4 minute read
HOMETOWN HEROES
A PASSION FOR Parks
Written by Stephanie Painter Photography by Larry Kuzniewski
The new director of Germantown Parks and Recreation shares the power of green spaces
The Appalachian Trail is where Natalie Ruffin first discovered that the best hikes never really end. Only 13 years old at the time, she stepped off the dirt trail, shrugged off her backpack and returned home with a desire to find new paths to explore. Her short trek with a wilderness school inspired her to spend more time in nature. Though there were no mountaintop vistas in her Louisiana hometown, she camped, played tennis with her twin sister Melanie and as a college student, introduced children to outdoor recreation while working at summer camps. The active and awed young girl who thrived outdoors would concentrate on connecting others to the therapeutic power of green spaces in her career.
As the new director of the Germantown Parks and Recreation Department, Ruffin shares a mission that is very personal. Recreational opportunities and peace found in nature "change lives," she says. “We impact people in so many ways, whether teaching a class or providing a sense of belonging. I look forward to continuing to raise awareness about who we are and what we do and to educate people on amenities and parks and encourage them to use them.” In her office, Ruffin invites nature inside with photographic memories of magical outdoor adventures. Last year, she circled back to spend a week on the Appalachian Trail, hiking farther and facing more tests than decades earlier. “I love the aspect of surviving on your own with the challenge of carrying a 35-pound backpack and hiking eight to 10 miles a day,” she says. “It’s a challenge that I enjoy, and challenges help me grow.” When not working in parks, Ruffin plays in parks, taking her goldador dogs Tess and Wyatt out for a run in their favorite space each morning before starting work. Unwinding with a book, she enjoys the titles Between a Rock and a Hard Place and Into the Wild, stories about outdoor experiences. “Parks and Rec is a lifestyle for me.”
A Productive Career
While studying business in college, she had a fortuitous meeting with a career counselor that helped her find her true North Star. Tests pointed to a fit with parks and rec studies, and she realized that her love for recreation aligned with a professional career. A graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Master of Arts in Recreation, she is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP). In 2005, Ruffin started with the local department as a recreation superintendent, drawn by the agency’s Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies designation and high standards. “It was appealing to me to be part of something bigger than myself and to come to a department where I could grow.” Former director Pam Beasley retired this summer, and Ruffin valued her mentorship. “Pam let me spread my wings, and in 17 years here, I’ve been very hands-on which has been helpful in managing, guiding and leading. I’m very fortunate to have found something I feel called to do, and I love this city.” She served as assistant director
From left to right: Sue Armendariz (Lead Park Ranger), Carlos Williams (REACH Manager), Natalie Ruffin (Parks Director) and Jared Woodruff (Park Ranger Naturalist).
and implemented recreation and community education programs and services for every age and stage of life. You have connected with Ruffin's work if you have celebrated at the Germantown Fireworks Extravaganza, attended a summer Groovin’ and Grillin’ concert or taken a Creative Aging ceramics class. At the fireworks show, swaths of red, white and blue transform the municipal park, and children savor snow cones as Memphis Wind Symphony entertains the crowd. “It is so rewarding to see how your hard work pays off when people enjoy and take part,” she says. “Lots of times, people are grateful and thank us for doing it. That’s why we love what we do.” Migration to the outdoors during COVID presented an opportunity, and Ruffin looks forward to keeping residents engaged. "In 2020, a lot of people got outside and stayed there," she says. Interest in pickleball surged, and all ages are picking up the game. “People love pickleball and have new friends, a new event to put on their calendars and a new lease on life.” Currently, department projects include the ongoing expansion of the Greenway, restoration of lacrosse fields at Johnson Road Park and completion of a synthetic turf project at Cameron-Brown Park. With a strong work ethic modeled by her parents, Ruffin is ready for this journey. “Not only am I passionate about serving the residents of Germantown, but I’m also excited to lead and continue to work alongside the team we have in place.” With every hike and enriching program, she will move forward. ■
Homeowners & Renters Insurance
Wheredoyoucallhome? I’llhelpfindyoutherightpolicy.
BlakeSims
901-800-5777 4759PoplarAve|Memphis
