“If you look at Dartmouth's Lake Banook and see how it has become internationally renowned, it is easy to see the potential for Lake Milo to become a destination for boating enthusiasts provincially and even nationally,” said Doucette.

During the summer season with the addition of the floating docks and supervision through the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service, Doucette sees Lake Milo as a safe and fun aquatic playground for people of all ages.

“I think with the growth of the boating programs - specifically the canoe/ kayak program and Dragon Boat events, we will see Lake Milo become one of Yarmouth's main attractions,” she said.

Doucette’s new position is one that she had intended to assume throughout her higher education and after gathering experience through several opportunities.

She worked as a summer student with both the Town and Municipality of Yarmouth recreation departments throughout high school and university. After graduating from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Recreation degree, she worked as interim program coordinator for the Bridgewater Parks and Recreation Department.

Doucette spent approximately 12 years with the YMCA in both Yarmouth and Halifax, mainly in the field of aquatics. She has also coached the Yarmouth Dolphins Synchronized Swimming team for 12 years and had swimmers reach a national competitive level. In 2000, Doucette was Yarmouth County's Coach of the Year.

Before joining Leisure Services she worked for Register.com. She plans on utilizing the IT knowledge she gained there to update the Leisure Services website and maintain program records. She was also responsible for project planning for many large projects and says this experience and her training will be very helpful in event planning and implementation.

As mother to three girls, ages 10, 12, and 15, Doucette empathizes with the active lifestyles of the modern family. Her girls are enrolled at the Yarmouth Ballet School and enjoy swimming - her middle daughter is on the Whitecaps Swim Team.

Doucette says she is looking forward to her new role in the community.

“This position gives me the opportunity to be part of a great team, work closely with people in the community, and be involved with Yarmouth's community development,” she said.