New Scotch Plains Parks and Recreation Director
Scotch Plains Township
Following the departure of the municipal parks and recreation director, the Township has found the ideal replacement under the same roof: Julie Buonaguro. She has served as the department’s assistant since November 2016.
Buonaguro, who began in her new role on April 1, received strong support from the township’s Recreation Commission.
“We are thrilled to be able to promote Julie into the Recreation Director position,” said Recreation Commission Chairman Mike Walsh. “She has done a tremendous job as Assistant Director for the past five years and is ready to take on this new challenge. Julie understands the needs of our residents and has been involved with the development of our master plan and is the natural choice to move the plan forward.”
In her expanded role, Buonaguro will oversee the planning, organizing and direction of all recreational programs, activities and events in Scotch Plains. In addition, through her involvement in the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association, she will be providing Scotch Plains with the latest industry trends to refine and expand programming. Moreover, Buonaguro is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional through the Association.
“Julie recognizes the important role that parks and recreation plays in our community,” said Councilman Matt Adams, liaison to the Recreation Commission. “She has been heavily involved in developing our master plan, as we focus on facility needs to accommodate growing demand. I know she will continue to be an invaluable partner in the process, as we identify new ways in which to serve residents. I could not be more pleased with Julie’s promotion.”
Adams noted the township is embarking on more than $1.3 million in park improvements – the largest revitalization of parks, recreation and youth sport spaces in recent memory.
Prior to joining Scotch Plains, Buonaguro was the general manager of i9 sports in Virginia, where she developed, planned, and coordinated youth sports leagues, camps, and clinics, among many other roles.
She earned a graduate degree from Georgetown University in sports industry management and an undergraduate degree in sports administration from Lock Haven University. A native New Jerseyan, Buonaguro graduated from Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights.
Courtesy photo
