ROCKINGHAM — The city of Rockingham has announced Blake Kelly as its new director of Parks and Recreation, effective June 24.
City Manager Monty Crump announced Kelly’s appointment Friday, highlighting his local roots and longtime connection to the department.
“Blake is a graduate of UNC Wilmington and Richmond County Public Schools. He is currently a teacher at Hamlet Middle School where he coaches soccer and cross country. Blake is 27 years old and is recently engaged to be married,” Crump said in a press release. “In his youth, he was a long-time participant in Rockingham Parks and Recreation sports and programs, as well as working as staff for several years.”
Kelly succeeds Dave Davis, who is retiring after more than 40 years of public service with the city. Davis’ tenure included decades of leadership in youth programming and community recreation initiatives.
“Blake will be following in the footsteps of Dave Davis, who is retiring after over 40 years of public service to our community as Director of Parks and Recreation. Due to Dave’s leadership and long-term commitment to our community’s youth, literally thousands of children have learned how to swim, attended summer day camp, played baseball, softball, soccer, taken field trips, participated in arts and crafts, flag football, among other activities. Our youth have also benefited from Dave Davis’s dedication to providing our community with quality recreation programs and lifelong lessons in sportsmanship,” reads the release.
According to the city, Kelly plans to continue the department’s longstanding commitment to recreation while expanding opportunities for residents and strengthening community partnerships.
“As Blake steps into the role of Parks and Recreation Director, he states that it is his vision to build upon the Parks and Recreation Department’s strong foundation by expanding community engagement, family-friendly events, health and wellness initiatives, and continuing partnerships with local schools, businesses, and organizations,” concluded the press release.