In just over a year as Custodian Supervisor for Burlington City Park, I discovered opportunities to contribute beyond daily operations. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in graphic design, digital marketing, and content creation, I began developing creative communication materials that improved the guest experience, enhanced park safety, and increased community engagement.
Although these projects were outside my primary responsibilities, they aligned with a simple goal: make Burlington City Park easier to navigate, more welcoming, and more enjoyable for every visitor.
The Opportunity
Every public space relies on clear communication. Guests need information that is easy to understand, visually engaging, and accessible. Staff also benefit from organized signage and consistent messaging that improves daily operations.
Rather than waiting for projects to be assigned, I identified areas where creative design could solve everyday challenges while supporting the Parks & Recreation team’s mission.
Project Highlights
Improving Park Safety Through Better Signage
One of my first initiatives was designing a series of “No Wheels” safety signs installed throughout the amusement area. The signs combined bold colors, universal symbols, and concise messaging to clearly communicate park rules while helping staff enforce them consistently.
Impact
- Supported a safer environment for families and children
- Improved visitor awareness
- Created consistent park-wide messaging
Redesigning the Concession Experience
I redesigned the concession stand food and beverage menus to create a cleaner, more modern layout. The updated menus improved readability, organized products more effectively, and made ordering faster during busy weekends and special events.
Impact
- Improved customer experience
- Simplified ordering
- Enhanced visual consistency
Designing Everyday Communication
Throughout the season, I created and updated numerous communication materials for both guests and employees.
These included:
- Window signage
- Customer information displays
- Operational notices
- Event flyers
- Directional signage
- Internal staff communications
Each design focused on making important information easier to find and understand while maintaining a professional appearance throughout the park.
Project 4: Community Event Planning
One of my favorite ways to contribute has been helping develop free community events that encourage families to visit Burlington City Park.
Events I’ve Helped Plan
🎠 National Carousel Day (July 23)
Families will receive free carousel rides, encouraging community participation while celebrating one of the park’s signature attractions.
🎨 Chalk Day (August)
Currently planning creative sidewalk chalk activities including:
- Community mural
- Chalk obstacle course
- Drawing prompts
- Kids’ art stations
- Family photo opportunities
🖌️ Kindness Rock Garden (September)
Designed signage and helped develop the concept for a permanent Kindness Rock Garden located near the concession area.
Guests will decorate rocks with encouraging messages and add them to the garden, creating an interactive community art installation that promotes kindness and creativity.
Additional Contributions
Beyond my custodial leadership responsibilities, I’ve also assisted with:
- Promotional flyers
- Hiring event materials
- Job fair displays
- Community outreach graphics
- Park communication materials
- Visual branding consistency
Skills Demonstrated
- Graphic Design
- Marketing
- Visual Communication
- Community Engagement
- Event Planning
- Public Safety Communication
- User Experience Design
- Signage Design
- Creative Problem Solving
- Cross-Department Collaboration
Impact
Although these projects fell outside my official Custodian Supervisor responsibilities, they gave me opportunities to make a broader impact. By combining creativity with public service, I helped improve safety, strengthen communication, and create memorable experiences for park guests. Additionally, I developed visual materials that made information easier to understand and contributed ideas for free community events that encouraged family participation. As a result, Burlington City Park became a more welcoming, organized, and engaging destination for visitors of all ages.
Ultimately, these initiatives demonstrate that taking initiative beyond an assigned role can create meaningful improvements. Furthermore, they show how creative problem-solving, collaboration, and a commitment to serving the community can positively influence both daily operations and the overall guest experience.
