she says.

She would also like to see youth who participate in the recreational sports program reach out and become involved in service projects to engage them further in their community.

The entire Rec. Department should have a greater presence in the community, Werth explains. She envisions the department serving as a place where people who work on events like Home Grown Days and the Scarecrow Festival can come and work together.

She would also like to see more girls become involved in sports programs.

Additionally, Werth says she would like to have recreation commissioners more involved in programming including both sports and community programs, with certain commissioners focusing on the area of their expertise.

A greater presence online is also a priority and Werth says she is looking at recreation departments in nearby communities to “see what other towns do.”