A Tree To Honor Groton’s Parks And Recreation Director

Groton planted a Sugar Maple tree Friday at Poquonnock Plains Park in honor of John Silsby, the town's parks and recreation director who retires this month after nearly 11 years.

“This was wonderful, and a total surprise,” said Silsby, 66. “It’s nice to have a living recognition that you can appreciate as it continues to grow.”

Silsby is credited with leading the effort to build the Tricentennial Legacy Playground at Poquonnock Plains Park, a $350,000 project that generated thousands through fundraising and required less than 20 percent from the town.

The department under Silsby has also overseen a top public golf course, senior center and recreation division that wins awards for including residents with disabilities.

“I think it’s just the way he’s managed the department,” said Jerry Lokken, manager of recreation services. “He’s got a golf course that’s in fantastic shape, a senior center that’s been nationally-accredited . . .  And a park operation that maintains Poquonnock Plains Park and ball fields in top shape.”

Silsby was a boy scout as a child and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as a young man. He said he always enjoyed the outdoors, but had a different career in mind - he planned to be a math teacher or accountant after high school.

But he went to the University at Buffalo and failed out.  He worked the following year as a meter reader in New York.

Silsby’s father, who taught at the local high school, suggested he try the state university at Cortland, which had a program in recreation. A professor there helped inspire him.

“Every animal, every plant in the woods, he knew,” Silsby said. “He gave me a second chance and he got me into this career.”

Silsby graduated in 1970 with two college degrees in recreation management, then became a recreation supervisor for a town in New York. Four years later, he took over as its recreation director, and held the position for more than 26 years.

He came to Groton in September, 2000.

Silsby has six grandchildren and family living in different parts of the country, so he said he’ll keep busy. He said he’s grateful to the staff he’s worked with, and thanked them Friday.

“Thank you for being such a meaningful part of my life,” he said.