Staff Spotlight: Dan Meece
Dan Meece
Title: Bike Park and Trails Technician
Team: Trails Team
What is your role at The Parklands?
My main role at The Parklands is to assist in the maintenance and repair of our trail system. Which entails caring for our soft surface trails and the Silo Center Bike Park – this means on somedays I have the opportunity to ride my bike!
How do you keep The Parklands:
Safe – In addition to keeping the trails visible and clear, I work to ensure that the trails are functional.
Clean – I perform routine loop cleaning and keep the corridor trimmed throughout the woods.
Fun – Being able to incorporate natural features through trail design and improvement.
Beautiful – Collaborating with Garden and Natural Areas teams in design of a landscape platform for the Silo Center Bike Park.
What are you most proud of in your work?
I would say I’m most proud of being a part of the bike park construction. Nothing like planting the seed and watching it grow.
What inspired you to come to work every day?
My wonderful co-workers and team! Not to mention riding your bike every day!
Which trail would you recommend to a visitor and why?
Wild Hyacinth. By far one of the more beautiful trails in the entire park system. The vegetation is gorgeous. You have everything a true soft surface trail should have; creek crossings, elevation changes, wildlife, history, examples of habitat formations and perspective.
What “hidden gem” would you recommend to visitors and why?
Daffodil Lake. It is a hidden gem off the topside of the Hickory trail. Quite literally a sea of flowers and when in bloom, their glow reflects that of the sun! Daffodils are not native and having that amount in one location speaks very loudly about the land’s past.
In your opinion, what makes The Parklands worthy of support?
The escape! In a world so full of distraction, The Parklands offers a divine sense of tangible interaction, not just with others around you, but also with nature – offering a gorgeous diversion form modern life.
How would you say “Thank You” to someone who donates to The Parklands, or who is thinking about donating?
A genuine, firm handshake because the true thanks lies with the grit and volume of a handshake’s voice! Says a lot more than most words can define. Real appreciation. Real truth.