Wednesday was “Scott R. Johnson Day” in Greenwich, recognizing Mr. Johnson for his 28 years as a member of the Board of Parks & Recreation, including his leadership as co-chairman with Gary Dell’Abate for three years and most recently as chairman for four years.
“Throughout his tenure, Scott has helped guide and support numerous important initiatives, including master planning efforts, improvements to civic and recreation facilities and the development and enhancement of parks, athletic fields, and community spaces…” First Selectman Fred Camillo said in a proclamation.
Camillo listed Mr. Johnson’s accomplishments to include the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, and improvements connected to the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center, the Town’s skate and dog parks, Cos Cob Park, and both natural and artificial turf fields.
Back in 2024, then Parks & Rec Board chair Scott Johnson, Parks & Rec board member Sue Bodson and Parks & Rec director Joe Siciliano ready for a hard hat tour of the near complete Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center. March 15, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
Left to right DPW commissioner Jim Michel, Parks & Rec’s Patricia Troiano, Parks & Rec board member Sue Moretti Bodson, Parks & Rec director Joe Siciliano, First Selectman Fred Camillo and Parks & Rec board chair Scott Johnson. April 9, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Nell Solley, Jonathan Fasone, Dr.Greg Kramer, Sue Moretti Bodson and Joe Siciliano at a 2025 park cleanup. Contributed Photo
On Tuesday, the Parks & Recreation board elected Sue Moretti Bodson as its new chair.
Bodson, who is the founder and president of Emboss LLC and a trustee at the Bruce Museum, joined the board in 2020, and has co-chaired the Parks & Recreation Foundation.
“I am honored to step into the role of Board Chair on July 1 and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving a town and a parks system that means so much to me,” Bodson said in an email.
“Greenwich’s parks, beaches, fields, and recreational spaces are part of the fabric of our community, and I look forward to working with my fellow board members, town leadership, staff and residents to support, protect and thoughtfully improve these treasured public spaces.”
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Bodson said she was especially grateful to Mr. Johnson for his extraordinary 28 years of service, steady leadership and deep commitment to Greenwich.
“He leaves an incredible legacy, and I am excited to help build on that work in the years ahead.”
The nine-member advisory board, which is appointed by the Representative Town Meeting, holds annual organizational meetings where they vote to select their board chair.
The last time there was a female board chair was Nancy Caplan.
Bodson recalled that she and Ms Caplan were both members of the Junior League in 2003 when Caplan chaired The Enchanted Forest, which was Bodson’s first Junior League placement.
Bodson recalled that years later, when the Junior League was advocating for and helping bring the Greenwich Pool in Byram Park to life, she again collaborated with Caplan.
“It feels like such a wonderful full-circle moment,” Bodson said.
Back in August 2016 officials gathered for the groundbreaking for the community pool at Byram Park. Left to right: Then DPW Director Amy Siebert, First Selectman Peter Tesei, Jr. League of Greenwich President Sue Bodson, Max Wernert of Wernert Construction, and then Marine Facilities Superintendent for Parks & Rec Jeff Freidag. Credit: Leslie Yager