For the past 30 years, DeMaio said, has had his eyes set on becoming director OF the parks and recreation department. After an assessment test in grade school revealed that he was destined to work in the field of recreation, and encouragement from his parents to participate in sports activities further fueled his interest in recreation, DeMaio began to make moves that would lead him to the top levels in his field.

 

"In 1976, I was a freshman at Springfield College, and I knew I wanted to be a parks and recreation director; that was 30 years ago," DeMaio said. "To have this dream come true is very exciting for me. It’s something I can’t even really put into words."

"I’m humbled, I’m enthusiastic, and I love New Britain and the people of New Britain, and thank my wife and my two daughters for being so supportive."

In 1980, he earned a bachelor’s degree in community recreation from Springfield College. DeMaio then completed an internship with Rocky Hill Parks and Recreation Department and eventually served as assistant director. Then he joined the New Britain Recreation Department in 1984 as superintendent of the Parks and Recreation Department.

DeMaio has been acting director of parks and recreation for the past five years. Recently, Mayor Timothy Stewart recommend DeMaio for the permanent position to the Common Council. It approved DeMaio although he is not a resident of New Britain.

"I’ve been in New Britain for 21 years; we have one of the largest parks and recreation departments in Connecticut. And, I want to help the people here enjoy quality time with their families," DeMaio said, "If a family can come out to a game together and spend four hours together, forgetting about any issues they may have, and just have a fun time, I think that’s where we get to affect a lot of people’s lives."

The application for the position was competitive and challenging, "We had an eight-hour assessment of all parts of the job, including personality tests, role playing and creating budgets," DeMaio said. "We even had to do a disciplinary hearing, and write two magazine articles."

Stewart believes that DeMaio’s dedication to the position is an asset to the department.

"He’s done a remarkable job as acting director, and we are constantly looking at ways to improve the department." Stewart said, "I’ve charged him with finding more cost-effective ways to do things."

DeMaio says he is ready for the challenges that will come with his new position and looks forward to continuing his service to the people of New Britain.

"I’m so happy to be in a job I love. And working with a staff that has been so supportive, working as a team," DeMaio said, "I’m happy to be in New Britain, and to help people of all ages. It’s very rewarding."

DeMaio will oversee five divisions in the Parks and Recreation Department: recreation, parks, golf courses, cemeteries and community services, which includes youth services and persons with disabilities.

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey can be reached at ffraser@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext. 221.