Meet The Waterfront Park Crew: Greg January
Over the next several months, we will be featuring the members of our Waterfront Park maintenance crew. Our small but mighty team is the best in the business, working seven days a week to keep the park clean, the lights on the Big Four Bridge shining, and the park landscape healthy and thriving.
Greg January
Park Maintenance Supervisor
22 Years with Waterfront Park
Greg January is a former Marine and has worked for Waterfront Park for over 2 decades. Greg is best known for going out of his way to welcome and assist park visitors. His great sense of humor and contagious laugh are hallmarks of his welcoming demeanor with park patrons and are also qualities that are beloved by his co-workers. His complete partner is his wife Janie who is an incredibly talented cook and a major supporter of the park.
Get to know Greg better in the Q&A segment below:
Q: What is your favorite feature of the park?
A: The Great Lawn. You can bring various groups of people together and still have a good time. It is so accommodating.
Q: What is your favorite event in the park?
A: Funkfest. It is a great music festival that features great music and food. Some of my favorite acts over the years have been Chaka Khan, Kool & the Gang, Tamia, Mint Condition, and so many others. We have had some great music in the park.
Q: What is your favorite way to spend a day in the park with your family and friends?
A: Barbecues and family gatherings. My family has great memories attending fireworks shows in the park.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: I love meeting all the various people, fellow employees and also park patrons. I love being able to interact with all kinds of different people who offer different perspectives. Because I wear a park uniform, people will engage me and talk to me. I have had so many interesting experiences at the park over the years by engaging with park patrons.
Q: In your time with Waterfront Park, how have you seen the park grow?
A: In the beginning, the park was so delicate. It reminds me of raising my daughters from young little flowers. Now, like my daughters who are now young women, the park needs less protection. It has adapted to the world. The park has grown quickly. Now it is more than just picking up trash and cutting the grass, we are caring for a space that belongs to everyone.