Ever relaxed at a new picnic table? Tossed your trash in an empty garbage bin? Strolled along a freshly repaired boardwalk?
Thank a maintenance worker.
Our dedicated team of maintenance staff works hard to keep our parks in top shape, so that our visitors can relax and enjoy their vacations.
Here are six things they’d like you to know about working maintenance:
1. Their job is diverse
Maintenance workers leave their mark on everything, from well-stocked firewood to a finely flushing toilet to a perfectly prepped fire pit.
They are jacks of all trades. They complete so many tasks that are critical to park operations.
You may find them building, painting, digging, or fixing. They cut grass, pick up trash, and unclog toilets. In the summer, they maintain trails. In the winter, they plow snow.
They do it all with a smile and a keen eye for giving our visitors an amazing park experience.
2. Not magic, just maintenance
Sometimes it may seem like our staff are magicians.
Invisible to the average visitor, they wave their wands and leave everything perfectly pristine.
While it may seem like magic, it’s actually hard work.
There is ton of maintenance work going on behind the scenes that our campers don’t get to see.
Tasks like removing hazardous trees, cleaning up campsites, replacing park signs, keeping vehicles in top shape, and many others are ongoing throughout the year.
And that’s all on top of the daily maintenance!
3. The park is big (no, really!)
Our maintenance workers are a small team in a big park. They need to cover a lot of ground.
Keeping everything maintained in such a large area is a huge job. Our staff try their best to ensure every inch of the park is spotless.
For example, if you see a full garbage can, it’s not because our staff aren’t working hard. They’re likely in another area of the park, and will be back later in the day to empty it.
This is why it’s so important for our visitors to dispose of their trash properly.
If you see an issue with maintenance in the park, please flag down a staff member and let them know.
4. Maintenance never sleeps
Millions of people visit our parks. Inevitably things break.
Emergency repairs pop up all the time. There is almost always something being repaired, or waiting to be repaired.
Our staff do their best to resolve these issues quickly. If something is delayed, know they are working hard to get the facility up and running for our visitors.
We understand it’s inconvenient, but it’s a natural part of visiting a busy park.
5. Cleaning never sleeps either
Cleaning is an essential part of maintenance staff’s daily work.
They strive to keep the beaches, trails, and comfort stations sparkling clean at all times, but it’s an ongoing task.
A freshly cleaned washroom can be immediately tarnished by one careless visitor. Dirty facilities can ruin other visitors’ experience, so we ask that you do your part by practicing washroom etiquette.
Next time you’re in a comfort station, remember that it’s a shared space. Please be kind and considerate.
6. They’re here to help
“Park wave” anyone?
There’s a reason our maintenance staff are known for their friendliness. That wave from a passing vehicle is just one way they show how much they care about our customers.
It’s a tough and demanding job, but helping visitors have an amazing vacation is so rewarding.
Seeing your big smiles makes it all worth it.
Next time you see a maintenance worker, let them know how much you appreciate their hard work.