Longtime Walden Recreation Coordinator Michael Bliss was introduced as part-time Town of Montgomery recreation director at the Montgomery Town Board meeting on Aug. 20.

Bliss brings more than two decades of experience to his new position. He has served as Walden’s recreation coordinator since June of 1998. During that time, Walden has boasted the largest summer camp in Orange County, averaging 400 campers annually prior to this year. Under his leadership, Walden’s Recreation and Parks Department has had over $2 million in facility upgrades.

“Mike has a tremendous amount of experience and he is someone who can help us create a vision for our town recreation department,” said Montgomery Town Supervisor Brian Maher.

Bliss began his new position on July 6. His job entails scheduling youth sports and processing field use applications. He will be paid $8,000 for the remainder of the year. The town board will reevaluate his salary in preparation for next year’s budget.

Bliss will continue his full-time position as Walden’s recreation coordinator. He has big plans for his new position as recreation director for the Town of Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department.

“[My goal is] to create more youth sports in our town,” Bliss said. “Get more kids doing more stuff.”

Theron Adkins was also introduced as the Town of Montgomery’s recreation aide during the town board meeting on Aug. 20. Like Bliss, his start date was on July 6. Adkins’ position is part time and he will be paid $17.50 per hour.

“We had interviews and he [Adkins] did a tremendous job,” Maher said. “He’s someone who has a lot of energy and we believe will work well with Mike and the rest of our recreation department team.”

Maher added that Adkins has been active in recreation programs throughout the Town of Montgomery, including running a local youth football program that uses town fields. He has shown a great deal of passion towards recreational activities.