Crazy Season
It is somewhat interesting that this is my first blog entry on this blog about my job. I guess I have been using my blog to talk about other interests but there is no doubt that Rotary Storyland & Playland are very close to me wherever I am and whatever I am doing.
I am pretty passionate about my job. I have been known for thinking about the park in all hours of the night. I have even been known to e-mail “white papers” if you will, of ideas in the middle of the night.
February is my crazy season. I feel and experience nearly every human emotion in the month of February and I love every minute of it. February is when we launch a new season. This year, 2010 is my fifth February with this exact experience. It is a crazy and exciting time for all of us who work at the park. I have to say, that I have the best team in the entire world. I am so grateful that I get the privilege of working with people like Shannon Harris (@sharris11), Amanda Moran & Micah Pharis. I am nothing without this group of people. They encourage me, teach me new things and most importantly, inspire me to be a better leader.
We launch our 2010 season in exactly 11 Days, 13 hours and 29 minutes. Yes I have a countdown clock on my iphone. It reminds me of how much we have to do in so little time and spurs me on. This year, Rotary Playland is celebrating it’s 55th anniversary of creating memories in Central California. I presented on “The Spirit of ‘55″ at the last Fresno Pecha Kucha night and thanks to my friend James you can watch my presentation here. Playland was started by Rotary. We owe a tremendous amount to the Rotary Clubs of this area for their continued support of these two small non-profits.
Anyway, 55 years of memories is a big deal and we are excited about it. Opening Day, (which this year is Saturday February 13th) is my favorite day all year related to work. Something about seeing families once again get the chance to use the park they love is an incredible sight to see. It makes all of the craziness, all of the work and stress worth it. I love working for Storyland & Playland and it has taught me so much. So the crazy season continues for my love of what we are doing and who I get to work with.
At least for the next 12 days.
What is your favorite Rotary Playland memory?
Wait, you work where? Why didn't you tell me?!?
I look forward to reading responses here; I don't have memories, as I didn't grow up here, but I've heard many of them shared through Rotary and other local groups. Congrats and thanks to everyone who's helped build the park over the last 55 years!
Train rides and the Merry-go-round at Playland and the visits to Storyland with my grandson when he comes to town. Also enjoyed being part of the Fresno State volunteers who worked on the renovation of the Alice in Wonderland exhibit. I'm looking forward to helping with the new exhibit. Keep up the great work.
Ruth, thanks so much for your help on the renovation of the Alice In Wonderland Maze. We are so excited to be opening our new Mother Goose in California exhibit next weekend!