The Great Neck Park District has selected the superintendent of the Scarsdale Parks and Recreation Department to take the place of Peter Renick at the head of the district.
Jason Marra, a White Plains resident, will take over as Great Neck Park District superintendent the first week of February, Commissioner Robert Lincoln said.
“What we know so far is that he’s experienced, talented and we’re excited. Its obviously going to be a new era,” Lincoln said. “We feel it’s going to be a good fit.”
Marra comes to Great Neck after serving as superintendent of the Scarsdale Parks and Recreation Department for three years.
Prior to serving as superintendent, he was the assistant superintendent of Scarsdale Parks for four years.
“I think some of the similarities are the demographics and the areas. I think the transition will be smooth for me,” Marra said. “Scarsdale was a very demanding community and I enjoyed it. I like to be held to a high standard. It motivates you and pushes you to be as best as you can be.”
He said a big difference between the two is that the Great Neck Park District is its own district, whereas in Scarsdale, the parks and recreation department would work with other village departments.
“The focus sometimes gets away from parks and it is appealing to get to work with just parks,” Marra said.
Renick retired effective the end of 2015 after 43 years with the park district, the last three as superintendent.
Lincoln said the park district advertised the open position throughout the metropolitan area and received eight total applicants.
Marra, he sad, was determined to be the “best one.”
Marra graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in recreation and leisure studies.
He went on to receive his Master’s from Lehman College in recreation education.
“My main goal is always to improve the quality of life of residents of the community. I know the facilities and parks are beautiful and well maintained,” Marra said. “I’d like to move things forward, open to new ideas and focus on bringing some technology and online registration to the table. As well as focus on some marketing and branding for the department.”
He said his long-term goal was to make the park district a nationally accredited agency.
The National Recreation and Parks Association accredits park districts for providing high quality park and recreation services and programs, according to its website.
The Westchester County Parks department is currently the only one to have that status.
Lincoln said Marra would be introduced to the public at the Jan. 7 Board of Commissioners meeting.
“I definitely look forward to working with the three current commissioners and offering the best possible programs,” Marra said.
