RESERVE — Kerry Watkins had a vision of a recreation department that brought his hometown community together, and that’s exactly why the former East St. John and Canadian Football League star returned to St. John the Baptist Parish as its director of parks and recreation.

“I came up through the system and I remember what (recreation) was,” Watkins said. “I know what it should be. I felt like it had really fallen from that time, and I want to bring some new ideas and renew interest in recreation.”

Watkins was officially named to his new position in January and immediately beefed up the variety of sports and activities offered by the department, doubling the number of offerings in less than three months on the job.

After a stellar playing career at East St. John, Watkins moved on to play wide receiver at Georgia Tech and then earned a role with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL in June of 2004. By 2005, he had earned All-Star honors and already banked his first 1,000 yards. He recorded five straight 1,000 yard seasons from 2005 to 2009, and helped Montreal win the Grey cup championship in 2009 and 2010. He retired in 2012 after establishing himself as one of the Alouettes all-time greatest players.

Watkins has ensured that the summer months will stay packed with activities. The recreation department is currently holding its summer camp, which Watkins said features more field trips than years past. Ventures to Chuck E. Cheese, the Saints training camp, a Zephyrs game, the Children’s Museum, LSU workshops and City Park are planned.

Recreation baseball will celebrate its All-Star festivities at the end of the month, while signups are ongoing for flag football and adult softball leagues. The swimming pools on the East and West Banks have undergone renovations, with new tables and outdoor music among the newest features.

Watkins said the department has stressed offering more for not just children, but also adults, as he envisions recreation events being a family affair.

“It’s not just about the sports themselves, but building a culture of togetherness and community,” Watkins said. “It’s about not walking past people and having to treat them like strangers. You have kids playing sports for different parks that don’t really know one another at all.”

A way to rectify that last point, he hopes, is to unite more playing organizations under one banner.

“We’ve got a lot of private entities, and I’ve been trying to sit down with as many of those organizations as possible,” Watkins said. “I feel like it would do a lot for St. John Parish. I’d love to see a situation where we can teach our kids how to adapt to different situations and interact with people from different cultures. Start out at an early age … I think it would make our community a better place.”

Watkins said he’s enjoyed his first six months on the job and will continue pushing for progress.

“It’s been great,” he said. “It’s better than just a job because I like what I’m doing.

“I get to socialize with everyone and I’ve got a tremendous, tremendous staff of truly dedicated people. If I’m working 12-hour days, it feels like nothing, just because it’s rewarding and I enjoy it to begin with.”

Registration fliers are available at Regala Park in Reserve. For more information, contact Watkins at 985-652-9569 or at k.watkins@sjbparish.com.