Parks & Recreation

Employees' Names: Julie Banks, Victor Jenkins, Denise Tezanos

Submitted by: Kevin Kirwin
Thanks for showing Parks PRIDE at the CDBG Showcase. Strengthening our bonds with the folks and customers of HCD goes along way – you guys represented the Department and the Health, Wellness and Obesity Prevention Program very well. Julie thanks for taking the lead – from the photos it looks as if you guys made some new friends.  

Employees' Names: Fanny Navarro, Henry Ocon, Jessica Chipoco, Gabriel Rodriguez, Somary Salgueiro, Steven Howell, Nadia Rivas, Gio Russo, Alain Capiro

Submitted by: Carol Kruse
Below are portions of an email regarding various Zoo Miami employees that was submitted by Lora S., one of our customers.
My husband and I were celebrating our anniversary, and since we went to Metro Zoo on our first date 19 years ago, we wanted to bring our 4 children back to see where our family’s “Story began”. We went there on our first date in 1992, as high school students do, we rode an Elephant there together, so this time as we were entering the Camel Ride I mentioned to the staff member how special this Camel ride was to our family. By the time my girls and I made it around the loop she had informed all of the other staff members working with her and they made sure we got a very special family photo and even … watched our 4 children for us while we got to go on our “Anniversary Ride”! Just a small gesture like that made our day even more special! Thank you Zoo Miami and your fantastic staff!!!

Past Testimonials

Employee Name: Joe Fernandez
Submitted by: Eddie Martinez
Here is the body of an email that was received by Eddie from one of our customers…
I have the pleasure of dealing with Mr. Joe Fernandez from Continental Park on various occasions.  We have rented baseball fields at Continental Park for the past few years and are so pleased with the customer service that Mr. Fernandez has provided.  He responds quickly to phone messages and emails and always with a smile.  Continental Park looks great!  He makes sure that everything is top notch.
It is my pleasure to write this email.  You are very fortunate to have Mr. Fernandez as part of your staff.  He is a true asset to Miami Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces. We look forward to continue working with Mr. Fernandez at Continental Park.

Employee Name: Eddie Martinez
Submitted by: Customer T. Reyes
Here are excerpts from an email regarding Eddie that was submitted by one of our customers…
… Contrary to the myth and what is commonly reported on the evening news: government doesn't listen; people in public service don't care; ...etc., etc., etc., it suffices to say that 'in this case' nothing could be further from the truth. Mr. Eddie Martinez… Kendall Indian Hammocks Service Area Manager, called me yesterday in response to my conversation with [him] regarding some observations about safety at the park. Mr. Martinez was cordial, empathic, and a patient listener- like a priest! Furthermore, Mr. Martinez took the time to explain and clarify, and take a sincere [interest] with respect to my observations- unlike a priest!! I am confident that after listening to him, that because of the pride he takes in his job and processional endeavor, that he will find a solution in a timely manner. … take notice of this public servant's attitude, demeanor, and emotional intelligence. Thank You.

Employee Name: Arlene Bouza-Jou, Diana Bonet, Celia Leyva, Maria Vazquez, Jody Cox, Kim Fowler, Belinda Phillips, Gisel Prado, Eddie Martinez, and Kendall Indian Hammocks Park staff
Submitted by: Lucy Binhack
After thanking various program partners, this is what Lucy had to say to Miami-Dade Parks employees after the 8th Annual Family Festival which was held in February 2011.
"…The crew at Kendall Indian Hammock Park did an outstanding job prepping the parking lot for the laying down of the large mural paper and keeping the lot free of vehicles in the morning.  They were always close by when we needed them…a tall order considering the park was packed Saturday with the Police Baseball Tourney, the Girl Scouts, the NAM event, ect, etc….Thank you Eddy Martinez and your very responsive staff. 

As usual, the Parks Disability Services staff worked together like a "well oiled machine".  I was very proud of how smoothly you guys made everything come together - each person picking up and doing whatever needed to be done and making adjustments as necessary.  At one point, I looked around and saw smiling faces on each of you - enjoying your hard work, the services you provide and the beautiful outdoor environment in which we get to deliver those services.   

"THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE, FOR GIVING FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE CAN PLAY TOGETHER FOR AWHILE."

Employee Name: Daryl Miller
Submitted by: Abra Langer
Talk about PRIDE in Action, the Children's Trust announced Daryl Miller, Leisure Lake Park Manager, as a recipient of their 2010 Champions for Children Award for Excellence in Direct Service for Children and Families. The Trust selected him for this award because of his selfless dedication in the direct service of children. "This prestigious recognition is truly well deserved," said Miami-Dade Park Director Jack Kardys. "During his twelve years of service with the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, Daryl has consistently demonstrated himself to be a true leader, who genuinely cares about kids and is committed to creating programs that will enhance their lives." Congratulations, Daryl.

Employees Names: Kim Harp and Michelle Goostree
Submitted by: Juan Armas
I want to thank Michelle and Kim for allowing Lisa and me to shadow them for a day. By doing so Lisa and I have a better perspective of what zookeepers do. Because they are working supervisors (Senior Zookeepers), we not only got a frontline employee's perspective of the job, but we also got that of a supervisor's. What we learned allows us to improve the quality of training programs that we prepare for Zoom Miami employees. Both of these supervisors were helpful and patient in providing instruction to us. I shadowed Kim all day, and I was thoroughly impressed by her knowledge and the constant sense of urgency that she displayed throughout the day, clearly demonstrating PRIDE in her work! Thank you both!

Employee Name: Bill Solomon
Submitted by: Allison Diego
The Southeastern Conference of Public Administrators awarded William (Bill) E. Solomon, J.D. the 2010 Distinguished Public Service Practitioner Award that recognized his sustained, outstanding achievement in, and contributions to, public administration and public service through applied practice in the field.  Way to go Bill!

Employee Name: Tommy Salleh
Submitted by: Sherri Compton
Congratulations to Tommy Salleh, a Staff Member with "Pride", great customer service skills, and dedication to our Department's Mission Statement as noted in a statement.  See what one of our patrons had to say.   …I just wanted to formally note the exemplary performance of your Docking Assistant Tommy Salleh and his focused efforts to communicate and guide [us] into the marina…  After establishing comms with us, he watched our progress in the ICW and guided us thru the shallow water to the marine via CH 68, then assisted in docking at A6.  A great job from a dedicated employee…

Employee Names: Mike Hitchcock and Bruce McNall
Submitted by: Howard Gregg
Recently, some of Park's greenway project neighbors were experiencing some difficulties with whiteflies that were damaging their gumbo limbo trees.   The infestation came from existing trees within the greenway property.  As soon as Mike and Bruce were notified of our neighbors' concerns, they quickly took steps to remedy the problem.  Until the matter was resolved, they stayed in communication with both the affected residents and the County Commissioner's Office who informed us of the problem. Their quick and effective response was recognized by Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz's office.  Mike and Bruce - good work guys! Thanks for following up and staying on top of this. A perfect example of PRIDE in action!

Employee Name: Arturo Vidal and John Van Weest
Submitted by: Carolyn Gibson
These employees really showed their PRIDE in Action!  See what one of our patrons had to say about them. Today, I drove on a beautiful new road leading to the mountain bike trail head!  To say the least am quite pleased. The construction and quality far exceeds what I was expecting!  A few days ago I watched [Parks Dept.] heavy equipment operators Arturo and John prepare and grade the road. On more than one occasion, during a driving rainstorm, these operators continued to work efficiently, and with great skill. They should be commended for their outstanding work. However I feel it is important to explain some of my other observations during this project. Along the route between the equipment yard and the road project, these two operators filled in mud holes, removed some invasive overgrowth, and did countless additional things that were above and beyond what was required of them. The work they completed not only makes Amelia Earhart Park more beautiful, but their efforts help the entire community...It was refreshing to see such pride in a job well done, especially during this time of economic difficulty that we are all facing….

Employee Names: Lisa Frankel and Maria Villanueva
Submitted by: Juan Armas
I want to thank Lisa and Maria for their hard work and attention to detail.   Whether they are working on a training program, a PRIDE event, an internship placement, or record keeping, the synergy they create is invaluable to the success of those activities and the training section.   They demonstrate PRIDE in their work, and make me proud to be on the same team.  Thank you both!

Employee Name:  Janette Gonzalez
Submitted by: Gil Delgado
Janette Gonzalez from the Parks Finance Division should be commended for her PRIDE and customer service relations. Last week in two separate occasions, we contacted Janette to solve a couple of issues within our Division. I was very impressed with her attitude and willingness to help us solve the issues. Great customer service, WELL DONE!

Employee: Denise Tezanos
Submitted by: Eddie Martinez
I would like to recognize Denise Tezanos and Her Summer staff for offering a quality summer program for children in their community.  Denise has gone up and beyond the goals given to her in the pre summer meetings.  The daily attendance at Tropical Estates Park is increasing as well as weekly registrations are increasing.  Denise's camp offers a wide variety of activities and special events.  Her leadership and expertise makes this camp one of the gems in the Westchester community. 

Employee: Jose Ponce
Submitted by Allison Diego
Ever since budget reductions ceased all water deliveries last year, every month Jose personally purchases bottled water for Hickman building staff (and performs the pick-up and deliveries!).   This selfless, team player  behavior contributes to morale and is consistent with Park's PRIDE culture.   Thanks, Jose!

Employee: Maria Medrano
Submitted by: Eddie Martinez
I would like to recognize Maria Medrano of AD Barnes Park.  Maria was asked to come to Kendall Indian Hammocks Park to assist with the day to day operations of the park.  When I came in March of 2010 to the facility, Maria was just diving into the operation.  Over the course of 4 months, she has developed to be one of the model employees of the park.  I have given her the task to lead and manage and she has responded to my challenge.  She was instrumental in getting the concession stand open as well as making sure all the park patrons leave the office with all the pertinent information.  She is the backbone of the operation and is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that Kendall Indian Hammocks is operating at optimum level.  She does all the reconciliation of revenues and also assists with the coordination and scheduling of activities.

Employee Name:  Multiple
Submitted by: Angie Gomez
I would like to say that my work [volunteer coordination] would not be made possible if it wasn't for those managers by my side in the field that help make things happen.  These managers are always willing to assist in whatever they can and go the extra mile in mentoring me in the ways of the field.  They are a tremendous asset to our organization and I would like to somehow give "Thanks" to these managers for always being there for me when I call upon them to serve as my partners:  Chris Hernandez, Eddie Martinez, Ernie Lynk and Karen Solms, Pedro Reynaldos, Robbie Carmona, Enrique Sanchez, Igna Portilla, Eric Kaminsky,Tom Trump, Andy Cendan, Sherri Compton, Emigdio Jaimes, Lars Bergquist, Danny Barcia, Lucy and her staff, and to the entire HR staff which is always behind me helping me in anything I need.

Employee Name:  Tannis Lhomme and Otilya Armstrong
Submitted by: Customer
07/09/2009
To Whom It May Concern:
I have had the pleasure of having my son, whom is 10 years old, at the Eureka Park summer camp and spring break camp with Tannis Lhomme. I would like to express to you how awesome the experience has been for my son and I. My son is ADHD and the staff at this park has been very capable to deal with my son in comparison to other Metro Parks. Tannis is a very intelligent, capable, dedicated, and a personable individual. He has excellent problem solving abilities. I would also like to express another dedicated and loving employee by the name of Otilya Armstrong who has been extremely wonderful with my son as well. She is always quick on her feet, with sensible reactions in all the circumstances I've seen her in. I feel confident in saying that they are very capable of handling any situation with thoughtfulness and maturity. I cannot express to you how wonderful it is to have my son in this camp and know that he is treated with as much care, love, and respect as he would at home. I just wanted to express how thankful I am to have found such a wonderful camp with such a great staff. People are quick to put a complaint down in writing but very seldom express the positive things that we all take for granted. This is why after calling around I was able to get an email address for you to take my time in telling you what a great asset they are and hope you express that to them because they very well deserve it. I thank you once again.

Employee Name: Vivian Greer-Digon
Submitted by: Marilyn Delgado
Good afternoon Ms. Greer,
Thank you for the care that my boy is receiving in your lovely summer camp. I am very grateful for the information that he is receiving.  I have seen a lovely change in him during this time in your camp.  He is more outgoing, he is singing, he is drawing more, and he is happy.  That to me is worth more than anything else. 
 
When I signed my boy for summer camp I had no idea that so much wonderful knowledge would be imparted to him, or that it would be given by professionals, and with such variety of subjects.  I especially like the fact that he is being taught about our heritage.   A lot of our Hispanic practices are lost due to our hectic life style, and the integration of living in America, and Raices is giving him part of who our ancestors were.
 
I am writing this email to support Raices, and to emphasize the need to continue to provide arts and music to our children for the enrichment of their life, and soul.
 
I want to thank you, and that of your very knowledgeable hard working and dedicated staff for the wonderful contribution to our children, and I hope that the grants keep on coming, and that you and the rest of your staff will continue to provide this very wonderful, joyful experience to all of our children.
Thank you so much,
Marilyn Delgado

Employee Name:  Debbie Frost
Submitted by: Marie D. Valenti
Our Department initiated a new Park store website for purchasing Gift Certificates for 45 various opportunities. This was put together with little time to waste so that shoppers could participate for the holidays. Debbie Frost took stewardship of this, and with many extra efforts, it was a resounding success. More than 24 orders were placed and delivered within the time promised due to Debbie going the extra mile, literally. Special trips to the post office, staying late after work to get an order in, carrying a laptop so that not one order would be delayed are just a few examples of a great team player and Parks employee. Stewardship at it's finest!

Employee Name:  Pedro Reynaldos
Submitted by: Lucy Binhack
Mr. Reynaldos is committed and goes above and beyond his duties as the park manager for A.D. Barnes Park, he is always concerned that our area along with the rest of the park is looking its best and that our issues our resolved.  He is always working together with us to keep the park beautiful and safe for our participants as well as the patrons of the park.  Mr. Reynaldos has gone out of his way to ensure that a request for a broken tree limb that we have put in for over a month ago gets resolved.  He has been diligent and follows through, although the issue is located in our area.   This to us shows great PRIDE, commitment and personal responsibility and he should be commended for these actions. 

Employee Names:  Andrew Cendan and David Manning
Submitted by: Joe Maguire
On January 14th, 2009 a volunteer workday took place at Kendall Indian Hammocks Park.  Natural Areas Management and Kendall Indian Hammocks personnel worked together with over 100 volunteer stewards to remove Air Potato from the oak hammock in the park.  We would like to thank Andy Cendan and David Manning for their assistance in this stewardship project!

Employee Names:  Aristides Jimenez, Clinio Garcia, Armando Blandon, Randy Ervin, Joe Dopico, Eduardo Del Valle, Rolando Motnemayo, Arturo Sanchez, Ignacio Del Valle, Raul Martinez,  Luis Tuero, Artemio Ronquillo, Luis Cabrera, Jorge Grant, Eduardo Garcia, Chuck Rubin, Guillermo Pastrana, Jose Vazquez,  Fernando Fuentes, Carlos Vilches 
Submitted by: Lucy Binhack and Mayra Santana

We have been under construction for what seems forever, but actually has been about a year and a half now.  We would like to let you know how wonderful it has been to have the following people working here.  They have all gone above and beyond what they were assigned to do. Anytime we had a question or concern they were eager to help us out and/or answer all our questions. They were ALL very polite, respectful, courteous and mindful of our needs. They would leave their work area spotless everyday, as though it was their last day of work.  Whenever we needed something extra they would be sure to let their supervisors know to see how they could help us.  They helped us move furniture and heavy equipment without hesitation.  All the supervisors have also been extremely diligent and supportive of all our needs and concerns, every time they would come out to the center to check the site they would always come by the office to make sure we were satisfied and had no concerns or issues. It has been a pleasure and an honor having such a wonderful team of County employees working together to make our center beautiful.  Please give our utmost gratitude and a heartfelt THANK YOU to each of the employees.

Employee Name:  Debbie Frost
Submitted by: Marie D. Valenti
Our Department initiated a new Park store website for purchasing Gift Certificates for 45 various opportunities. This was put together with little time to waste so that shoppers could participate for the holidays. Debbie Frost took stewardship of this, and with many extra efforts, it was a resounding success. More than 24 orders were placed and delivered within the time promised due to Debbie going the extra mile, literally. Special trips to the post office, staying late after work to get an order in, carrying a laptop so that not one order would be delayed are just a few examples of a great team player and Parks employee. Stewardship at it's finest!

Employee Name(s): Black Point Park and Marina staff
Submitted by:  Ken Maxwell
My staff and I are now cutting all used fax and copier paper in thirds and we are using the clean side for writing phone messages etc… We have a stack at each phone. No longer ordering formal “message Pads”

Employee Name(s):  Celia Leyva, Jody Cox, Alex Quevedo, Carlos Villaverde and Regina Webb
Submitted by:  Lucy Binhack
On Sunday, November 23 at 5pm, Jody Cox RT2 was on a County bus with the wheelchair basketball team, Driver Attendant Regina Webb and Recreation Leader Alex Quevedo, returning from a tournament in Tampa.  Their celebration over winning the tournament was interrupted by the bus breaking down somewhere around Punta Gorda on I-75.  The bus would only travel a few feet at a time. 

Jody tried hard to get some on-road assistance, but on Sunday evening no gas stations had any mechanics working. The only solution was to get everyone home some way besides driving this bus, which was on the side of the road as it was quickly getting dark.  Things did not look good.  The athletes were tired, hungry, thirsty and ready to get home. 

Jody called back to Miami to get help and a plan was made.  Celia Leyva, Recreation Specialist 2 volunteered to ride up with another Driver Attendant, Carlos Villaverde, in one of the other buses to pick everyone up in Punta Gorda and bring them to Miami.  The broken down bus would have to wait until morning to be towed. 
Jody and Regina managed to get the crippled bus to a “Raceway” Gas Station that had a large, well lit parking lot, where the bus would be safe overnight, and a small restaurant where everyone could get off the bus and have a meal while they waited the nearly 3 hours it would take for their ride to come for them. 

As I listened to Jody and Celia on the phone, I could hear the wheelchair athletes in the background talking and laughing.  They were actually having a good time.  The employees who handled this situation did so in a way that provided for the safety of the athletes, as well as the bus, and were creative and caring enough to make the very best of a bad situation.  The team has a great attitude, but the employees really set the mood in this type of situation.  They all reached Miami at around 1:30am on Monday morning; nearly twelve hours after the team had left Tampa. 

I feel that Celia Leyva, Jody Cox, Alex Quevedo, Carlos Villaverde, and Regina Webb demonstrated a high level of accountability and integrity in making something that could have been really miserable for our customers, (the athletes) into something “above tolerable”.  I know the athletes/customers will remember more about the positive way the situation was handled by county employees, than they will the fact that they got stranded on a county vehicle.   

Employee Name:  Lisseth Prado
Submitted by: Yolanda Fuentes Johns
Leading up to the 2008 Parks Employee Day/United Way fundraiser, she was responsible for coordinating with the food vendor & her colleagues, collecting money from different divisions/employees and reconciling the meals sold, ultimately raising more than $350 for the United Way. 
Lisseth Prado is an example of a Parks’ employee who shows her pride through her accountability and integrity.

Employee Name:  Daniel Melhuish
Submitted by: Chris Hernandez
Daniel Melhuish began working with the department last year as a seasonal PSA for Greynolds Park. Daniel assisted with the Summer Adventure programs that Eco Adventures offers to the summer camps of the department. After the summer was over, Daniel worked at Greynolds Park boathouse running the (kayak, canoe, paddleboat) rental operation, conducting nature programs and also doubling as a guard and tollbooth attendant for the park. During the spring Daniel became a year round concession attendant and during the summer season worked as a camp counselor for Arch Creek’s Camp Manatee. He was a lead counselor and never missed a day from work. Now that summer is over, Daniel once again has put on a different hat and doubles as a guard, tollbooth attendant, park attendant, and naturalist. Anything that you need Daniel is always the first in line. His attendance has been exemplary and is always willing to assist in any way that he can. In addition, Daniel can also be counted on to cover shifts when other employees call out sick and is even open to last minute schedule changes despite his full-time status in school. Daniel displays a true example of what team work is all about, never hesitating to assist in the delivery of excellence, regardless of what he is assigned to do. He understands that everything that he does for the department is part of the greater goal. He is always showing his P.R.I.D.E! 

Employee Name: Darius Wimbley
Submitted by:  Susan Osman
The Project Victory Program had a parent visit for one of our students named Victor who works in the giraffe feeding station.  Darius showed Enthusiastic Attitude and Teamwork by taking the time to show Victor's mother the area where Victor works and explained to her what he has learned so far here at the zoo. Darius went above and beyond what we would have expected or asked of him (which he often does for our students).  He took Victor and his mother on a mini behind the scenes tour because Victor is a student who loves to learn about animals.  His mother was very impressed with the program and delighted that her son is here with such caring individuals.  She said she could see that the zoo staff know her son and care about him. She wouldn't have had that experience had it not been for the extra time that Darius generously gave to our program.

Employee Name:  Leslie Johnson and Sylvester Triplett
Submitted by:  Juanita Brunson
This week we had heavy rains and the carpet at NAM got soaked.  Previously we have had pieces of carpet gradually cut away on the South side of the building, but this time the North side got drenched and the carpet had to be cut away.  Mr. Leslie Johnson and Mr. Sylvester Triplett were the two gentlemen that not only cut away the carpet but noticed how dirty the windows were and proceeded to clean them as well. Additionally, they moved furniture in my office as they removed all the carpet from my area.  These two men had a great attitude and made a somewhat “stinky” situation into a pleasant one. They were very enthusiastic and exuberated teamwork at every hand. Kudos “shout out” to this dynamic duo!!!!!!

Employee Name: Margie Ponder
Submitted by: Lisa Frankel
Margie Ponder delivered Outstanding Customer Service to the Training Section last Friday.  We needed to order binders for our training materials and asked her to place an order on Friday, not knowing that the warehouse was going to be closed for inventory this week.  Margie not only hunted down the type of binder that we needed, but also ran around obtaining signatures at the last minute so that we could place our order before the warehouse closed; she also arranged for a special delivery to our office.  Margie’s over and above effort helped to ensure that we had everything ready to go for our training this week – an excellent example of delivering excellent customer service to an internal customer.  

Employee Name: Reynaldo Espinera
Submitted by: Lazaro Quintero
Mr. Espinera is currently the range booth attendant at Trail Glades Range. He has gone out of his way to help patrons that visit the park by assigning them their shooting positions and helping patrons with any questions they have when shooting at the range. Over the past month we have had at least five patrons approach management expressing their satisfaction of service while shooting at the range due to Mr. Espinera's outstanding customer service.

Employee Name: Jorge Rodriguez
Submitted by:  Suzette Moore
With all of the pressure he is under to get Invoices paid in a timely manner, despite the fact he is short staffed, He is always helpful, pleasant, efficient, and reassuring. To me, he is a true example of “Outstanding Customer Service”

Employee Name:  Alain Capiro
Submitted by: Nicole Anderson
I saw Alain Capiro delivering great customer service to one of the patrons at Metro Zoo.  As Alain was driving by in a golf cart a guest asked him for directions.  We all know that this happens daily and we have all stopped and explained how to get somewhere.  But Alain didn't wait for the customer to walk over to the cart. He got out of the cart and walked over to the guest and gave him detailed instructions using the guests map. That extra little effort was nice to see!!!