Linda Brooks, the longtime director of the Standish Parks and Recreation Department, will take the same position in Windham starting in mid-June.

Brian Ross, Windham’s parks and recreation director since 2005, retired on May 1. On Tuesday, the Windham Town Council voted 6-0 to confirm Town Manager Tony Plante’s decision to appoint Brooks.

Brooks, who will earn approximately $57,000 in Standish this year, will see her starting salary jump to $66,000 when she joins the Windham staff on June 15, according to Plante. At the time of his departure, Ross earned about $73,000, Plante said.

“Linda is familiar with the area,” Plante said. “She’s got a wealth of experience in a similar setting coming right next door from Standish. And from the interaction with the search committee and the interviews I had with her, she was very highly regarded. We thought she would be a very good fit.”

Brooks has lived in Standish since 1990, and has worked as the town’s parks and recreation director for more than 20 years. In her time in Standish, she has developed an after-school program, expanded the town’s summer camp program, established a senior citizen program, and oversaw the construction of a skate park and two outdoor skating rinks, according to Standish Town Manager Gordon Billington.

“I’ve known Linda for nearly 20 years now and she first started part time with the town operating out of her own home and has matured over those 20 years where she now has a full department with a nice office here in the town hall,” Billington said. “She has grown our program and the facilities associated with it.”

According to Brooks, it was a tough call to leave Standish.

“When the position became available it just seemed something that intrigued me – it was maybe perhaps time for new challenges. It was a very difficult decision to leave Standish because I’ve very much enjoyed serving the people and the town. I have some great employees that work for the department, wonderful co-workers and just supportive citizens, but it was just one of those opportunities that it seemed like the right time of life to consider.”

Brooks also said she was excited about working with the Windham Town Council.

“I think we’re going to take a look at the comprehensive plan initially and see what the residents are looking to work toward,” Brooks said. “The council seems like they are very motivated to establish some programs for the community and establish that community feel and make sure that Windham residents are getting some of the things that they’re needing right here in town.”

Ross, a resident of York, joined the town in April of 2005. During the past decade, he has worked to hold special events such as the Father-Daughter Dance and also oversee improvements to Donnabeth Lippman Park and the Mountain Division Trail. Ross also managed major additions to the Dundee Park bathhouse, as well as renovation at the basketball court next to the Manchester School.

“I know Brian was very passionate about things outdoors, parks and trails, and things like that so I think that Windham has been the beneficiary of some of those resources that he helped develop,” Brooks said. “I wish him well in his retirement.”

Brooks’ appointment is Windham’s second hiring of a Standish employee in recent months. In December, Windham hired Brent Libby as its fire-rescue chief, replacing longtime chief Charlie Hammond. Libby, who joined the Windham staff on Jan. 5, had worked for Standish since 2004.

Linda Brooks