BALDWINSVILLE — The town of Lysander welcomed its new director of parks and recreation at the April 15 town board meeting.

Kevin Merrill, of Baldwinsville, worked for the Onondaga County Parks Department for nearly 18 years before his appointment in Lysander.

Deputy Supervisor Bob Geraci and Town Councilor Jeff Kudarauskas vetted candidates for the parks position, which drew applicants from Central New York and outside the state.

“It was a well-qualified pool of individuals and I’m just so happy that the individual we picked is a known recreation quantity,” Geraci said. “We’re looking forward to having your professionalism on board here.”

Merrill’s official start date is April 26. His annual salary is $55,000.