Volunteer Spotlight, 2021 Volunteer Awards at Gamble Rogers
Volunteer Karen Barry
2021 Adult Volunteer of the Year Award for Administration
Since 2014, Karen has dedicated over 2,000 hours to Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach. She devotes much of her time to assisting with the administrative load of the staff and park services specialist. While Karen volunteers only one day a week, she has become invaluable to the park staff.
She coordinates paperwork for over 100 volunteers and the citizen support organization (CSO). The administrative process in a park has many different facets and Karen assists with a few:
- Organizing and sending weekly reports of volunteer hours.
- Distributing volunteer birthday certificates.
- Coordinating program materials and sign-ins.
- Maintaining CSO membership database.
- Mailing membership packets.
- Sending membership renewal reminders.
- Maintaining the sea turtle sponsor donation database.
Karen pays close attention to other aspects of the office too. She quickly picks up new information and immediately assists guests if the staff is otherwise occupied. Karen is dedicated to her work and continually shows initiative and leadership.
Congratulations to Karen on her award. Her volunteer efforts are appreciated.
Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park
2021 Citizen Support Organization of the Year for Resource Management
The Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park have contributed enormously to the maintenance of the natural and cultural resources of the park.
The organization’s board members have fostered community involvement, created the Sea Turtle Sponsorship Program, hosted the Shuck and Share program, worked to remove invasive exotic plants, offered kayak and paddling tours, and more.
In 2019, with other improvements being made elsewhere in the park, the Friends of Gamble Rogers determined the landscape around the ranger station deserved some botanical attention. After a thorough search, the group hired a landscape designer to bring their vision of the park’s entrance to life.
The project couldn’t just look good: It also had to benefit the park’s natural resources. The friends spent hours consulting park staff and the park biologist on exactly what types of plants would help preserve the present natural biome.
Funding was also a consideration, and the friends found many ways to make the project more economical. Many members volunteered their time and expertise to complete multiple phases of the project, which reduced the cost of the project by almost half.
First impressions count. With the friends’ help, park visitors are greeted with a year-round display of color!
Congratulations to the Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park. Their volunteer efforts are appreciated.
Kayak Launch Installation Team
Volunteer Team of Three+ of the Year for Visitor Services
Previously, the kayak launch at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach was a natural, sandy shoreline along the Intracoastal Waterway. While that was adequate for many visitors, it did not provide access for all.
The Kayak Launch Installation Team identified the need and requested funding from the state. The kayak launch kit arrived at the park with no assembly directions and without all the necessary hardware. It took innovative problem-solving by park staff and volunteers to meet the challenges of learning how to assemble and install the launch.
Among the team members:
- Bill Thomas and Barry Seese are resident volunteers who started volunteering at the park in 2017. Each has contributed more than 1,800 hours to the park.
- Tom Maize, a former surveyor, has contributed 2,962 hours in 11 years of service at the park. His ability to make precise measurements was invaluable for the project.
- Jim and Debbie Bourke have volunteered as campground hosts since 2015. Jim has contributed 1,525 hours and Debbie 1,661 hours.
- Campground host Bill Villanova works to enhance the camper experience at the park. He started volunteering in 2018 and has contributed more than 1,400 hours.
- Sam Goicoechea is a former seasonal ranger who now serves as a volunteer. His skill for maintaining and repairing small engines is tremendous.
Completed in February 2021, this project has provided a recreational opportunity to more visitors. When compared to similar projects around the state, the team saved the park nearly $80,000.
Congratulations to this team for this award. Their support is appreciated.