On Aug. 31, Trevor Adam reported for his first day of work with the city of Picayune as the new director of parks and recreations.
Adam replaces former director Heath Stevens, who resigned earlier this year.
Adam was born and raised in neighboring Hancock County. He is a 2006 graduate of Bay High School and attended the University of West Florida to play baseball.
After returning home, Adam worked as a GIS analyst and as a special education assistant in Bay St. Louis. He is currently finishing his degree in coaching and sport administration at the University of Mississippi.
While working in Bay St. Louis, Adam read of Stevens’ retirement and put in a call to the former director to inquire about the job.
Adam said his family has been involved in youth sporting events for years. Prior to applying for the position, he spoke with family and friends.
“This job is right up my alley,” he said. “I know it sounds a bit cliché, but I was born to do this and I’m passionate about it. Anytime you can give back and get kids outside playing in recreational activities, the less likely they are to end up in trouble down the road. I’ve watched many of my friends who didn’t have that structure end up in trouble.”
One of the reasons Adam felt compelled to apply for this job is his desire to help.
About seven years ago, his younger brother Tanner passed away and, since then, the family has hosted a yearly softball tournament in Hancock County to honor his memory.
“The money raised from the tournaments goes towards three full paid technical trade scholarships,” Adam said. “It covers the cost of a two-year training at a college and the recipients must attend a metal, welding or some type of trade class. Most attend either Pearl River Community College or Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. As a family, we are very fortunate to give back. It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the people who supported us during our time of need.”
Adam said he looks forward to the job at hand and knows he can withstand the triumphs and hard times.
Over the years, Adam has built relationships with many tournament directors and plans to utilize the bonds to bring tournaments to Picayune.
Geographically, Picayune is sitting in a good position, considering it’s distance from Louisiana, Hattiesburg and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he said.
He is looking forward to building upon the foundation Stevens built and working to move Friendship Park and other city parks forward. He hopes to one day create a special needs league. There are already improvements in process, which include a new pavilion roof at Ben Taylor Park and the ordering of a sod cutter, which will save the city money and put the fields in better shape.
In this position, Adam will wear two hats, he said.
There’s the business side which involves purchasing materials and meeting with other directors and vendors. While wearing the second hat, Adam will be out in the field working alongside his “guys.”
“I’m going to get out there. I’m not afraid to get on a lawn mower, paint or even fertilize,” he said.
Adam said his crew has made the transition as easy possible and he is learning a lot from parks and recreation employees Tommy and Roger Simmons and Jerry Todd.
“They are spectacular and I can’t say enough good about them,” Adam said. “They do a great job and I’m willing to help them.”
Adam’s ultimate vision is for the parks and recreation department to be financially self-sustaining.
“I would love to see this department have its own operating budget generated from funds through the park,” he said. “When you bring tournaments in, people spend money at our hotels, restaurants and shops. When local businesses benefit, we all benefit. I’m looking forward to it.”
Adam invites anyone with questions to contact him at 601-916-9016.