December 2023 Spotlight Professional

Justin Kreman –  Key Peninsula Metro Park District

Describe the scope of your position in parks and recreation.

To inspect and maintain all facilities and structures including buildings, kiosks, bathrooms, athletic fields, mountain bike/hiking/equestrian trails, and dog parks at our 8 parks. 

How long have you been with your present agency?

I have been in park maintenance on the Key Peninsula, WA since the Spring of 2023.

What did you do before your previous role? (Background experience and previous careers)

How have you participated in WRPA?

I am a part of the newsletter and I share all knowledge learned with the rest of the maintenance team when applicable.

What inspires you about the parks and recreation field?

Being a part of my community is a big part, along with being able to provide a safe and clean space for family recreation.

What is one creative solution you and your team have applied to a professional challenge?

With such a small staff, it has been important for us to be able to work both solo and as part of a team. Along those lines, understanding every team member’s strengths and weaknesses, utilizing those strengths, and helping to better those weaknesses through specialized training.

Considering what you’ve learned throughout your career, what advice would you share with someone starting out in the parks and recreation field?

First and foremost you are here for your community, and it is our job to provide a place for everyone to be able to come to and enjoy. Whether that be through sports or social gatherings. Parks are for all of us.

What is one of your favorite moments as a parks and recreation professional? 

One of my favorite moments has to be seeing the kids playing and having fun on the sports fields that I and the team have put a lot of effort into maintaining. (I.E. grading, raking, mowing, painting)

What was your job title?

I am a Maintenance Worker 2 (skilled maintenance)