Energetic and innovative.

Those two words come up repeatedly when you talk to the people at Maplewood Town Hall who hired Keith Knudsen to be the new Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

Knudsen was hired as director of the department last month and begins work this week. He previously was working as the director of recreation in West Milford, NJ. He replaces George Rague in the position.

Even before Knudsen started, elected officials were talking about the opportunity he presented for a new way of operating. At the first budget planning meeting on Jan. 21, Committeeman Jerry Ryan pointed out that, with new department heads in both the recreation department and at the library, the town should "take the opportunity to look at all spending in recreation and cultural affairs, because we have a new person with fresh ideas and no devotion to legacy programs."

Likewise, Mayor Vic DeLuca talked about "breaking down silos" and having the recreation department, library and others work together on youth and senior services.

"I'm really, really excited he's finally on board," said Committeewoman India Larrier on Monday. "He has lots of good ideas. I like his energy. I feel he's really going to energize the department, and we need that."

Knudsen's new boss, Township Administrator Joseph Manning, was equally effusive: "Keith is an energetic, innovative young man. We're looking forward to having him on board. I think the residents will really benefit from his leadership."

Marcy Thompson, Director of the Maplewood Arts Council, also stopped by on Monday to meet Knudsen, with whom she will be working closely.

"The goal is to create a very positive relationship with the Recreation Department," said Thompson.