Sanford Parks and Recreation’s new Recreation Coordinator Shannon Rogers
Photo: Kristi King
By: Kristi King
Shannon Rogers of Berwick was recently hired as the new Recreation Coordinator for the Sanford Parks and Recreation Department, replacing Lori Hegarty, who recently retired. Rogers brings experience and enthusiasm to her new position, having been the recreation coordinator for the Town of Berwick for the last three and a half years. Rogers has ample experience with recreation and sports. She was a three-sport athlete in high school and has been active in youth and high school sports and organizations, booster programs and has held coaching positions. She’s been a ski instructor for the Special Olympics, along with being on the board of the Maine Recreation and Parks Association and is involved with the National Recreation and Parks Association where she wrote grants for a mentoring program for youth affected by the opioid crisis. She has also worked with both the Boy and Girl Scouts for 25 years.
Rogers believes that recreation is important for individuals and the community of Sanford, not only for “amazing physical and health benefits,” but also as a way “to strengthen mental and emotional well-being.” More importantly, Rogers states, “The social connections that recreation can bring to the City of Sanford is huge,” where community members can “feel included so they can share in the fun, make new friends and build lasting memories.” She also feels that Sanford’s hiking trails and parks along with the arts can help get people from the Sanford community together for wellness and fun.
Roger’s goals are to add to existing programs and develop new programs. This spring she would like to run a power wheels race, bring gentle and chair yoga for older adults and Tai Chi in which she is certified. A big future project she’s committed to is developing and running a teen center at the middle school in Sanford with grant funding. First up is organizing Sanford’s Family Winterfest 2026 which will be held on February 14th with indoor and outdoor activities including a bon fire.
Rogers loves being outdoors where she “hikes in the early morning and spends her time at the beach whenever she can.” In February to celebrate her birthday she is participating in a Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend with her daughter. Rogers is very familiar with Sanford, having lived here in her early years attending Willard School and Sanford Middle School where she remembers attending Recreation Camp across from Goodall Park. “It’s like I’ve come full circle back home.”
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