Meet a Parkie: Margaret Meyveci
Margaret Meyveci, Operations Foreperson at Jones Beach
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
At the park we have a daily routine, making sure that the park is safe and clean for patrons to enjoy. With upcoming events that need to be set up, we put up barricades, cones, and block off areas. These tasks always follow a time frame to ensure a seamless experience for all who attend the events.
Prior to your time at Parks, what was your experience?
I worked for NYS Parks from 1976-1979 as a seasonal worker. I worked at the pool as a Ladies Locker Room Attendant. I assisted the female patrons, administering lockers and directing patrons to changing areas. At that time, the uniform was a blue and white dress with stripes, made of seersucker material. After finishing school, I started working at the NYS Unified Court System. I was a Senior Court Stenographer/Secretary by the time I retired from NYS/UCS in 2015. I returned to NYS parks in 2017, where I returned to the West Bathhouse and worked at the pool again. After a few seasons I transferred away from the pool and started my work in zones.
How has it been working for New York State Parks?
I love my job and enjoy helping staff learn new things about the park. During my time, I’ve helped with summer runs, worked various positions at annual festivals, and learned how to operate large machinery that can remove snow and sand. During the 2020 COVID pandemic, I had the opportunity to perform essential work while being stationed at both the testing site and the vaccination site. That was such a great experience. While I’ve always worked for New York State in some capacity, my career has really come full circle with my return to the parks.
What are some fun facts about you?
I love to volunteer and help. When football season starts, I feed my varsity high school team dinner once a week before the games. I started this back in 2016. During wrestling season, I support the team by attending various matches and bring snacks for them. I’m also a board member of both the Parent Teachers Association as well as the Special Education Parent Teachers Association. I do one good deed daily, as I feel the more I give, the more I'll live - that’s my motto.
