Written by Niccole Rice and published in out October 11th Print Edition!
Niccole and Mike Rice: Caretakers of Levitz Park
Written by Niccole Rice and featured in our October 11th Print Edition
In early 2023, Niccole and Mike Rice stepped into the role of caretakers at Levitz Park, embracing the responsibility of nurturing this beloved community space. They are not only passionate about maintaining the park but are also excited to document their journey and progress as park caretakers, sharing their experiences with the NL Bulletin and the community. Join Niccole and Mike Rice as they explore the diverse world of Levitz Park and the fascinating stories of its visitors.
The Playground Enthusiasts
As the caretakers of Levitz Park, we get the opportunity to meet a lot of people from our community. Something that always fascinates us is finding out what brings people to the park. Sometimes the reason is something you would expect, and sometimes it’s not.
Before becoming the caretakers, our family would frequent this park as a safe, clean place for our kids to play, with the main attraction being the playground. We see many young families following that same trend. Early weekend mornings and evenings after dinner, we will see families spending quality time together on the playground. During the week, we see the stay-at-home mom crowd with their preschool children enjoying the playground without the antics of big kids. It is so precious to us that we can provide a place where families can have time and space to connect with each other.
The Dog Owners’ Paradise
Next, there is the dog owner crew. We have gotten to know not only the human visitors but also some long-time K9 guests. One dog owner reports her dog’s disappointment that E-tool (previous caretaker Ross’s dog) is no longer living here because they were best friends. Although we haven’t met all the four-legged guests, we love seeing them enjoy their time at the park, especially the regulars.
Birdwatching Enthusiasts
We have also had the opportunity to talk with a few birdwatchers, a pastime we admittedly have never followed but are eager to learn about. We have learned from bird-loving guests that this is a great place to come bird-watching. We are anxious to learn more about all the feathered friends that we share the park with and how we can make this an even more enjoyable environment for them to inhabit.
The Tradition Keepers
Some of our favorite guests are the families who rent the facilities year after year. They have stories of the park steeped in tradition and history. We have some families who have been renting the facilities for as long as 30 years. To these guests, Levitz Park is much more than a holiday or reunion rental facility; it’s a part of their family heritage. The memories forged year after year in the park solidify the bond between generations. We count it a privilege to facilitate family in such a meaningful way.
Seeking Peace and Sanctuary
Some people come here simply to find peace. For some, that quite literally means getting a breath of fresh air; for others, it may be listening to the sounds of nature or watching the fish in the koi pond. This park is a sanctuary, a respite from the hustle and grind that has become such a part of all of our lives. We had one guest tell us after her morning walk on the trails that the woods are her church.
What Kind of Park Person Are You?
What kind of park person are you? What is it about the park that feeds your soul? Is it the bond you have with those you are visiting with, is it the connection you feel with nature, or are you using the park to connect with something higher? Whatever it is that brings you to the park, we’re glad you came, and we’re thankful that you are part of our park community!
Share Your Ideas
If there is a pastime or hobby you would like to see at H.M. Levitz Memorial Park, let us know. We are always looking for ways to improve the park for our community. Feel free to drop a note in the drop-box by the park office.
