By Grace Allen

In small towns, daily life is enriched in small but meaningful ways: a child learning to dribble a basketball, neighbors gathering for fireworks, families meeting at a playground or summer concert. Ann Proto has been the person behind those moments, building and guiding the programs and events that help shape community life in town.

After more than 26 years with Norfolk’s recreation department, most of them as its director, Ann Proto is stepping into retirement, leaving behind a department that has grown significantly under her leadership. Her last day as director was January 31.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be leaving at a time when I still love the work,” Proto said in a recent interview. “Everything is in such a great place right now. It’s a good feeling.” 

Proto began her tenure on Sept. 8, 1999, initially sharing duties with another mom, Jenifer Miller. A few years later, Miller left and Proto stepped into the role full-time.

Under her tenure, Norfolk Recreation expanded dramatically. Today, the department runs at least 50 programs per season and serves thousands of participants annually. This past year, there were over 7,000 registrations for programs ranging from music for babies to pickleball for adults.

Meeting Community Needs

Proto said the department’s growth has always been driven by the goal of meeting the evolving needs of Norfolk residents. 

“It’s about relationships with everyone in the town, with the sports organizations, with the other town departments,” she said. 

One of the most challenging periods came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the recreation department stepped in to provide programming while schools were closed. Recreation departments in other towns shut down, but Norfolk’s got busier than ever. Proto worked with the schools and other town partners to create an enrichment program that provided structure and supervision for students when they were not in school buildings. 

“We were happy and proud we could do this,” Proto recalled. “We had over 100 kids a day in the programs. We kept everyone six feet apart, and I don’t think there were any COVID cases among the children. It was another powerful reminder that when we work together, we can rise to meet even the most difficult challenges.” 

Proto also emphasized the importance of providing summer and community programming for working families, saying the department has strived to serve as a resource for those residents.

“While our goal has always been to provide fun and creative programs for the kids, another goal has been to provide child care,” she explained. “A lot of families work, and we offer affordable and flexible programs for them.” 

Projects and Milestones

Among the projects Proto is most proud of is the development of the Rockwood Road playground, which replaced the aging structure formerly located on Boardman Street.

“Designing and building the new playground at Rockwood Road was a challenge, but I loved doing it,” she said.

A certified playground safety inspector, Proto said she focused heavily on safety and design, ensuring the new playground met modern standards and reflected the character of the town with a mini roundabout, fire truck, Grange building, and old schoolhouse amongst the structures.

More recently, she secured several large grants to improve accessibility and safety at town facilities. These include funding for ADA improvements and accessible parking near the Freeman-Kennedy fields, as well as grants to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at local athletic fields.

Proto noted most people don’t realize that recreation programs are designed to be self-supporting, relying largely on program revenue and grants rather than tax dollars. Careful budgeting has been essential for the department to run smoothly while offering a diversity of courses each session.

Proto said that recreation departments often work behind the scenes but play an important role in building community. “We are the people that actually bring opportunity, providing events and something to look forward to. We bring the lighter side of a community.” 

She credited strong partnerships with town departments, sports organizations, volunteers and elected recreation commissioners for the department’s success.

“There’s no way any one person could do this job,” she said. 

Passing the Torch

Proto expressed confidence in the department’s future under new Recreation Director Josh Walther, who has served as program coordinator for several years.

“When I interviewed him, within five minutes I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to be retiring in about five years. I’m looking at my succession plan,’” she said. 

Walther brings extensive experience in recreation programming and municipal work, and shares Proto’s emphasis on professional standards in the field. Both hold the designation of Certified Recreation and Park Executive, a credential held by only seven professionals in Massachusetts.

“We do take what we do very much to heart,” Proto said. 

Although retiring from her full-time role, Proto plans to remain involved in a limited capacity, assisting with field-related projects and helping ensure a smooth transition.

“I love fields,” she said, laughing. “I love taking care of fields. I love it when people come to the fields and say, ‘Oh, these look beautiful.’”

Proto also looks forward to spending more time with her family, including two grandchildren, and traveling. You may even see her teaching a class or two through the recreation department. After 26 years, it will be hard to step away completely from the work and relationships that have filled her days and enriched the town.

Reflecting on her long tenure, Proto said she leaves with gratitude for the community and colleagues who supported the department’s work.

“There are so many hardworking people in this town,” she said. “So many great organizations that make life better. Recreation works best when it brings people together, and Norfolk is a town where collaboration is everywhere. I’m deeply thankful for the privilege of serving the community where my husband and I raised our children. Norfolk and Norfolk Recreation will always be close to my heart.”