Bass to Lead City’s Recreation and Parks Department
Wayne Bass, who spent a little more than three years working for the City of White Plains last decade before taking a job in the New Castle Parks Department, is set to be appointed the city’s next Recreation and Parks commissioner.
The White Plains Common Council will vote on Bass’ appointment at Tuesday night’s Common Council meeting, as Mayor Tom Roach submitted the nomination last week.
“I wanted somebody with strong experience, and somebody I thought could lead the department for the next several years and he was the right man for the job,” Roach said. “I like him personally. I like the way that he handles issues.”
Roach went on to describe Bass as creative, hardworking, calm and level-headed, and Council President Ben Boykin said he believes Bass will be a good fit
“He’s a wonderful individual. He’s innovative, creative and I think he’ll be a great addition for the city,” Boykin said. “When the opening came up, that was a natural person that you would see have an interest.”
Bass, an Elmsford resident who is the assistant superintendent of the parks department at New Castle, worked for the White Plains Recreation and Parks Department from December 2003 until March 2007.
“It’s working in a great city that already has great programs,” Bass said. “I have prior experience, so I’m not coming in cold.”
Fran Croughan has been serving as the department’s acting commissioner since the previous commissioner, Al Moroni, resigned in October. The position comes with a $137,484 salary. The nomination, if passed, would be effective as of Jan. 17.
Bass is also a director and co-founder of Next Level Athletics, which specializes in youth athletic opportunities.
Tuesday’s Common Council meeting, at the City Hall, begins at 7:30 p.m.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.