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Everything the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department (Raleigh Parks) offers the community is made possible by a team of diverse, skilled, and unique individuals who are proud to serve the City of Raleigh. Join us in celebrating those individuals by hearing their stories and learning what makes them special.
Stay tuned for more Parks People highlights!
Justin Sigmon
Meet Justin Sigmon, Senior Trades Specialist in Aquatics Maintenance! He has worked for Raleigh Parks for six years.
What brought you to Raleigh Parks?
I've been a lifelong user of the Raleigh Parks system. So I jumped at the opportunity to join the team.
What does a day working with Raleigh Parks look like for you?
I get to work early, check in with facility directors and set up a plan for the day. Then it's off to check on the pools and splash pads, making repairs as needed. The best part is that every day is different.
What is your favorite thing about working for Raleigh Parks?
It is being a part of a rapidly growing city and getting to spend time outside in the parks.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
Raleigh's pools are a great amenity, and I enjoy being part of the team that provides that to the people.
What is your favorite park, and why?
John Chavis Memorial Park! The new splash pad is fantastic.
When you aren't working, where might we find you, and what would you be doing?
I would be spending time in the mountains with my dog Piper.
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I've completed an Ironman triathlon.
What is something you've never done but want to do?
I want to finish the 28-inch pizza in 28 minutes challenge at Benny Capitale's.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I love to cook. I've been on a quest to make the perfect mushroom risotto.
Joe Batts
Meet Joe Batts, Greenway Trails Construction Supervisor! He has worked for Raleigh Parks for over six years.
What does a day working with Raleigh Parks look like for you?
My day is spent working with a great bunch of guys (my crew)! My day includes working in all of "nature's glory," seeing all kinds of wildlife, and conversing with patrons of the greenways who tell me how glad they are to be able to enjoy what we help to maintain. That puts a smile on my face!
What would people never guess you do in your role?
Unless they have seen me do it, I would have to say that removal and relocation of beaver dams and beavers.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
My family is my main inspiration. I'm motivated to support them and help to secure our future. I'm also motivated by seeing nature each day and the joyous smiles on children's faces. Not to mention the thank you's from patrons as they see you working on the greenways for them!
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I used to be a really good bowler with a 212 average.
If given a chance, who would you want to be for a day?
A billionaire so I could help others who are less fortunate than I am!
What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
"Always work hard and do your best so you can be proud of what you've done." - My Dad.
What is one thing you cannot resist?
Fried Chicken. I love it!
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I would learn to be a veterinarian. I love animals!
When you aren't working, where might we find you, and what would you be doing?
You can find me working in my shop at home. I do some fabrication for a good friend and former Raleigh Parks coworker. He has a mini monster truck, "Big Foot," that he uses to raise money to fight cancer.
Ainsley Worrell
Meet Ainsley Worrell, Health and Wellness Program Director! He has worked for Raleigh Parks for two and a half years.
What brought you to Raleigh Parks?
I was excited about the opportunity to enhance the quality of life through advancing holistic health and wellness, resilience, and social equity for all Raleigh citizens where they live, work and play.
What does a day working with Raleigh Parks look like for you?
I get the unique opportunity to deliver health and wellness programs for various age groups and support facility staff. I have also had the privilege of working collaboratively with community agencies to provide health and well-being resources and training for frontline staff.
Tell us about an inspiring moment at work.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to work with my Raleigh Parks colleagues and community stakeholders to distribute more than 75,000 pounds of food and essential resources, including masks, to families.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
I like to incorporate a bit of learning into each day, whether through work, conversation, a book, or just a couple of YouTube videos. Besides being deeply enjoyable, it also keeps me growing and motivated to put some energy towards making a positive contribution where ever I am.
When you aren't working, where might we find you, and what would you be doing?
I enjoy exercising, being in nature, and discovering and preparing healthy recipes.
What is your favorite thing about working for Raleigh Parks?
I appreciate the fact that I get to work with people who are knowledgeable, passionate, and committed to building up individuals and strengthening communities.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
The quality of life you want will be determined by the effort and the attitude of your actions right now.
What is one thing you cannot resist?
The beach. Staring at the waves and listening to the sounds of the ocean changes the frequency of my brain waves and puts me into a mild meditative state.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I wish I could learn to teleport instantly anywhere in space and time on Earth or in the universe just by simply thinking about the place/event snapping my fingers.
Jamie Quinn
Meet Jamie Quinn, Director at Marsh Creek Community Center! Jamie has worked for Raleigh Parks for 8 years. She is also an Adjunct Professor with the University of Mount Olive. She has taught Recreation Management there since Spring 2018.
Jamie has two dogs, Chester (left) and Reggie (right)
Jamie teaching campers to make pickles from cucumbers they grew.
Jamie with a tomato she grew in her garden.
Jamie with her family in the park.
Jamie spending a day on the river fishing.
What brought you to Raleigh Parks?
I wanted to work in Public Recreation for the best city in the country! Raleigh Parks has always had a solid reputation and prioritizes the things I believe in - access to recreation for everyone, green space even in an urban setting, and a commitment to high-quality programming. This was the only place I wanted to work when I changed career directions.
What is the most challenging part of your work?
The most challenging thing about my job is also the reason I love it. Every day is different so I have no idea what to expect when I walk through the front door. This requires a commitment to problem-solving and quick-thinking that's well-suited for me.
Tell us about an inspiring moment at work.
I've started teaching some beginner gardening classes with the City over the last year and regularly receive updates and pictures of gardens/harvests from my students. What a feeling!
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
Every day comes with the unique opportunity to create a positive memory or experience for someone in this job.
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I am an urban "homesteader" attempting to live as much off my land as possible. I have an orchard with over 10 fruit trees, multiple berry bushes, grapevines, a greenhouse, and lots of garden space on my 7000 square foot lot.
What is something you've never done, but want to do?
I'm trying to eat a banana in all 50 states and territories in the US. I have around 20 left.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
My college golf coach told me to always stand up for what I believed in. He made it clear that my advice and opinions might not always be taken but I'll never be heard if I don't speak up. This has been the driving force for who I am as a public servant.
What is one thing you cannot resist?
I will never pass by Krispy Kreme when the hot light is on.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I'd love to learn to fish (more successfully). I've gone fishing a handful of times and enjoy it; sitting still is a struggle for me, though.