Garden City Hiring Summer Rec Department Positions

GARDEN CITY, NY — “The best job you’ll ever have” is what Recreation and Parks Commissioner Paul Blake likes to say to prospective Pool and Parks employees. “You’re working, for the most part, with people your own age, who likely share some common interests with you, many of whom you may already be friends with, or at least know. You’re working to provide programs or facilities that put smiles on people’s faces, which is always fun. Plus, it’s a great way to earn money for school, hobbies, or travel,” Blake said.

These factors appealed to him when he accepted the job as a park attendant in 1971, after graduating high school. It was a job that grew on him, and he spent almost 30 years working for Recreation before moving on to other pursuits.

“I loved every minute of my first tenure with the village. Overseeing programs and facilities that me, and all of my family and friends, had enjoyed when I was younger was a privilege to me,” he said. “I made friendships that have lasted throughout the years.”

Indeed, many former employees of the Recreation Department have maintained friendships and relationships through the years. Blake said it’s not uncommon for him to get emails, messages, and in-person greetings from people he worked with many years ago.

Many have continued to work for Recreation even as they went on to their “career” jobs. Those who became teachers, in particular, return to work at the pool, or in the summer park programs year after year. They enjoy the camaraderie amongst staff each year, and enjoy giving something back to places that were, and are, special to them, Blake said.

If this sounds like a good match for you, applications are now being accepted for positions at the pool, at the neighborhood parks, and other Recreation facilities in Garden City. If you’d like to apply, stop by the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Ave. and fill out an application. There are openings for pool attendants, lifeguards, park attendants and maintenance employees.

“I do believe it will be the best job you ever have, and it will fill you with many great experiences and memories that will last forever,” Blake said.

For more information, call the Recreation Office at 465-4075.