Jordan Schanck, 33, of Jay, left, daughter, Ophelia, 2, in the back carrier, son, Graycen, 4, and wife, Miranda, enjoy family time. Schanck is the director of the Wilton Parks & Recreation Department. Submitted photo

WILTON — Jordan Schanck grew up in East Wilton and is now back taking care of the town’s parks and providing recreational options for children and adults through the Wilton Parks & Recreation Department.

Schanck, 33, graduated from Mt. Blue High School in Farmington in 2009. He went on to earn a degree in community health at the University of Maine at Farmington.

He and his wife, Miranda, married in 2019 and moved to the town of Lisbon for work.

But he says that because of the couple’s connection to the Wilton area, they wanted to move back and raise their two children, Graycen, 4, and Ophelia, 2, in the area. After three years in Lisbon, the family moved to Jay earlier this year.

“Our family enjoys being outside in nature and playing games. We couldn’t be happier to be back,” Schanck said.

He became director of the Wilton Parks & Recreation Department in February.

What was the draw for you to become a parks and recreation director? I have always enjoyed working with people, especially children. Growing up in the area and witnessing its diversity made me realize that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. My dad was always fixing things and working with his hands, so I knew that hands-on work had to be a part of my career. I’ve had a passion for sports since I was around 14, and before even attending college, I discovered that encouraging individuals to try new activities and stay physically active became one of my greatest motivators. I studied community health at UMF, which further fueled my passion for education and health. I knew this career would allow me to work on various projects; one moment I could be creating sports rosters and designing programs, and the next, I might be cutting down a hazardous tree or repairing a broken item.

Jordan and Miranda Schanck with their daughter, Ophelia, 2, and son, Graycen, 4. Submitted photo

Do you enjoy organizing and developing recreation programs for youth? One of my favorite tasks is developing programs and introducing new ideas. We are about to finish our soccer program where we had five minor league teams and four major league teams. Over the winter we will be planning and brainstorming new programs and ways to improve and revitalize some old programs.

Are there any new programs to be introduced to the community? We have successfully introduced programming designed for children aged 3 to 4, various camps, and soccer activities. Shortly, we will initiate a basketball program as well. Additionally, this summer marked the launch of our inaugural Adventure Camp intended for youth aged 10 to 12. Our objective is to integrate inclusive and non-traditional recreational concepts and promote community building within our programming framework.

How do you get everything done that you do for the Parks & Recreation Department? There are a lot of moving parts, and being “new” to the job I’m still learning. It also takes a lot of volunteers (coaches), networking, and help from the community. I feel like we had a great summer and look forward to this winter, to be able to start more planning and future goals.

What is your favorite part of being a director of fun? Exactly that! I tell people all the time that my responsibility is to make sure that not only the kids are having fun but that everyone remembers to slow down and play a game once in a while!

What is the least fun part of your job? Honestly, cleaning the bathrooms and trash clean up. Other than that I enjoy most of what I do!

How many parks do you and your team take care of in Wilton? We manage Kineowatha, Bass Park, McGillicuddy Park, Bishop Park, Michael J. Backus Ball Field, & Village View Park. The largest park, Kineowatha, is 62 acres and has two sports fields, five softball and baseball fields, two disc golf courses, two playgrounds, and beach access. Our smallest park downtown, McGillicuddy Park hosts the Wilton Farmers Market.