Parks Chief Moving On

Rebecca Bombero is stepping down as the city’s director of parks, recreation and trees.

Bombero has served in the post since Mayor Harp took office almost six years ago.

Her resignation officially takes effect Jan. 3, but she plans to begin taking accrued vacation time on Oct. 15. At that point, she said, ​“I will be in and out to ease with the transition and budget.”

“I’m ready for the next chapter,” which at this point is ​“to be determined,” Bombero told the Independent Friday.

A hard worker who shunned the public spotlight, Bombero oversaw the design (with skateboarders) of Edgewood Park’s popular new skate park, the creation (with neighbors) of Cherry Ann Park and a West Hills memorial to homicide victims, and planning for renovations at the city ice rink, the golf course and Lighthouse Point Park. She oversaw park clean-ups and maintenance in the wake of major storms.

She said she is proudest of ​“increasing the role that the parks department plays in the community and improving the resources available to our citizens.”

“I will miss her a lot. She ran the department well. She brought to life many of the values that are extolled in the parks department. One of the unmentioned values is placemaking, bringing communities together,” said Bombero’s supervisor, city Chief Administrative Officer Sean Matteson.

Text Of Resignation Letter

Dear Mayor Harp:

Over the past twelve years I have had distinguished pleasure of serving the residents of the City of New Haven. I would like to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve in your administration and to share in the work of building community and improving our city for its residents. I have learned a great deal, have grown tremendously and feel like we have accomplished a lot from the addition of the neighborhood based summer movie series to the creation of new spaces like Cherry Ann Park and the long overdue renovations underway at the Ice Rink, beginning at the Golf Course and beginning to be planned for Lighthouse Point Park, the soon to be implemented online parks registration information system and so much more.

While my current term as Parks Director continues until February 2022, I have decided that at this juncture I am ready for a change and for my next chapter. With the City poised for change I want to make clear of my intention to resign from my position as Director of Parks and Recreation on January 3, 2020.

The last twelve years has been a marathon of intensity. Especially at the Parks Department, but Citywide staffing cuts have left us under‐resourced and demand on service has only increased. As result, I have often found it difficult to pause and take time for myself. To that end I have accumulated a significant amount of accruals that I plan to use over the coming months to focus on my health and wellness and to plan for my next chapter. While I have more accruals than I could possibly use between now and January it is my intention to begin to use them on Tuesday, October 15th. I will be available periodically throughout that period and will make myself available to ease the transition and will use some of the time to complete a detailed transition memo.

While any departure is bitter sweet, I am excited by the possibilities that my future holds and am confident that the amazing staff at the Parks Department will be able to continue the work that is underway. In addition, I will lend my support both through the transition and as a continued advocate for our Parks.

With my warm regards and best wishes,
Rebecca Bombero