Parks employee impacts community and volunteers

DeWayne Deal said he was born and raised at Miami-Dade Parks Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS). He learned how to swim and attended summer camp at Arcola Park, which is now named Sydney Wynn Park. This nurtured his passion for aquatics, the outdoors and his community. Today, he is the community center manager at Gwen Cherry Park.

Over the past 23 years, he has been involved in many areas within PROS. These assignments have kept him learning and challenged.

"You have to love what you do," Deal said. "And I do. Working at Parks opens your eyes to so much there is to learn about the environment and what we can do to have an impact on our community, the world and our future."

"I became involved with the P.R.I.D.E. Program (Parks and Recreation Improving the Delivery of Excellence) and worked on a legacy project to identify and eliminate invasive plant species from our parks," Deal explained. "To work with the community was an incredible experience. Teaching volunteers how to identify an invasive species like the air potato and explaining the impact it can have on the environment was very meaningful."

"Those involved gained knowledge and experience and a sense of pride. It's one of the things I enjoy most about my job: watching others grow and learn."

Another project where Deal made an impact on the environment included the elimination of single-use water bottles at PROS aquatic facilities. The project started at Helen Sands Pool where using recyclable water bottles reportedly reduced the carbon footprint by 75 percent at the facility. Due to the results, reusable water bottles will now be used at other facilities. The goal is to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles in aquatic facilities completely within the next 18 to 24 months.

"I'm fortunate to love what I do and be in a position to mentor others working at PROS. My job also involves engaging with the community and volunteers who care and are committed to their surroundings," Deal added. "It is a responsibility that I take seriously. I'm proud to do everything I can to help."

"Working for Miami-Dade Parks makes you realize every individual can have an impact on our community and make a difference. Giving back and helping others is how I thrive."

"Extraordinary park professionals, like DeWayne Deal, who perform their jobs at the highest level are integral to our department's commitment to increasing the health, happiness and well-being of every resident, and enhancing the resiliency of the community through parks and recreation," said PROS Director Maria Nardi. "DeWayne represents a team of Miami-Dade Park employees who care deeply about this community and daily implement our vision of connecting people and parks for life."