GLENVILLE — A lot happens in town parks, especially large, multi-acre, multi-purpose parks such as Indian Meadows in Glenville, Schenectady County.
Jamie Galante, a parks supervisor for the town, takes pride in the work done to keep the grounds in top shape for residents’ use. Indian Meadows Park is just one of 39 properties that Galante and a small crew of full-time and seasonal workers maintain.
Normally, this time of year, Indian Meadows would be packed with baseball games, tennis lessons, kids’ camps, softball tournaments and families packing the pavilion for a birthday celebration. Indian Meadows also offers miles of trails, acres of sports fields and batting cages.
But with so many events and activities cancelled or delayed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parks employees like Galante are missing the action.
“Seeing everyone here, using the parks, is the best part,” Galante said. “The playground is not even open.”
Galante said workers have followed the additional guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing, while still doing their regular maintenance work and are just looking for a return to normal.
“I take care of the parks like it’s my own home,” Galante said. “I love the work and the people appreciate it.”
— Therese Assalian
Above, Jamie Galante mows the lawn at Indian Meadows park.
