Park Planner
To plan all aspects of public park utilization
A successful urban park is an oasis within the city offering refuge for
everyone from children, who challenge their imaginations as they
scramble about the playground to senior citizens, who keep themselves
fit walking the tree-lined paths.
Park planners, often licensed in landscape architecture or similar
fields, are visionaries of relaxation. Looking sometimes far into the
future, planners try to create an environment that serves the widest
possible usage and try to predict what needs will exist within the park
in the future.
An interest in a variety of fields and a knack for understanding people
is a must for park planners. Although much of their work is done alone
at the drafting table or in the field, planners, who often work within
government agencies, also work with others to coordinate and carry
projects to completion.
A solid understanding of tree species help planners select the most
appropriate and desirable species to fulfill a variety of needs from
shade to beauty. "Probably the most important element in park design is
trees," said Colin Bywater, a planner with the North Bakersfield Parks
and Recreation Department. Bywater, who said he has a "fun job,"
conducts all long-range and short-range planning for his department,
including site acquisition, design and irrigation planning and
landscaping city playgrounds.
"I'm involved in the entire process, from the long-range planning to implementation," Bywater said.
For Bywater who loves the outdoors, the urban environment itself can be
the most challenging aspect of the job. "You have to live in a big city
to be successful in park planning," he said.
Most park planners are employed by government agencies which can make
the process of completing projects quickly a real challenge. Adhering
to regulations can sometimes lead to slow progress on projects. "The
system and all of the regulations limit our ability to serve the
public," said John Fedorsin with the Kern County Parks Department in
Bakersfield.
In addition to their flair for design and their ability to look at the
long-range effects, many park planners also must have a solid
understanding of the grant application process as they search for
funding through government and private organizations. "The whole issue
is that there isn't enough funding," Fedorsin said. "Getting funding is
always a challenge because there is never enough money."
Requires: Qualification and licensing depends on employing organization. Typically a 4 year degree and experience.
Salary: Starting mid $30,000. High $40,000 with experience.
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