NEW ENGLAND BLADE:

Angela O’Connor, Director of Parks & Recreation – Town of Berwick, Maine,
University of Southern Maine – Therapeutic Recreation / Social & Behavioral Sciences

How did you get your start in the sports turf industry?

While working for a small town (Kennebunkport, ME) as a Recreation Programmer, I had to wear many hats. One of those hats was to help line fields and pay attention to how the fields were being used by the community.

Where did you go from there?

In 2018, I moved to Needham, MA where I was Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation. Needham is where I met Ed Olsen, Patty Carey, and the entire Parks Department team.

In the short time (2.5 years) I was there, I learned an incredible amount, especially from Ed. His knowledge and expertise are incredible. He is an unbelievable resource and he helped me move on to my next adventure.

After leaving Needham, I came back to Maine. I started my current job in January 2021. When I arrived in Berwick, I wasn’t fully aware of the details of the largest green space asset that the town has: Memorial Field. It is an eight-acre parcel with two baseball fields and a full irrigation system, two playgrounds, basketball courts and tennis court that hadn’t been maintained in almost 20+ years. Community volunteers did their best to maintain Memorial Field throughout the years, without much help from the town. A lot of quick fixes had been put in place without the knowledge and expertise necessary to maintain the asset.

Who has helped you the most in the sports turf industry?

Ed Olsen was the person I contacted to get advice on what direction to go with the green space and fields I had in Berwick. He recommended contacting Tom Irwin Advisors. I couldn’t have been more grateful to meet with Brian Luccini and Ian Lacy. Together we started a Feasibility Study and created a maintenance & turf management plan for the space.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

As a woman in this industry, I have had to learn to be bold and confident enough to share my knowledge. As I develop into a better leader, I know what needs to be done and if I don’t, I will do my best to find the answer from other experts.

What’s your favorite thing about your current position / responsibilities?

Working with Tom Irwin and having set a goal for getting our green spaces to a level where they are safe and sustainable for the future.

What is the next “game-changer” you see on the horizon for the sports turf industry?

Reorganizing, developing, and implementing the field maintenance plan and renovating Berwick’s Memorial Field in a 3-Phased Project.

What’s your favorite equipment / technology?

BaseLine BaseStation Irrigation Management WiFi Controller: BEST THING EVER! I can use an app to turn our irrigation system off and on, have Smart Water Solutions monitor it, and I am notified immediately if there is an issue.

What advice would you share with people starting out in sports turf management today?

Be patient, pay attention to detail, and follow through. Don’t always think of the immediate fix. Think long term about how to best maintain and sustain turfgrass at your facility. Keep in mind that communities and user groups often don’t understand the expense and how much goes into maintaining turf, especially natural turf. Having walked into a facility where a lot of band-aids were put on, it is taking a lot of time to help our community understand how to maintain a major facility. Don’t be afraid to use your resources and ask for help. The best thing about sports field management is that everyone wants everyone to succeed and see improvement in their work. Use that to your advantage and you’ll grow both professionally and personally.

Can you share a bit about your family life and what you enjoy doing in your free time?

I have a partner (Gary) and 17-year-old step triplets (Aidan, Haley & Addie). We live in Freeport, Maine with our goofy yellow lab, Bauer (yes, we have hockey players in the family). I am training Bauer to be a comfort dog for children. I love the outdoors: hiking, kayaking or just relaxing, being with our family and watching the triplets play their sport of choice.

What have you enjoyed most about being a NESTMA member?

Obtaining the knowledge and having the ability to reach out to colleagues to help with the growth and improvements at the facility that I manage. I also appreciate the new connections and friendships I have made throughout the years.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow NESTMA members?

I am honored and humbled to be in the Blade spotlight!

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