Ennis chosen as Newark's new parks and recreation director

Paula Ennis, a longtime employee of the Newark Parks and Recreation Department, will now lead the department.

Ennis will take over the role May 27, replacing Joe Spadafino, who is retiring after 28 years with the department, including the past eight as director.

"Paula embodies the spirit of leadership we strive for, and I'm confident she will continue to elevate and expand the department's offerings,” City Manager Tom Coleman said.

A graduate of Iowa State University, Ennis began her career as assistant director of the fitness and wellness center at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. She was hired by the City of Newark in 1999 and supervised athletic programs for the parks department. She was promoted to deputy director in 2016.

As deputy director, Ennis oversees the management and maintenance of over 650 acres of parkland, 52 parks and open space areas, 17 miles of trails and more than 386 acres of forested lands. Additionally, she and her team organize and facilitate more than 200 programs and events each year including sports leagues, health and fitness programs, arts, camps and community events.