Meet WMRPA Regional Group President: Darrin Duistermars

Where do you work?
Parks & Recreation Director, Holland Township Parks & Recreation

What is your role within mParks?
West Michigan Regional Group President

What is your favorite park?
Quincy Park in Holland Township

What's your go-to snack to fuel those energy-packed moments at work?
M&M's

Describe your perfect day at the park.
Either playing, umpiring, or watching softball!!

What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
I was a seasonal worker at Holland Township while I was in college and helped whenever and wherever I could. It was an opportunity to work and learn from great people while also understanding how important Parks & Recreation is to a community as a whole. I went from seasonal worker for 4 years to the Director's chair and have been in this position for almost 33 years.

What do you enjoy most about working in parks and recreation?
The opportunity to positively impact people and community while showcasing how significant and important we are to leaders and decision makers.

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in parks and recreation?
Connecting with my lakeshore colleagues is the best way to do that. Whether it's over a simple lunch or an area-wide program we all work together with, I have some of the best colleagues anyone could ask for.

Do you have any advice for those aspiring to pursue a career in parks and recreation?
Understand two things...
- It's not an 8am-5pm job
- If you do it right, you will make a difference in people's lives and in the community.

If you were a park amenity, which one would you be and why?
I would be a scoreboard. I like to talk and tell stories. A scoreboard does that for the game that's being played on any court or field!

What's the weirdest talent or skill you possess that hasn't made it onto your official job description?
I sing for special events (weddings, national anthem at games)!

If your workday had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it?
Anything from Journey, The Eagles, or Joe Bonamassa

In the event of a zombie apocalypse, which park facility would you use as your zombie-fighting headquarters?
Beechwood Park in Holland Township. It has a brand new bathroom facility and it features pickleball and shuffleboard. Even zombies wouldn't want to mess with those folks!

If you were an animal commonly found in parks, which one would best represent your work style?
A husky. I will work hard, I will get along with others, but will get moody from time to time.

If you could add one unconventional feature to a local park, what would it be?
Living Room Lounge Chairs

What are your hobbies?
Playing slow pitch softball, public address announcing for Hope College, and singing.

Tell us something about yourself others might not know.
I serve on a school board (West Ottawa) and on the board for USA Softball.