August 2014 - Parks & Recreation - 51

Baltimore City Parks Champion

Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks

f you've ever held a job, you can attest to the fact that
al career; however, nothing tops raising my two oldest
the person in charge can easily make or break your
children as a single parent, " Burkeen says, when asked
level of workplace satisfaction. For the dozens of folks
to identify his most successful professional endeavor -
working under Director of Baltimore City Department of
and by all accounts has kept up his gregarious demeanor
Recreation and Parks (BCRP) Ernest Burkeen Jr., having
throughout. That sort of grace under pressure doubtless
a passionate, likeable boss is the least of their worries.
influenced Rawlings-Blake's decision to appoint Burkeen
Burkeen, appointed to his position by Baltimore MayBCRP director - that, and the fact that the pair both
or Stephanie Rawlings-Blake in December 2012, has an
share a deep dedication to their constituencies. " Mayor
infectious demeanor and an uncanny ability to lift the
Rawlings-Blake's commitment to improving the health
spirits of his employees. But his commitment to the job
and wellness of Baltimore City only helps us achieve our
doesn't end there - in the almost two years since takmission, " Burkeen says. " She is more than a supporter; she
ing the helm at BCRP, Burkeen has applied his trademark
is an advocate. She has made increasing the quality of
enthusiasm citywide, expanding park and recreation ofrecreational opportunities a priority, and we are seeing
ferings and working closely with city administrators to
the benefits of that dedication coming to fruition. "
ensure all Baltimoreans have ready access to the more
Burkeen's list of achievements is too lengthy to include
than 5,700 acres of parkland and 38 recreation centers
here, but some highlights include expanding swimming
under his purview.
lessons to some 2,500 Baltimore children this summer.
" The breadth of what BCRP is charged to do could have
" That is 2,500 kids in our parks on a daily basis being acme talking all day, " Burkeen says. " Baltimore is home to
tive, having fun and learning a skill, who may also come
some the most beautiful parks in the country. We are
back to work for us as lifeguards. That is how you invest in
fortunate because the community takes pride in those
youth, " he says - and continuing to ensure equity of acgreen spaces. " Likewise, Burkeen takes seriously his oblicess through free or low-cost programming at area parks
gations to make BCRP work for his constituents, for whom
and recreation facilities.
he harbors an equal affection. Safety, health, equity and
And should his employees begin to flag in their effun are of paramount importance
forts to keep up with Burkeen's
to Burkeen, so much so that he
boundless energy, he has just the
rarely shies away from a challenge
antidote. " [Burkeen] has brought
if the expected outcome would
many successful and innovative
benefit Baltimore residents. " Last
ideas and programs to the deyear, [Burkeen] wanted to open all
partment, but he's also brought
pools Memorial Day weekend, " exsomething that's almost intanplains Darryl Sutton, BCRP aquatgible, " says BCRP Public Informaics director. " Previously we only
tion Officer Gwendolyn Chamopened park pools that early. He
bers. " He has made it a priority
believed there was a demand for
that staff feels appreciated and
the service and encouraged us to
respected. His energy, coupled
try something different. As a rewith the regard he has for us and
sult, we have increased pool use
the communities we serve, is imsignificantly, and this is now our
measurable. Instead of telling us
regular practice. He has a lot of
over and over 'We can't,' he says,
wisdom, and he is willing to share
'We can! Let's figure out how.'
it with us so we can improve. "
It changes the morale of the
That wisdom, in part, comes
workplace, and in turn, we work
from years of experience in the
better, we work harder and we
industry. The Detroit, Michigan,
achieve more than we thought
BCRP employees always get a lift from
native has headed park and recrewas possible. "
Burkeen's weekly Wednesday morning
ation departments in Miami, Fort
announcement, where he commandeers the
Lauderdale and his hometown.
- Samantha Bartram, Associintercom to say, " Good morning BCRP! What
He's raised three children - " I've day is it? Do you know what today is? It's HUMP
ate Editor of Parks & Recreation
DAYYYY! Whoop whoop! "
achieved a lot in my professionMagazine

W W W. N R PA . O R G | A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 |

Parks & Recreation

August 2014 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of August 2014 - Parks & Recreation