New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches
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PRB Staff

Director of Parks, Recreation, & Beaches 
Lady wearing grey scarf
Mary Rapoza
Ph: (508) 961-3015
E: mary.rapoza@newbedford-ma.gov
181 Hillman St., Bldg. #3, New Bedford, MA 02740
• What is your favorite season and why? Whichever season we are in. I find something to enjoy in every season. • What is your main hobby outside of work? I love to be outdoors walking, swimming or playing in my garden. • If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Portuguese of course! • Do you have any pets? OR What is the most unusual pet you've had? I love my dogs and the turtle that I have had for 36 years. • What color best describes your personality? Turquoise blue, the color of the sea. • What is your favorite part about working at the PRB? Contributing to the wellbeing of our city, its residents and its natural environment.
Assistant Project Manager 
Gentlemen kneeling next to his dog
Valovia Costa
Ph: (508) 961-3015
E: valovia.costa@newbedford-ma.gov
181 Hillman St., Bldg. #3, New Bedford, MA 02740
• What is your favorite season and why? Summer because its hot • What is your main hobby outside of work? Soccer • What's a book/movie that you'd recommend? Movie-The Prestige. Book: The Secrete to a happy life: Mind your business (I've never read it tho)
Out of School Time & Event Coordinator 
Man kneeling with fellow employees
Isidro (TJ) Thomas
Ph: (508) 961-3015
E: isidro.thomas@newbedford-ma.gov
181 Hillman Street Bldg. #3 New Bedford, MA 02740
• What is your favorite season and why-Spring, I love watching the world come back to life from winter. Traditionally, Spring is the Wampanoag New Year. • What is your main hobby outside of work? Does parenting count as a hobby? Always depends on the season, but I like to spend time outside most of the year. Winter is when I hibernate. • What's a book/movie that you'd recommend? The Secret • If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mexican!! • Do you have any pets? OR What is the most unusual pet you've had? I have 1 cat (RJ/runty jr.) and 1 dog (Zadie) • What color best describes your personality? Dark Green • What is your favorite part about working at the PRB? Having an impact on our community and the future of the residents.
Recreation & Parks Manager 
Man Standing in front of scenic waterfront
Mike Neves
Ph: (508) 961-3015
E: miguel.neves@newbedford-ma.gov
181 Hillman St., Bldg. #8, New Bedford, MA 02740
•What is your favorite season and why? -I like any season as long as it's 50+ degrees and sunny. I like to be outside enjoying life, not shoveling snow. •What is your main hobby outside of work? -Watching my children participating in sports/activities and spending time with my wild family and friends. •What is your favorite part about working at the PRB? -I love giving back to the city where I was Born and raised by creating programs that truly make a difference! Being able to build affordable, equitable and accessible programs for the families who need it most.
Administrative Assistant 
PRB Staff Smiling with pink hair
Sharday Amaral
Ph: (508) 961-3015
E: sharday.amaral@newbedford-ma.gov
181 Hillman St., Bldg. #3, New Bedford, MA 02740
•What is your favorite season and why? -Fall, because it has all the seasons in one! •If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be? -Celia's Restaurant!!! •What is your main hobby outside of work? -Hiking, always working on getting the best breathtaking view. •What color best describes your personality? -Green (I love being barefoot in the soil, on the beach) •What is your favorite part about working at the PRB? -I love working with the public, seeing all the programs my colleagues put together. Hearing people get excited about what the department has to offer the community!


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