Mayor Gusciora Appoints Maria Richardson to Head of Recreation Dept.

Track-Record of Grants Generating Funds for Trenton

Trenton N.J. – Mayor Reed Gusciora announced today that Maria Richardson will be the City of Trenton’s next Recreation Director. Director Richardson’s focus as she takes over the Recreation Department will be to secure grants for the city. Mayor Gusciora has made a priority of increasing the recreation budget.

“We want to engage kids in Trenton, that’s the primary goal. But first, we need to find the funding. Maria’s experience tracking down state and federal money will be a welcome change,” Mayor Gusciora said. “Prior administrations have left a lot of cash on the table. But now we have someone in charge who can put that to an end.”

In addition to being a world traveler, Director Richardson, in her former position as Recreation Programs Specialist, led a grant writing team that generated valuable funds for the City. Mayor Gusciora has stated that he wants to triple the City’s recreation budget from approximately $300,000 to $900,000.

“If I can’t wave a wand to increase our funding, then having Maria on board will be the next best thing.” Argued the Mayor.

Getting the Westward Community Center on Prospect Street back online will also be one of the first projects she’ll be grappling with. The Mayor noted that the recent girls’ basketball tournament had to be moved to Ewing, due to the disrepair of the center’s hardwood flooring.

“I’m honored that I’ll be able to be back here in City Hall heading my old department. We have our work cut out for us,” Director Richardson said. “We’re ready to get this city back on track”

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