Becoming a Park Host
This is Passport to Texas
Ed and Paula Smith don’t like to go home in the winter…
:04—It’s cold at home…Michigan is cold.” (ES) “So we came down here and we just keep coming back.
The couple’s winter address is often Bastrop State Park…and their house is 37-foot motor home.
:04—It’s probably nicer than our home at home (laughs).
And while you might think they keep coming back to Bastrop because the retirees just want a chance to play golf, you’d be surprised to know that it’s not all play.
:05—I mow and then I come back and weed whip… just try to make the park look pretty.
For the past several years Ed and Paula have spent their winter months in Bastrop State Park as park hosts. They volunteer about 25 hours a week working as additional representatives in the park, and assisting park staff.
:08—You’re getting some exercise and you’re having a good time, then you’re enjoying your stay…It’s a give and take…and we really appreciate the opportunity.
Find state parks information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
That’s our show for today…we record the series at the Production Block Studios in Austin, Texas…For Texas Parks and Wildlife… I’m Cecilia Nasti.
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