BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Justin La Vigne will pack his bags and head up the East Coast, from Danville, Va., to Hopkinton, where he’ll take over as head of the recreation department.

“I’m really excited to move to the Northeast,” he said. “I’ve lived in quite a few areas around the country, including Virginia, Alaska, Arizona and Florida, and am really excited to experience life the Northeast and in Hopkinton. I love the area and being a part of a much smaller community than I’m used to. It just seems like a great environment to work in.”

La Vigne, who takes the position vacated by former director Robert Mattes, is the current assistant director for outdoor recreation in Danville, and has spent years coordinating activities for children and adults. His programs include canoeing and kayaking as well as environmental classes for the public school system.

He also has extensive experience in organizing special events such as concerts and fishing derbies.

La Vigne said he plans to bring many events to Hopkinton, including a “Bark in the Park Day” for dogs that will feature a talent show, Frisbee catching, and a pet owner look-alike contest.

“It’s a good way for the community to get together and I also hope to invite the local animal shelter,” he said.

La Vigne said he also hopes to continue the many events already in place, especially around the holidays such as the annual haunted house at Halloween.

His immediate plans include a holiday lights contest, which La Vigne said will encourage residents to decorate their homes. He will have a panel of judges travel around town giving awards in various categories. A map will be distributed throughout town so residents can view the holiday light creations.

“I hope to get involved with the community and bring a lot of joy for recreation in Hopkinton,” he said. In New Hampshire, the outdoors is there for you, so I really hope to take advantage of that.”

Louise Carr, chairman of the recreation committee who led the search committee for a new director, said La Vigne was chosen because of his experience and nature.

“He has an outgoing personality and he loves to cook, which is a hit with the seniors,” said Carr. “He has a lot of great ideas,  a lot of good broad experience, which was a plus.”

Carr also said she looks forward to La Vigne applying his own ideas and concepts to the programs already established in town.

Before accepting the job on Hopkinton, La Vigne earned his master’s degree at Arizona State University. He loves to travel, having been on more than a dozen road trips that have spanned 49 states to date.