Ben Palczynski - Park Specialist II

Ben Palczynski developed a passion for turfgrass management while maintaining lawns in his native state of Iowa. He subsequently pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture with a specialization in Turfgrass Management from Iowa State University. Leveraging his extensive experience gained through internships on six different golf courses throughout his college years, Ben embarked on his professional career in the golf course industry. In 2015, Ben transitioned to the Naperville Park District, where he began as a Park Specialist I. In this role, he played a crucial role in overseeing turf maintenance for parks within the South Division. Currently, Ben holds a leadership position within the Park District, managing the day-to-day operations of three sports complexes within the South Parks Division.

Q&A with Ben

Describe your path to the parks and recreation industry. Did you start your career from the beginning in this industry? If not, how did you get here and why did you pursue a job in this field?
My journey in turf management began in high school, where I honed my skills by caring for lawns within the community. This experience sparked a passion for maintaining healthy and aesthetically pleasing turfgrass. Following graduation, I secured my first professional role in the industry within the maintenance department of a local country club. During this time, I gained invaluable exposure to the intricate world of golf course management. Witnessing the dedication required to achieve exceptional turf conditions further solidified my passion for this field. Fueled by this enthusiasm, I delved into exploring academic options and discovered that a Horticulture major would be a perfect fit for my growing aspirations. 

Please explain your specific role as succinctly as possible, including which department you work in.
As a Park Specialist II with the Naperville Park District, I oversee the day-to-day operations and management of three sport complexes within the South Division. What that means is I organize tasks the crews are going to be working on throughout the day. I manage mowing rotations, baseball and softball field setup, turf care and repair, as well as any other jobs that might come up. Half of my time is spent organizing and planning while the other half is spent lending a hand to crews that are running behind or just need some extra help. 

What about your life in general makes this industry a good fit for you?
For me I have always enjoyed being outside and working with my hands. In my current role with the Park District, I get to utilize my college education and continue to learn and grow my experience and knowledge. I also have the opportunity to try new products, learn about the latest technology within the industry, and stay up to date. Another major reason this is a good fit for me is it allows me to spend time with my family due to the hours we work, and that is very important to me as well. 

If you would recommend working in parks and rec to others, what reasons would you give to support your recommendation?
There are several compelling reasons to consider a career within a Park District. First, Park District roles offer the opportunity to contribute directly to the community by enhancing and maintaining public parks. This work environment provides a unique blend of outdoor activity and tangible results. The daily tasks are varied and dynamic, ranging from preparing baseball fields for tournaments to handling fallen trees in park areas. This diversity ensures a stimulating work environment where no two days are identical.

Second, Park Districts are known for valuing their employees. This is often evident in the various employee engagement programs and activities offered throughout the year. These initiatives foster a sense of community and provide employees with something to look forward to beyond their daily tasks.

Finally, Park District positions frequently offer well-structured work hours, thereby promoting a healthy work-life balance for employees. This allows time for both professional and personal pursuits.

How would you explain to someone that parks and recreation is a great place for a career – regardless of their field of study, college degree or experience.
For those new to the concept, park districts extend far beyond the realm of maintaining parks and greenery. They function as multifaceted community organizations, offering a surprisingly diverse range of career opportunities. From park maintenance and recreation programming to marketing, finance, and administrative roles, park districts encompass a vast spectrum of professions. This diversity was an eye-opener for me. Growing up in an area without park districts, I initially envisioned they solely focused on park upkeep. However, upon learning more, I discovered a dynamic organization that strives to provide the best quality recreation spaces for the community. Additionally, there are so many different activities that the park district provides. It truly feels like they have something for everyone. You just need to take some time to explore all the different options and figure out what is best for you.