By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Like an athlete being asked to play a position and being thrown a ball as soon as he gets into place, Brian Crockett has jumped right into the role of Community Activities Director.

The Town of Naples hired him in May. 

“When I took over in May, the baseball season had already started rolling. When started the season, everyone was in masks. We had 106 participants in our league. Coming out of the COVID [restrictions] that is really good number — 106 kids playing baseball,” Crockett said.

He appeared at his first Naples Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday. 

“I am really excited about our summer camp right now we have it capped at 50, and there is a waiting list,” he said, expressing his pleasure that the same staff were more than willing to return for 2021 season. 

“Last year, we hired an extra employee for kids’ camp, for cleaning. This year, we aren’t getting away from those safety precautions,” he said. 

In July, Crockett ended up with the job of deciding how to hold an Independence Day parade in the rain. He postponed the parade by an hour, keeping participants and business-owners and the public in the loop.  

A native of South Portland, Crockett is a familiarface in the Lake Region area. After all, he has been coaching recreation basketball for decades. It’s something he absolutely loves to do. 

“I grew up playing a lot of baseball, basketball and football in the neighborhood. I was never the greatest athlete. I just loved playing. I started coaching while I was still in high school,” Crockett said. “I knew right away that I liked that even more.”

Residents have not been shy about sharing ideas with him plus the Naples Community Activities and Recreation Committee has been a like-minded support system. All of this has helped him formulate a statement of the department’s goals andmission, which are posted on the town’s website. 

In order for the community to get to know him better, Crockett answered a series of questions for “The Bridgton News.” 

B-News: What was the interview process like for the Naples Community Activities Director?

Crockett:I interviewed with the Town Manager, John Hawley, and a committee that he assembled. It was nice because the committee asked questions that I felt mattered. They really put me at ease during the interview because I realized early on that I was having a conversation with a group of people who cared about the same things I did,

B-News:How did you hear about the job?

Crockett: I have been working closely with the four Lake Region Recreation Departments for a number of years. When the previous Naples Director stepped down, I partnered with Beth Latsey, the Casco Recreation Director, to help with Naples baseball until a new Director was hired.

B-News:What prompted you to apply for it? 

Crockett: Though Recreation was not a path I decided to take originally, years of involvement with recreation as a volunteer and a part time employee have helped me realize that it is a passion of mine. I saw an opportunity to do something that I love, and the choice to apply was easy for me.

B-News: When did you start your new job with the Town of Naples? 

Crockett: May 12, 2021

B-News: Please describe what it has been like so far?  

Crockett: I love my new position. The people I work with at the town office are not only great at what they do, but are fun to work with. They made me feel very welcomed from day one. I also have the opportunity to work with a recreation committee that cares about the Town of Naples and proves it every day with their hard work. They inspire me. I have a lot to learn in my new position, but I am confident that the support of the town employees, the rec committee, and all of the great business owners and residents in Naples will help my department be successful for the town.

B-News: I would imagine that much of your role is just getting sports programs back on track after COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing — could you talk a little bit about that?  

Crockett: So much was cancelled last year, recreation sports included. In the spring we were not completely sure if we were going to have a baseball season, and if we did, we were certain that it would look very different. When the season started, the kids were still wearing masks in the field. As the COVID numbers in our state started getting better, and some of the restrictions were lifted the mood at the ballfield changed. It was great to literally see smiles on the children’s faces again. It is important that we continue to bring programs back safely. Recreation for people of all ages is healthy. It promotes physical and emotional health. I am happy to be working in a town that is allowing for the return of programming.

B-News: Do you have any ideas for new programs or events you would like to introduce?

Crockett: I have a lot of ideas for new programming, and so do the residents of Naples. Right now, our goal is to revive some of the successful events of the past. I can say that it is my goal to add programs for a broader range of interests. There are a lot of amazing people in our community, and I hope to help serve their recreational needs. 

B-News: What does the future of the community activities and recreation department look like?

Crockett:My job is to listen to the residents of Naples and try and assist them in running programs that they want and need. Obviously, that doesn’t mean that every program will be feasible, but decisions regarding future programs and events will be based on two things. First is the voice of the Naples residents. Second, program and event decisions will need to support the department’s mission, vision, and values. (To view the Mission, Vision and Values go to townofnaples.orgAt the top of the page, click on Departments and go to Recreation & Community Activities. The box that will appear has Mission, Vision and Values listed.)

B-News: You have sport-related ties to the towns in the Lake Region — could you talk about your years coaching rec. dept. basketball? 

Crockett: I have been coaching youth basketball for 35 years at all levels, but I can honestly say that my years coaching the kindergarten through second grade players in Lake Region have been the best. I can’t thank Beth Latsey enough for giving me the chance to start a new program for these little athletes in 2007. During that time I have truly enjoyed coaching other levels as well, but the “Bouncing Lakers” is what I look forward to the most.

B-News:Please comment on other ties you have to the Lake Region community.

Crockett: I have lived in Lake Region for 20 years. My children went to school here. My wife owns and operates Smarties Early Learning Center in Naples. I am also the 7^thGrade Girls Basketball Coach at Lake Region Middle School. 

B-News: Are you married? Any children? Any pets?

Crockett: I have been married to my amazing wife Marti for 22 years (in October). We have twin 26-year-old daughters, Katelynn and Searrahm and a 21-year-old son, Robbie. 

We lost a dog and a cat in the fire, but have recently added another dog, Bryson, who is a 6 month old Jack-a-Bee and two cats (Bambi and Salem). We also have a rabbit (Black Thunder, who survived the fire).

B-News: Where do you live?

Crockett: I have lived in Casco for 20 years. However, my family and I are currently staying in Bridgton until our home can be rebuilt after a house fire destroyed it in March of this year.