This entry is part of Homegrown Talent, an Asheville Parks & Recreation series that highlights team members who grew up in our community. Coming from the neighborhoods and areas where community centers and parks are located is a huge value to the city, bringing knowledge, connections, and insight that can only come from spending formative years right here at home. Read more from the series.
What area of Asheville did you grow up in?
West Asheville
When did you join the Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team?
I joined the team as a lifeguard in 2007 and later became an assistant pool manager and pool manager. Currently, I’m a seasonal team member at Grove Street Community Center.
What inspired you to join the team?
Growing up, I loved going to Malvern Hills pool and spending time with family and friends. I developed a love for the water and enjoyed getting to know the community, staff, and families. I participated in the junior lifeguard training program and quickly learned that I loved serving the community. I was able to observe everyday operations of the pool and became aware of the importance of water safety. It inspired me to further my lifeguard training. I wanted to make sure members of my community had a safe and welcoming place to swim.
Which accomplishments are you most proud of in terms of your work with the department?
I am extremely proud of the Learn to Swim program we operated with APR. We had three to four classes a day with up to 10 kids in each class for the general public and we also provided swim lessons to several summer camps. I was able to see kids begin in the parent and me class and advance their swimming to higher levels. I loved seeing families return season after season and watching the progress kids would make, witnessing swimmers gain confidence in their swimming and develop a love for the water – and that’s what it’s all about!
As someone who grew up in the area, what does it mean to work for APR?
Growing up, we all wanted to work at the pool! So many of my family members and friends ended up working with APR as summer staff. Working for APR gives me the ability to give back to my community and provide a safe and welcoming place for summer memories to be made!
How have you grown professionally by working with APR?
APR has given me the opportunity to further develop my leadership skills and provide me with the tools to further myself both professionally and personally.
How would you complete this sentence? “I work for Asheville Parks & Recreation because…”
I work for APR because I love interacting with the community and seeing the positive impact that APR makes each year. The team is also what keeps me coming back season after season. I have worked with several staff over the years and I love the family-like atmosphere APR provides.
Join Casey and other parks and recreation professionals making significant impact as they work to build a strong, healthy, and happy place to live. Current opportunities to work with Asheville Parks & Recreation can be found online.