My name is Sinéad Arsenault and I am happy to be running for Park Commissioner. My family and I have lived in Holliston for over 11 years; I live here with my husband, four children and two dogs. Next year, our children will be enrolled in all four of Holliston’s public schools (Placentino, Miller, Adams, and the HHS). I believe this gives me the unique opportunity to be a voice for Holliston families across multiple age ranges and needs. My family and I have used the parks and programs in town for the past 11 years, and I am very excited and proud to be running for this position to help give back to the town that has brought us so much joy.
My background at TJX Companies has provided me with many experiences that will be valuable to my role as Park Commissioner. I worked at TJX for 10 years and left as a Senior Buyer. I was responsible for creating strategic visions and goals, revising and executing merchandise plans, working within a budget, negotiating with vendors, selecting products, working within a team and being flexible to the plan, as well as with solving problems along the way. The company also provided many opportunities for professional development including leadership training, diversity awareness, and intensive training in working with people of all different personality types (one of my favorite courses!).
Ten years ago, I decided to step away from my career and work on raising my family. As a parent, I am very much focused on the understanding of both the mental and physical needs of children. I enjoy researching and studying books, podcasts and other medium that explore understanding children’s wants and needs. A passion of mine has always been child psychology – I originally went to Framingham State to become a teacher. Little did I know how emersed I would be throughout my own parental journey! With Holliston Parks and Recreation mission being centered around children’s programming, I believe my experience as a parent of current elementary, middle and high school children will give me great insight as to what Holliston’s children and families wants and needs are.
This is a very exciting time for Holliston Parks and Recreation. There are multiple projects lined up as part of the 5 year town plan, including renovation of Goodwill Park, Pickleball Courts at Mission, a collaboration with NEMBA to develop a pump bike track, and a plan for Adams to get basketball courts. I am excited for the opportunity to be involved during this impactful time!
If elected, my focus will be:
· Enhance Summer Camps by:
- Develop a plan to allow more shelter space to minimize the waitlist and get more residents enrolled
- In turn, this will allow more CIT positions to build on opportunity for teen leadership
· Improving baseball and softball fields at the youth level (Middle School and below):
- Work on creating a plan to improve the experience for players and families (i.e. food trucks, bathrooms, outdoor lights, field maintenance and making the fields accessible to all)
· Increased communication:
- How can we make the community more aware of upcoming projects and updates to the projects?
- How can we get feedback from the residents?
- How can we make the residents more aware of the Open Spaces we have in town and the recreational options they allow for (i.e. cross country skiing, hiking, snow shoeing, biking, disc golf etc)
I hope you will consider me as a candidate during this exciting time! Please vote on May 20th!