Phil Castonia views himself as just a regular guy doing the job he loves.
But to the Michigan Recreation and Park Association he’s the 2006 recipient of its ‘New Professional Award? for ‘Outstanding Growth and Development in the Field of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services.?
‘It’s amazing the amount of compliments you get and everyone telling you how deserving they think you are when I just think I’m doing my job,? Castonia said.
The 27-year-old Auburn Hills resident has worked as a recreation developer for the Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Department since July 2003.
Castonia oversees the department’s adult athletics, aquatics programs, special events and enrichment programs for both adults and youth.
‘It’s a lot of work on nights and weekends, but you get to see a lot of people having fun,? he said.
Parks Director Ron Davis nominated Castonia for the award.
‘Phil has made a tremendous impact on our community, state association and the field of recreation in his short career,? Davis wrote in the nomination.
Described as a ‘true recreational professional? who puts in ‘long hours,? Davis said Castonia has ‘taken programs that were once struggling due to the lack of funding and has made them prosper again.?
‘He has become an advocate and ambassador of the field within the community, dealing with civic clubs, businesses, schools and private recreation providers,? Davis wrote. ‘Phil has truly made our department and our community a better place because of his enthusiasm, devotion and love for the field.?
Castonia graduated from Central Michigan University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration.
Originally, he was a business major, but the idea of helping ‘other people have fun when they’re not working or in school? sounded ‘like a pretty cool field? to work in, so he switched majors.
‘I’ve never regretted it,? he said. ‘It’s what I grew up doing. My life was parks and rec., and being at the fields throughout my childhood.?
Following a 30-week internship at Oakland County Parks and Recreation and a subsequent part-time job there, Castonia spent a year working for Orion Township Parks and Recreation.
When a position opened up in Oxford he jumped at the opportunity. ‘Oxford is known throughout the state for it’s parks and rec. department,? he said. ‘It’s considered a leader in the field. I wanted a chance to grow professionally and be with a top notch department.?
At the end of the day, awards are nice, but for Castonia, it’s being ‘able to enhance the quality of life for people? that’s the most rewarding part of his career.
Whether it’s through a sport like soccer, exercise activity like water aerobics or enrichment class involving art, Castonia’s happy he’s able to help residents become healthier and more relaxed every day.
So, the next time you see someone taking a walk in the park or playing in a softball league, you’ll know that’s just Phil Castonia doing his job.