Patch Q&A: Easton Recreation Department Program Director Anne Daley

Please join us in celebrating the return of Patch Q&A: a feature in which we allow you to get to know the movers and shakers that help make Easton tick.

Today, with summer around the corner, we'll feature Easton Recreation Department Program Director Anne Daley. If you'd like to learn more about programs or how to sign up, click here.

Patch: How’d you get into this job?

Daley: I originally started 10 years ago. I came in as a secretary for the Recreation Department under the director at the time, Creig Muscato.

Patch: Are you originally from Easton?

Daley: I am. I’ve lived in Easton all of my life. I still live in the house I grew up in. My grandfather built the house. I grew up in the house and now my kids are growing up in the house. I graduated from OA in 1976.

Patch: What got you interested in recreation?

Daley: I originally worked in banking. I was the assistant manager of branches and worked in Boston and then came back this way. When I had my first baby I stayed at home with the kids. And, when my youngest was in school full-time I started to look for a full-time job.

This is a fun job. I like working with kids and working with people, so it sounded like a fun area to work in.

Patch: What challenges do you see on a day-to-day basis?

Daley: There are budget challenges. I’m the only one in here right now. In the past, we’ve been short on staff. We usually try to bring in seasonal help, but trying to get everything done and being everywhere is difficult.

We do hire people for the programs, and we get some help. We have great staff at the Town Pool and for the summer programs. We have teachers for the after school programs and the homework clubs. And, we also have volunteers, including my family that has been very helpful, and we have a great Recreation Commission.

Patch: What is the Rec Department looking forward to this upcoming summer?

Daley: The Town Pool is scheduled to open Saturday, June 23 at noon.  It’s free for opening day.

We have an Eagle Scout, David Morgan from Troop 193, who is in the process of building benches for the swim team, picnic tables and a table for the entrance, which is wonderful. We’ll also have a lot of the same staff, which has been great.

We’ll have summer programs we have every year. Archery has been a very popular program. We’ll have theater and hip-hop here at Frothingham Hall.

We’ll offer tennis at the and adult and youth golf lessons at

There will be a teen kayak week and senior trips, mother’s paddles, and family paddles offered over at the Norton Reservoir.

For new programs, we’re offering three workshops with . And, the Stedfast School of Music and Arts will host a variety of lessons.

It should be a busy summer.

Patch: What is your favorite part about doing this?

Daley: I enjoy working with the people. I work in the schools during after school pretty much every day. It’s enjoyable to work with all of the parents, kids and adults that do the programs. There’s something different every day.

Patch: Anything else you’d like the people of Easton to know?

Daley: I really enjoy working for the Town and the Recreation Department. I’m excited for the future of the department. I am looking forward to the completion of the new fields and the playground on Chestnut Street. This will be a great addition to the Town.