What it takes: Fun in the sun and then some

This is the fourth article in the feature series "What it Takes," which explores careers from a child's perspective. I've met new people and gotten to know others even better. I have also been able to learn about jobs that I might one day be interested in doing. Most of all, I hope that others might have learned something too.

One job I've wanted to do for a long time is a lifeguard. It goes back to when I began taking swimming lessons. I love the water and being around younger kids. So when I heard that Dennis Nybo used to work as a lifeguard, I requested an interview right away. He was kind enough to meet with me at the Latte Lobby.

Dennis has lived in New Rockford for almost two years, after he and his wife Alison (Almaras) Nybo moved here so she could be close to family. He has been working as the executive director of the New Rockford Park District since August 2018. Before that, Dennis worked in Bismarck for the Parks and Recreation Department for 28 years.

This will be his first summer working in New Rockford! I wish him luck because the first year is probably the hardest.

When he was growing up in Grand Forks, Dennis was always active and loved sports. He had a coach and mentor and who sparked his interest in parks and recreation. At the University of North Dakota, Dennis studied park administration and marketing management. After Dennis graduated, he went to work in Rolling Meadows, Ill., in the suburbs of Chicago.

When asked what he liked best about his job at the New Rockford Park District, Dennis said "It's different every day, and I'm not always behind the desk." That afternoon he had plans to clean up tree branches in the park. The following day he had wanted to help with the Rockin' Fitness Bunny Hop 5K.

He also likes interacting with people, "Parks and recreation isn't just about sports- it's about art and leisure for the people of the community." In particular he likes to see his staff grow and learn. While working in Bismarck, Nybo supervised college students who gained skills that helped them build careers in areas like teaching and business.

His people skills don't stop there. Dennis works to be proactive in his planning, and keeps community members in mind. Dennis says that it is important to consider what works for "all ages, stages and abilities" of people in the community. From walking paths to playground equipment, accessibility is big concern, especially keeping in mind the aging population as well as the newer generations. A good example of that would be our swimming pool. It has handicap accessibility AND a waterslide. According to Dennis, this kind of planning requires him to be one step ahead in creating a vision for new and fun opportunities.

Before the interview was done, I asked Dennis if he had ever been a lifeguard. It turns out yes, Dennis was a lifeguard 20 years ago, and needs to be recertified if he wants to serve as a lifeguard again.

The Park District is still hiring for seasonal part time positions for park maintenance, coaches and lifeguards. The pay for the lifeguard position starts at $10 an hour, but for those who have water safety instructor certification, pay begins at $11.

I like the idea of watching out for others as they play and enjoy. I will be applying for a job as a lifeguard, but I will have to wait awhile, until I am 15. In the meantime, I can work toward gaining experience: First Aid, CPR, lifeguard certification and maybe working on my beach bod.