Watershed Voice’s Deborah Haak-Frost recently spoke with Three Rivers Park Manager/Zookeeper Britney Wendzel about her role with the City of Three Rivers, Wendzel’s take on Three Rivers’ new Parks and Recreation Master Plan, climate change, and her hopes for the city’s parks, zoo, and other recreational areas.

Deborah Haak-Frost: What’s your connection to Three Rivers, and how long have you lived here?

Britney Wendzel: I have lived in Three Rivers all my life – born and raised. 

DHF: You’ve been at the job since August. What made you want to take the position of Parks Manager/Zookeeper with the city, and what has been your experience so far?

BW: I have always been a fan of the great outdoors and have a passion for animals. When I heard about this role, I thought it sounded like a one-of-a-kind opportunity. This position offers a chance to work to maintain and improve our city parks with the help of the community. It also offers the opportunity to work with animals and share with the community the joy they bring to our lives while promoting the importance of biodiversity. 

DHF: What’s your take on the new Parks and Recreation Master Plan?

BW: I think the new Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a well laid out template that our community can use as a guide as we work together to maintain and improve our city parks over the next five years and beyond. There are exciting grant opportunities available for some of the larger projects that would be exciting to see take hold. I also look forward to helping make improvements to some of our existing park features.

DHF: How do you see climate change and other challenges affecting the parks in the future?

BW: I personally feel there has never been a more important time to connect with nature. Finding a balance and working with nature is so important to the present and the future. I think local parks give everyone the opportunity to get outside, breath fresh air, connect with family and friends, and discover some of the local natural wonders. 

Developing an appreciation for these things can potentially help shape our everyday environmental decisions, such as recycling, understanding pollution issues, and choosing not to litter etc. There are so many little things we can all do to help make a difference. 

DHF: What hopes do you have for the parks, zoo, and recreational areas looking forward?

BW: After two consecutive closed summer seasons, I am excited to say the Petting Zoo will be open for the 2022 season. Saturday summer park programing will also be returning to Scidmore Park. Please stay tuned for schedules, dates, and times. 

I would say one of the biggest things that I look forward to is working with groups of volunteers on specific projects. I would like to work with volunteers on projects that they find interesting. There will be plenty of opportunities for things such as landscaping, gardening, painting, and helping run events. There are so many fun things you can do to get involved and make a difference in your community and I look forward to what we can do together. 

Deborah Haak-Frost is grateful for every ray of sunshine that reaches her skin. She is the Caretaker for Community Engagement at GilChrist Retreat Center in Three Rivers.