It’s a lot of work helping people having fun, and Mike Turk has fun in his work.
Turk began as an Independence Township park laborer in 1976, finding the job after being laid off from General Motors.
‘Actually, I fell into it,? he said. ‘I was into athletics, and it was an outdoors job, so I applied. I never looked back.?
He worked his way up through the ranks, holding six different titles over the years, including that of township parks and recreation director beginning in July 2000.
Turk has seen significant differences since his first parks job. The township had about 40 acres in 1976; now its about 225 acres. He now supervises 16 full-time employees, and that number grows to about 150 when considering seasonal workers.
Programs have grown proportionally over the years, and the challenge now is to determine how to provide what people want within budget constraints.
‘The population has grown, and one of the things people look for when they move into a community is parks and recreation,? Turk said. ‘What can they do in their leisure time? We grow as the demand directs.?
It’s more than just fun and games. Turk believes the program provides a valuable resource for local families, especially in a culture in which both parents are often working outside the home.
‘I think it’s our obligation to provide something that benefits the kids and their families,? he said, offering an alternative to ‘sitting in front of the TV.?
Turk knows some may wonder about why government should be providing so many recreational programs, and he uses the ‘cost of incarceration? as a comparison.
‘For a fraction of that, we can provide a lot more for kids,? he said. ‘Families need help, and that’s why we’re here.?
Beyond the philosophy is the day-to-day routine, which is rarely routine for Turk.
He begins by checking the calendar for the day, and he always stops by the parks. He estimates having two or three scheduled meetings each day, but beyond that, who knows.
‘It’s usually different every single day,? he said. ‘It’s very unpredictable.?
There’s the occasional call to put out a fire, but Turk is grateful that’s it’s not too often.
‘The toughest thing about this job is dealing with multiple personalities. You can’t keep everybody happy. You just have to do what you think is right, and make the call.?
Turk is quick to point out that any compliments should be shared with his staff, who share his belief in the program.
‘I’m just one step of the stairs,? he said. ‘I couldn’t do this job alone.?
He keeps track of his staff (and makes sure they keep track of their budget), but he believes in letting people do their jobs.
‘I’m not a micromanager,? he said. ‘I think you can give people more of a sense of ownership in what they’re doing.?
In addition to promoting fun, Turk wants to promote fairness among both staff members and the public.
‘Everyone knows everyone is equal,? he said. ‘I think it’s important for people to get along with each other.?
Turk enjoys the outdoors, both professionally and personally. He points with pride to a plaque certifying his inclusion in the American Softball Association Hall of Fame in 1996 (having played on 11 national championship teams), and he makes time for hunting and fishing when not on the job.
So how does he handle the paper-pushing part of the job? He credits his predecessor, Ann Conklin, for helping him learn the administrative side of the job.
‘It was a learning experience. I had to really think this out [when Conklin retired],? he said. ‘She told me I could do the job, and I really trusted her.?
On the other hand, he is not content to spend the day behind his desk.
‘I make sure that I make the time to get outside and see the guys in the parks,? he said. ‘I’ve been on both sides of the fence. I think it provides a good balance to what I do.?
There are still some shortcomings in facilities and programs. Turk is disappointed that voters turned down a ballot proposal for a new community center last year, for example.
‘I think, in the future, that will be a reality,? he said. ‘I think we need a bigger place for the seniors. We just don’t have the building to provide anything more than what we have now.?
He’s also looking forward to the community-motivated splash park, and anticipates seeing other expansion at Clintonwood Park and the historic McCord property.
In the meantime, he finds joy in seeing the joy in people’s faces at special holiday parks and recreation events.
‘I think it’s just the satisfaction of knowing that we provide a great service to families and kids. That’s what I really like about it.?
Turk believes his own family is important, as well. His ‘beautiful wife,? Shiela, and three children, ranging in age from 14 to 25, all enjoy the outdoors and are a special blessing to him.
(The family recently wrote a letter to the editor to The Clarkston News congratulating Shiela on her upcoming college graduation.)
‘I’m a family man,? he said, noting that his bosses understand his priorities of life. ‘I love my family. I want to spend time with them.?
Turk still plays softball, but not at the level he once enjoyed. ‘Now I just play to have fun at the park with some friends.? He’s an accomplished fisherman, enjoying varied locations in Michigan and Ohio at least once or twice a week.
When the weather doesn’t allow a lot of outdoor activity, he enjoys woodworking, and his office displays several examples of his handiwork.
It’s a hobby that seems to fit his style.
‘A lot of people have told me they wouldn’t have the patience for that because of all the sanding involved, and yet that really doesn’t bother me,? he said. ‘I’m more of a laid back guy.?
Turk is also a member of the Optimist Club and a graduate of the Dale Carnegie course. It all contributes to his philosophy of life, which includes three basic ingredients:
‘Always do the right thing, be committed to your job, and treat others as you want to be treated,? he said. ‘My feeling is that, if you do those three things, you’re headed in the right direction in life.?