Parks-Recreation Board appoints new inclusion recreation supervisor

The Parks-Recreation Board voted to approve Waltham native Jaclyn Robinshaw as the department’s new inclusion recreation supervisor.

Robinshaw was hired a year ago as a recreation supervisor. The new position allows her to specialize in making sure people of all ability levels are able to participate in Recreation Department programming. Robinshaw will be filling an absence left by Ben Kiwanuka’s departure from the position.

“We appreciate you investing in Waltham, the place you grew up,” board Chair Jerry Walker said of Robinshaw. 

Robinshaw has previous experience in addressing intellectual and developmental needs in programming through a position at a Lexington middle school. Recreation Director Kim Hebert recommended Robinshaw for the position, saying she has taken initiative and shown great enthusiasm in her time at the department.

Hebert said Robinshaw will attend a variety of professional development programs to gather ideas for the position as well as learn from others in the field. 

Robinshaw said she is excited about being able to utilize Waltham’s universal inclusive playground space for programming and would like to have some half-day programs at the site this fall.

In other business, the board

• Announced that spray parks around the city will open sometime next week.
• Discussed a lack of enrollment in summer sports camp programs offered by the Recreation Department. Hebert said that in 2019 each session had 40 to 60 participants. In 2026 each session has only two to 12 participants. “That speaks volumes. I don’t know what it says though,” said board member Thomas Creonte of enrollment numbers. He later speculated that intense youth sports programming throughout the school year may mean kids want to engage in more general recreation during the summer.
• Shared that the department’s personnel budget had not been approved by the mayor. Hebert will meet with the City Council’s Finance Committee on Monday, June 15, to explain the Recreation Department’s proposed budget, noting that a final decision on the budget will be made Friday, June 24.
• Announced that while parking reservations are no longer being taken for 200 Trapelo Road due to the 35-spot parking expansion, the city’s website will be updated when there is no parking available. Additionally, an on-site sign will be posted to let patrons know they have to come back another time.