The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks maintenance team works to keep all 93 state parks and historic sites operating smoothly, largely behind the scenes and many times without direct visitor interaction.
Missouri’s state parks and historic sites simply could not function without the tireless service of the team members who replace campsite electric breakers, repair showerhouse water heaters, apply plaster to historic structure walls, remove downed trees across trails, and maintain water and wastewater systems. These duties are just a small sample of what maintenance staff do to provide visitors with the best experience possible.
To better understand why the maintenance team enjoys their service I began my journey at Stockton State Park and visited the park’s senior maintenance worker, Lullel Hickman.
“Be flexible and willing to do whatever and go wherever needed, and I guarantee you’ll get to do some really cool things,” Hickman said. His duties and expertise extend to advanced chainsaw training, prescribed burn crew lead, and trail building and maintenance. He is also certified to operate the park’s water and wastewater systems, as well as inspect park structures for asbestos before improvements or repairs are made.
Later during our visit, I stopped for directions to the marina. Chad Stegner, a park maintenance worker, was happy to point me in the right direction. I also asked him what he likes most about his duties.
“Working at Stockton has given me a sense of purpose and a place where we all work for a common goal,” he said. He also expressed his passion for learning to operate the park’s water system. “While it was a little challenging to go to a classroom for training again, the experience was great, and I learned a lot about what is needed to provide water to the public,” he said.
Depending on the time of year, both Stegner and Hickman assist with mowing, take care of the cabins and duplexes, remove downed trees and make sure the campground is ready for busy weekends.
The next stop was Wallace State Park in northern Missouri, where Brandon Wattenbarger serves as the park’s senior maintenance worker. After I set up camp near Lake Allaman, Wattenbarger stopped by to check on the campsite’s electric service pedestal to address an issue with the breaker. I took the opportunity to ask him what he likes about working at Wallace State Park.
“I love working outside,” Wattenbarger replied. “There’s something different to do every single day.” He also mentioned he enjoys opportunities to assist with interpretive programs to help attendees better understand the park’s resources.
Wattenbarger added, “I enjoy getting to try new things – It’s a never-ending learning experience.”
I spent the next two days enjoying the park’s numerous amenities while researching the next stop: Katy Trail State Park. The Katy, as it is commonly known, stretches across Missouri from Clinton to Machens for 240 miles. I started my bike ride at the trail’s western terminus. Within a few miles I spotted a vehicle on the trail and quickly learned that the truck was operated by Dale Hartwig, a maintenance worker for the park’s western management section.
Hartwig stopped his truck and explained he was checking the trail for issues such as downed trees, bridges that need repairs and trail washouts, while also checking the trailheads and their restrooms to make sure they were clean. I asked him what pushes him to be a caretaker of one of the longest rails-to-trails in the United States.
“It’s all about the public’s enjoyment. And I’m not just a maintenance person – I’m a park user, too,” Hartwig replied with a smile.
By afternoon, I reached Sedalia and stopped to visit the welcome center at the historic depot. Travis Wright, a senior maintenance worker for the Katy Trail, stopped to chat about the trip. I offered my thanks for a well-maintained trail.
“We don’t do our job looking for compliments; we do it so there’s no complaints,” Wright replied with a nod. I smiled in recognition of the passion behind his desire to make sure visitors are happy.
I loaded up my bike and headed east for one more stop at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site. After walking the streets of Ste. Genevieve, I stopped by the site to learn more about the town’s French colonial history. During the tour, the guide introduced Tim Mueller, the site’s senior maintenance worker who was finishing repairs to a sidewalk. I asked him what he enjoys most about his role. He set down his tools and said, “It’s a great career that keeps me active, and the work itself is fun.” He continued, “We all help each other out.”
On the trip home, I reflected on the handful of state parks and historic sites I visited. The level of expertise, devotion and friendliness among the entire park team reinvigorates my plan to visit even more parks. I look forward to seeing how the entire park system is maintained for the enjoyment of current and future generations. If you see a member of our maintenance team at a park or historic site, make sure to give them a nod of appreciation for a job well done.
If you’re interested in a career with MoDNR, visit the MoDNR Careers webpage.
