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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - After a stint managing New Castles Recreation and Parks Department, Wayne Bass, who previously worked as the citys recreation supervisor, says he cant wait to return to the Recreation and Parks Department as commissioner.
I always thought White Plains had great special events - the Fourth of July fireworks, the ball drop - and Im anxious to be a part of that, said Bass, 48, an Elmsford resident who grew up in White Plains. Its a great job in a great city. Im looking forward to keeping up that tradition of greatness.
Bass will begin as the department's head on Jan. 17. After running the youth basketball program, Bark Park, Hispanic Day Parade, outdoor arts festival, and summer camp program in White Plains from Dec. 2003 to April 2007, Bass says he knows hell get to work with many demographics.
Youre working with different types of people. With camp youre working with young people and parents. And the arts festival is a specific group of people who are very interesting, said Bass, who co-founded the Next Level Athletics. I really like just meeting people and helping people meet their needs across the board.
Bass says he doesnt have any specific goals yet. He plans to assess current programs with fresh eyes and look for ways to enhance them.
The Common Council unanimously voted Bass into the position on Jan. 3. Mayor Thomas Roach said he was impressed with Bass work as assistant superintendent of New Castles Parks and Recreation Departments.
Wayne has dedicated his professional career to assisting others, particularly young people, and I know that, working with our existing and very competent staff, he will move this department ot the next level, Roach said in a statement. I have asked him to take a critical look at all of our programs to determine how we can re-align and expand our offerings.
Bass will earn a salary of $137,484.
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