Variety, they say, is the spice of life. For the team at Berrien County Parks & Recreation, variety is what sets their department apart. Why? Well, the Parks Team itself brings a variety of talents, interests, and passions to the work place. Team Members rely on each other, and the vast diversity of strengths among one another, to make the parks and programs thrive. The Parks’ “work spaces” vary from Lake Michigan white sandy beaches, to mature Beech-Maple forests, Great Lakes marsh, the Paw Paw River flood plain and more. And, the variety of recreational opportunities that the Team brings to the visitors includes cross-county skiing, disc golf, river kayak access, fishing access, hiking, biking, playgrounds, beach volleyball, historical museum tours and much more. The nominator suggests, “If Variety is the Spice of Life, then Berrien County Parks is a very Zesty place to work!” Here’s what one member of the team says, “I wanted to come back for a 3rd summer because of all the amazing managers and coworkers. It’s an amazing work environment where we get to interact with visitors and locals and have the responsibility of keeping our beaches clean.” The Berrien County Parks Department serves all of Southwest Michigan and beyond. The full-time County Parks Team is small but mighty, and the seasonal crew members that come in are essential to operate and maintain the 7 parks’ properties, equaling over 600 acres. Keep reading for more of the robust story of the team at the Berrien County Parks & Recreation Department, earning them a slot among the 20 Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan for 2022.
What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Berrien County Parks and Recreation
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Berrien County Board of Commissioners
Business Contact Information
Berrien County Parks, 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
11 full time, 50 seasonal
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
The Berrien County Parks and Recreation Department contributes to the well-being of people. Through a diverse natural resource based park and recreation system, and because of the people who manage, operate, and maintain these properties, the County Park Team has the privilege to provide the residents and visitors of Berrien County the opportunity to “Get Away Right Away” and enjoy the awesomeness that nature has to offer.
What sets Berrien County Parks and Recreation Department apart is VARIETY. The Parks Team itself brings a variety of talents, interests, and passions to the work place. Team Members rely on each other, and the vast diversity of strengths among one another, to make the parks and programs thrive. The Parks’ “work spaces” vary from Lake Michigan white sandy beaches, to mature Beech-Maple forests, Great Lakes marsh, the Paw Paw River flood plain and more. And, the variety of recreational opportunities that the Team brings to the visitors includes cross-county skiing, disc golf, river kayak access, fishing access, hiking, biking, playgrounds, beach volleyball, historical museum tours and much more. If Variety is the Spice of Life, then Berrien County Parks is a very Zesty place to work.
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?
Berrien County Parks Department serves all of Southwest Michigan and beyond. The full-time County Parks Team is small but mighty, and the seasonal crew members that come in are essential to operate and maintain the 7 parks’ properties, equaling over 600 acres. I am blessed to work with this dedicated, creative, and fun group of people who clearly think of their role at the Parks as more than just a job. The Park Team cares about the success of the parks and their workmates. The Park Team Members are not only employees, they are also residents who enjoy the parks during their time off work. It is made clear every day that the Park Team takes ownership and pride in their work. They are the reason Berrien County Parks is the Best Place to Work.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
Straight from the Parks Team themselves, in their own words:
- “It’s a family feeling working in the County Parks Department. We are always helping each other out. If Managers at one park need help with a project/activity, staff from the other parks jump in to help. We all work toward the same goal.”
- “I wholeheartedly agree that Berrien County Parks is an amazing place to work because you get to be in nature while protecting it, work with a great team, learn how to think quickly on your feet, and learn more about yourself as you find your work flow. It’s truly one of the best places to work in Michigan and the proof is in all of the returning staff we’ve had over the years, including myself.”
- “I wanted to come back for a 3rd summer because of all the amazing managers and coworkers. It’s an amazing work environment where we get to interact with visitors and locals and have the responsibility of keeping our beaches clean.”
- “I’ve worked at the county park for 7 summers. A number of factors contribute to this choice, but the principal of these is the staff. Every summer, I get to work with people who are fun, yet ambitious, and the Park Managers are both exceptional and sociable.”
- “It’s been an honor serving the residents and visitors of Berrien County for over 30 years. I’m very proud of the fact that the Berrien County Parks Department continues to contribute to both the health and wellbeing of all who visit us, as well as being a major component in the economic development/tourism industry in Southwest Michigan.”
- “It is simply incredible to be able to come to work every day at some of the most beautiful locations in Southwest Michigan and interact with the best crew and visitors a Park Manager could ask for.”
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Yelp! or Trip Advisor. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
The Berrien County Parks are clean and safe, and the staff is very friendly. Even when the parks seem busy, the staff is on their A-Game. With the variety of parks and fun things to do, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
- Rewarding
- Soul-Nourishing
- Fun
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company seems to have on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
Super Power One: Transport People to a Calming Place. Just a couple minutes after arriving at the Parks, visitors start to feel calm and relax, notice and enjoy their surroundings, while letting the stresses of the day slip away.
Super Power Two: Bring Health and Wellness to People. County Parks provides incredible physical health and mental health opportunities, helping bring a better quality of life to residents and visitors of the County.
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? — Park Managers personally care about the park they manage, and the other properties in the park system. They take pride in the work they do and radiate that pride and enjoyment to the seasonal staff they work with. Even when it is a hard day, the Park Managers don’t quit until the project is done or the day closes safely, which motivates their crews to follow suit.
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? — The Park Managers are all unique and display a great variety of skills. Working for the County Parks allows the Park Managers to dive deeper into what they are passionate about and build activities and programs around that passion. Examples include creating innovative natural resource based trips for kids, forming hiking groups and conducting guided hikes at parks all around Southwest Michigan, and coordinating tournaments and races to bring new people out to enjoy the park system. When Covid caused many places to close down, the Park Managers turned it up a notch and found creative ways to keep the parks open, safe, and inviting to everyone.
C] Keep communications open? — Whenever one park is conducting a large program, all the team member has to do is put the request out for help, and staff from other parks step up and assist as needed. The line of communication among the Team is always open. Parks and Recreation is a 24/7 job, and the Team at Berrien County Parks always takes the call.
Explain a specific “wow!” moment in this company’s history that is virtually “Hall of Fame” or “Best Practices” worthy, as an example to other companies in the region.
Over the past few years, the Berrien County Parks Department saw 5 long-time Park Team Members retire. These retirees are the Gold-Standard of hard work and dedication to the career. They put their heart and soul into their job and built an amazing park system. This group of amazing people has over 150 years of experience combined at Berrien County Parks. If that’s not “WOW!” enough, each of these amazing people stayed on staff in some capacity after retirement. They enjoyed their career and personally care about the success of the parks and the people who work there. Their wisdom and experience is invaluable to the current Team. The current Park Team understands the remarkable work done by the first County Park Staff, the Board Leaders, and all the dedicated staff that made the County Park System what it is today.
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard.
A] How does the nominated company honor or reward success? — First, Food! Food plays a large part for the Parks Team. Whether it’s a taco bar at a staff meeting, donuts for a job well done, or surprise ice cream bars for a particularly hard and hot day, the way to the Team’s heart is food. In addition, when a kind word and praise for the park crew is received from the public, or the team goes above and beyond to provide the best services possible, this information is quickly shared among staff, the Parks Board, and other County Leaders to recognize and celebrate a job well done. There is also a “Ranger of the Week” recognition program where exceptional work is recognized and rewarded with gift cards.
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? — A common theme heard throughout the Team is about the friendships formed and the family-feel of working for the County Parks Department. The Team will coordinate periodic cookouts, and the park locations are a prime location for this social activity. Cookouts give everyone a moment to hang out as friends and get to know each other during a little downtime, or to enjoy some time between the staff and the Board Leadership after a Park Commission Board meeting. In is common to see current park staff and retired or past park staff enjoying time together outside of work because the bonds formed over time have turned in to great, long-term friendships.
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? — The County Parks is blessed to be able to take an active role with many community events and groups, onsite at the parks, as well as offsite. Some of the groups that Park Staff partner with and participate in events with are Bike Michiana Coalition, Berrien Birding Club, Harbor Country Hikers, Professional Disc Golf Association, Friends of Berrien County Trails, Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail Partnership, Niles High School Cross Country, Be Health Berrien, Michigan’s Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum, and more. Park Staff work closely with many schools to bring natural resource education programing and events to students, as well. When talking about the active role that Park Staff takes with outside groups, one Park Manager put it beautifully, saying “As a resident of the county, not just an employee of the county, I think these things are pretty cool!”
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? — One of the most important thing to people is time, particularly their free time. Not many people can say they choose to go to their place of work, after work hours, to spend their time off. County Park Staff get to work at the place that they choose to play. It is a common site to see Park Staff playing beach volleyball at Silver Beach or hiking the serene trails at Love Creek on their day off.
Write a brief, but compelling, recruitment ad telling people about why they should come and work there, too.
Join the team that works in the most beautiful places in Southwest Michigan, all while making a positive impact in their community by bringing health, wellness and fun to residents and visitors.
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
The full-time parks crew each wear many hats and take on a large list of responsibilities. Their job title may be “Park Manager” or “Park Maintenance” but each of these incredible folks have also become proficient in customer service, marketing, accounting, problem solving, volunteer management, report writing, media relations, program development, etc. Each of them handle challenges with amazing professionalism. The Berrien County Park Team is made up of the best, hardest working, most reliable people you will find.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Location, Location, Location – working in the most beautiful places in Southwest Michigan, every day, makes Berrien County Parks the Best Place to work.
- Flexibility – Parks and Recreation is not a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. There are times when work days/weeks/month can be long, depending on the season. But, the Park Managers watch out for each other, have each other’s backs, and understand the importance of work-life balance. Schedules are able to be flexible to ensure there is that balance and the crew can take the down time they need.
- Training – Berrien County Parks values employee growth and education. Bringing training opportunities to the Team through the year is imperative to keep everyone sharp, safe, and motivated. Some trainings are regular and ongoing such as CPR and First Aid. Others are timely and specific such as “Recognizing Drug and Opioid Use and Abuse in Parks”. County Parks partners with other Parks and Recreation professionals, local businesses and governments, and Public Safety agencies to conduct these trainings for staff.
If this is your company and you win, write the best headline ever for your company newsletter describing your successful selection to the list, and be as specific as you can about how you would celebrate the win if money were no object.
Headline: Berrien County Parks Picked for Top-Place-to-Work Recognition While Also Being a Top-Place-to-Visit!
The Berrien County Parks have been honored and recognized in a variety of ways in the community for their park design, exceptional recreation offered, and as cool places to visit. Just a few of these achievements have been recognized in the following ways: Silver Beach County Park named on Trip Advisor’s Top 25 Beaches in 2020; Love Creek County Park featured in Spectrum Lakeland Health Currents Magazine; Galien River County Park picked as a feature park in a Pure Michigan social media post; and photos of Berrien County Parks’ projects in the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund project brochures.
One of the most honored acknowledgments is being a part of the list of remarkable attractions that landed Southwest Michigan on Travel and Leisure’s Top 50 Places to Visit in the World in 2022. Mother Nature provides the parks, but it takes hard work, creative ingenuity, and grit of the County Parks Team (and sometimes even some luck and duct tape) to keep these parks clean, safe, and among the best-of-the-best places to be in Southwest Michigan.
Celebration: To celebrate being picked as Top 20 Places to Work in Southwest Michigan, the Park Team would travel in luxury and tour the other incredible parks listed among the Best-of-The-Best lists in the publications listed above. The crew would each bring their family and have the chance to immerse themselves in these other amazing spaces and discover ways that Berrien County Parks could be even better. When you work in Parks and Recreation, you can’t, and frankly don’t want to, ever turn “it” off. People in this career are consistently admiring awesome playgrounds, best brands of ski or disc golf equipment, incredible bike and hike trails, popular Naturalist programs, and even the best and most functional recycling bins in parks wherever they go.
Tell us anything else you want about this company that you suddenly realize we haven’t asked you about, but you’re sure will be the thing that puts you squarely into the winner’s circle! (Wait a minute! Can you put a square in a circle?)
The Berrien County Parks Team gets to learn about and be a part of people’s fondest memories. An incredible experience for staff while at work is when visitors tell stories about their memories of the parks. Examples of fond memories that Park Staff are privileged to learn about are stories of adults remembering their school field trips to Love Creek County Park while they are on a field trip there with their own children; tails of a particularly successful visit to Rocky Gap County Park in search of beach glass; and the many stories of folks who used to work at the Silver Beach Amusement Park or spent their weekends there and can point out where the rides were on the property and how they felt back then.
One Park Manager summed it up well: “Our goal is to provide an enjoyable experience at the park. When I leave work at the end of the day, I love seeing visitors also leaving with a big smile on their face and hearing stories of the fun they had visiting Berrien County Parks”.
