An active volunteer, Memone Crystian unloads toys donated to Lunch Break, Red Bank, for the Adopt-a-Family program in December. RED BANK — The Borough Council appointed Memone Paden Crystian as director of Parks and Recreation during the April 26 meeting.
According to Councilwoman Juanita Lewis, chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, Crystian, a borough resident, has more than 15 years of experience as a recreationist, specializing in special events.
“Memone possesses the unique combination of experience, intelligence, personality and commitment to our community. We believe that Red Bank’s parks and recreation program will thrive under her tutelage as our director,” said Lewis. “She’s a great asset to the borough.”
Lewis said Crystian currently serves on the borough Recreation Committee as an alternate member and for several years has served as a coach in recreational programs. She is a member of the Red Bank Resource Center’s advisory committee and is president of the board of trustees at Lunch Break.
Crystian earned her undergraduate degree in therapeutic recreation and political science from Howard University in Washington, D.C.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity to serve our community. Recreation is not a luxury, it is a necessity in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Crystian. “As a child, I participated in Red Bank Parks and Recreation programs. It’s wonderful to be able to return to the community that I was raised [in] and make a difference.”
Crystian said her husband and three children are also active in youth activities.
“I grew up in Fair Haven and attended St. James Elementary School and Red Bank Catholic High School,” said Crystian. “The residents of Red Bank want affordable, well-executed quality programming. I am going to make sure they get it.”
Crystian thanked the mayor and council for appointing her and urged residents to reach out to her department.
“Thank you for believing in my vision,” she said. “I have many great ideas, but I can’t do it alone. Let us know your wants and needs. I can’t wait to get started!”
Borough Administrator Stanley Sickles said: “She’s a bargain,” since her salary is set for $65,000 when the position was budgeted for $75,000.
Crystian fills the position left vacant when former director Bob Evans was not reappointed as director this year. Until now, John Hird, director of Parks and Recreation in Rumson, has filled in.
According to the borough’s website, the Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for various recreational programs including team sports such baseball, softball, soccer and basketball; cultural events such as the Jazz in the Park, Movies in the Park, Songwriters in the Park series; and co-sponsors other activities such as Pop Warner football, Kaboom! Fireworks on the Navesink, and the annual Santa Express/Holiday Express tree-lighting event.