Erskine "EC” Collins, youth development coordinator at Patterson Park Community Center
Being involved with kids and making a difference is not new to “EC." With more than 25 years of experience working with youth and social service agencies, he's found a perfect fit in his position at Patterson Park, 521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Watching him lead events and activities with such enthusiasm and engage with the community confirms just that.
“I work really hard at creating a culture of purpose over power,” explains EC. “I want this environment to be one that's welcoming, encouraging and that the kids feel like is always helping them move forward in life.”
EC and the staff at Patterson are instrumental in providing new opportunities for the youth —through after-school programs, summer enrichment and community field trips. They work on developing certain skill sets, such as leadership, sports, art and even cooking and meal planning. His job also includes getting to be an integral part of special events like the Back-to-School event, Barfield Bash, Earth Day and more. One thing staffers are really proud of is their new E-Sports Arena room. “Everyone has worked together to make this room an awesome experience for all that use it, and the kids truly enjoy it," says EC.
When EC is not at work, he enjoys teaching Sunday school and being a drone pilot. He likes to add music to the videos he shoots with his drone and hopes to have his own YouTube channel one day.
Shane Lamb, superintendent of Athletic Maintenance
Shane Lamb has a long history with recreation services in the City of Murfreesboro. He started in 1998 as a turf manager with the Old Fort Golf Course for several years and then returned in 2015 to supervise athletic maintenance; his area includes an impressive 20-plus soccer fields and 19 baseball fields.
When asked what the best part of his job is, Shane answers without hesitation, “Growing grass.”
Shane shares how incredible it has been to watch such immense growth in the development of turf and in the department's volume and traffic, as well as how the team improves and renovates the athletic fields.
“Richard Siegel Soccer Complex has become a regional and national destination for soccer, and we've hosted some amazing events on a national level, but we also still provide recreational opportunities for the residents of our community,” says Shane.
His day-to-day duties include everything from being on the tractor spreading fertilizer, helping out on a mower and repairing irrigation leaks to communicating about scheduling and planning for big events.
Shane also notes that Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation program offers some exceptional programming outside of seasonal athletics, such as Miracle League and Special Olympics. "I think those programs are just awesome, and I’m so thankful I get to be a part of it.”
When not busy working, Shane enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. They stay busy with church and their kids’ activities, but he adds that he plans to get back out on the golf course one of these days.