PEF Region 8 members take pride in their jobs


The world of parks, people and public employees


INSIDE THE SPA – Naturalmineral springs and geysers, rows of registered pine trees, and children stocking a lake are just a few of the many features found in Saratoga Spa State Park. (Below) Thomas Mott, PEF member and assistant park manager, inspects a water slide.


Story and photos By DEBORAH A. MILES The natural beauty of a park provides


—Photo courtesy of NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Presevation


an escape for people from the daily grind. Parks are places where families gather for picnics. People can swim, hike, bike, play golf, or just cherish a quiet moment while the wind blows gently through tree limbs, or as waves ripple on a pond. PEF members at the state Office of


Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation play an integral role in maintaining the 180 state parks. It is their behind-the-scenes efforts that keep the parks in good physical shape with countless opportunities for fun and adventures. Thomas Mott is the


assistant park manager at Saratoga Spa State Park. He is just one example of the value, knowledge and dedication of a public employee. One of the first things


that strike you entering the park down the Avenue of the Pines is not


Page 18—The Communicator September 2014 MOTT


only the tall line of majestic trees, but people of all ages and cultures walking on the paths. The area is pristine. “We do pretty well here to keep the park


looking great,” Mott said. “We push to get things done, especially when a special event is coming up.”


Something for everyone Special events and places seem to be the


norm, rather than the exception, at this park. One is the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) located on the grounds and renowned for big-name concerts. It is surrounded by trails, geysers and natural mineral springs and has the capacity to seat 25,100 people. During the summer, top performers draw a capacity crowd, prompting Mott and his crew of 10 full-time staff plus nine seasonal workers to get prepared for overflow parking and trash detail. “After a concert, we bring in three to


four crews to pick up all the garbage. It’s getting better because the park police check on alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a direct factor in how much garbage we pick up,” Mott said.


PEF Information Line: 1-800-553-2445


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