Summer Gratitude
As summer draws to a close, many of us will remember long afternoons at the pool, children coming home from camp exhausted and full of stories, or peaceful walks on local trails. What we may not always see are the people who made those experiences possible.
This year, more than 100 staff and many dedicated volunteers came together through Rutland Recreation & Parks to serve our community. They were camp counselors, lifeguards, theatre camp counselors, football/basketball/soccer camp staff, swim instructors, facility staff, trail stewards, and caretakers of the many parks and public spaces. They were high school and college students, working professionals, and community members of all ages who chose to dedicate their time and talent to something bigger than themselves.
At our camps, staff led games, sports, and creative adventures that gave children lasting memories. At the pool, lifeguards and instructors stood watch for long hours, teaching life-saving skills and providing safe relief from the heat. Volunteers and maintenance staff quietly tended to our parks, trails, and facilities, work that often goes unseen but ensures that spaces remain welcoming, safe, and cared for. These contributions make it possible for Rutland residents and visitors to enjoy not only structured programs but also the everyday beauty and recreation opportunities our community provides.
Equally important, this team listened. They actively sought and welcomed public and participant feedback, carefully considering suggestions and adjusting what was within their control. They navigated tough conversations and community concerns with professionalism and thoughtfulness, aiming to improve experiences for the people they serve. These efforts reflect not only resilience but also a genuine commitment to building trust and strengthening community connections.
What makes this group remarkable is not just their hard work, but their commitment. Many staff members return year after year, growing alongside the department, while others move on to new opportunities in other communities. Their dedication to coming back reflects the value they are investing in Rutland as a whole; it shows passion and commitment to something larger than themselves. The truth is, we are not whole without the many individuals who make up this team.
The impact of their work is visible everywhere: in the child who learned to swim for the first time, the teenager who built friendships in a safe public space, the family who discovered a shady trail on a hot day, and the community members who gathered in facilities to improve their health that stayed open from dawn to dusk.
Rutland Recreation and Parks’ staff and volunteers gave their summer to ensure that our city, and its visitors, had opportunities to play, to learn, and to connect. They may not always be in the spotlight, but their efforts are the heartbeat of summer with Rutland Recreation and Parks. For that, we offer all the staff and volunteers sincere gratitude.