Salem — A move to Waterford can't keep Vanessa Bunnell away from dedicating her time to her hometown.

Bunnell, who moved out of Salem in 2014, has been serving as the program coordinator for Salem's recreation department since the spring.

"I'm hoping to increase the quality of living for residents by having a variety of activities for them to participate in," she said.

Bunnell grew up in Salem and graduated from East Lyme High School in 1999 as a Salem resident before leaving town for a few years.

When she and her family returned around 2011, she instantly became actively involved with volunteering, serving on the Recreation Commission and coaching for Salem School.

She started volunteering in Waterford as well when she moved there two years ago but applied for the program coordinator position in Salem when it opened up in January following the departure of Alex Mercier.

"When I saw that the Salem coordinator position had been posted, it looked like something I would want to do because of my familiarity with Salem, having it be my hometown," she said.

She also is pursuing a degree in sports and leisure management at Three Rivers Community College.

As the program coordinator, Bunnell's job is to bring recreation programs into town by working with local organizations and the Recreation Commission.

"I'm hoping to bring in different types of activities for after-school programming and activities that cater to a wide variety of ages," she said.

She works closely with the Recreation Commission and Pam Henry, who does the programming for the Salem Seniors.

This summer, she has put on a successful LEGO FUNdamentals camp for aspiring young engineers and a Skyhawks camp, which taught skills in soccer, basketball, baseball and flag football for kids ages 7 to 12.

She also worked with the Florence Griswold Museum in April and May on an after-school multimedia art program to teach students how to paint landscapes, build coil pots and make prints.

Current plans include a "trick or trunk" family Halloween activity in October, and Bunnell said the Recreation Commission is discussing plans to bring in a summer music series and a summer day camp for residents.

"I know that surrounding towns like East Lyme and Waterford and Montville, they all provide a service that enables parents to at least have a part-time summer program for their kids," she said. "I would love to see that happen next year."

First Selectman Kevin Lyden said he doesn't have enough good things to say about Bunnell's work.

"We hit a home run with finding Vanessa. We're very fortunate to have her," he said. "She's the perfect person for that spot."

Small towns like Salem often have a difficult time finding people with the qualifications, energy and knowledge of town to fill roles like this, he said, but she's committed, creative and not afraid to try new things.

Bunnell admits that not every program is a huge success based on the interest of the residents, and recreation programming is often the first thing to be cut when budgets are tight.

But she hopes that more people will participate as new programs are added and popular ones are brought back every year.

"There's so many budget cutbacks that programs for recreation and leisure are sometimes one of the first to go for funding, and it's really one of the most important qualities you can have to add to any life experience, whether it be youth or adult or senior," she said. "I'm just excited to be able to be in a position that can help."

a.hutchinson@theday.com