Susan Esty
A long-time resident of Old Saybrook, Susan is a pillar of the community and currently serves as Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission. A proven leader who takes seriously the tasks of maintaining and improving Old Saybrook’s 18 parks, beaches, facilities, and conservation areas, she is very proud of her efforts to guide the Commission to meet the needs of the future.
She is running for re-election to the Commission to continue her leadership, which has brought about a diversity of recreation opportunities to the benefit of the town, its residents, and visitors.
During Susan’s tenure, a Strategic Plan to upgrade Old Saybrook’s parks and facilities was established. You may have noticed some of the improvements that resulted from it: Main Street Connection Park with the pickleball courts and parking area; Kavanagh Park with renovations to the splash pad, playground, tennis courts, sidewalks, and softball field; and improvements to both bath houses at our beaches. Most recently, Susan and the Commission celebrated the opening of the Cedar Swamp Disk Golf Course at Clark Community Park.
Susan is dedicated to making sure all residents enjoy our parks and facilities, whether you are young or mature, an athlete or not, a novice or expert. With input from the community, she hopes to continue to work hard to bring exciting recreational opportunities to Old Saybrook.
Rob LeMire (Check Out My Video)
Born and raised in Old Saybrook, Rob returned to his hometown in 2018 to raise his four children alongside his wife, Emily. Rob is currently employed as an Engineered Products Manager for the Stormwater Management industry, where he has worked for 26 years.
Rob is running for a seat on the Parks & Recreation Commission because he has a passion for all forms of recreation and helping people become more active. Recently he has been very focused on building disc golf courses to grow the sport across the Connecticut shoreline. The disc golf course he pioneered in Old Saybrook—in partnership with the Old Saybrook Parks & Rec department—opened in August 2023. He is currently completing the creation of a disc golf course in another town (his third in four years). Inspired by Old Saybrook’s forested parks and seashore—and the innumerable possibilities they offer—Rob is focused on a variety of enhancements that would positively impact life in Old Saybrook for all its residents. His vision is to create better access for kayaking while expanding and enhancing the hiking trails between Town Park and The Preserve, including the addition of a dedicated mountain biking trail.
Elizabeth Soden
Beth has lived in Old Saybrook since 2012, when she moved in with her future husband, Rob, who was born and raised in Old Saybrook. They purchased their first home in Old Saybrook in 2015 and are now raising two young boys. Beth holds a B.A. in art history from UCONN and has had a distinguished career in the museum sector. She currently works as the executive assistant to The Chief Curator in the European Art department of the Yale University Art Gallery, where she has been employed for 15 years. Prior to that she worked as a registrar and project manager for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Beth is currently a member of the Parent Teacher Association at Goodwin PTA, a room parent, and is active in the school’s annual art shows, science fairs, and more.
Beth is running for a seat on the Parks & Recreation Commission because she and her family are active participants in Parks and Rec programs. With its robust programming and facilities for all ages, Beth believes that OSPR is one of Old Saybrook’s strongest assets. She grew up going to Parks and Rec camp in her hometown of Haddam Neck and was a junior counselor in middle school. If elected, Beth will look forward to working with her fellow commissioners to promote and preserve OSPR’s programs and campus/facilities, while thoughtfully enhancing them for all citizens to enjoy.