Public Service

I think that my internship is the epitome of public service. How much more involved in public service and policy can you get than local government??? Even though we are one small section of the government, and that people often do not relate Special Events to public service, we serve the public every single day. As part of her job my boss, the Special Events Coordinator, oversees events that the community wishes to put on. This can range from nonprofits holding fundraisers to corporate family events to holiday celebrations. You name it I've seen it come through my desk as I learned to process the applications and issue Special Event Permits. When someone from the community wants to hold an event there is a specific process they have to go through to be approved. Once we receive their extensive application, detailing the where, when, how, what, whys of their event, it must go to other departments for approval. If you are closing down roads the police department has to be aware, if you are using open flames to cook food the fire department has to be aware, if you are selling items the tax and licensing department has to make sure you are up to date, etc. There is so much to consider, but we need to make sure that both those putting on the event, those attending, and those that live around the area that will be affected will have the best and safest experience they can have.
When we are putting on events ourselves for the community we have to be aware of our target audience and what activities, vendors, and locations will be the best for the majority of people. Before my internship I had no idea the months of planning, preparation, and deliberating went into hosting one 3-4 hour event. Even if you think an idea is great or terrible, you always have to consider it through the lens of what your citizens would enjoy.
We also use public service in instances where codes and policies need to be written to assist the public in easy access to city property. My boss is in charge of renting out the city equipment. "Equipment" includes rental space (parks and designated event areas), our portable stage, areas to hang banners to showcase upcoming events, etc. Policy and procedures need to be put in place to ensure that everyone has equal access to these items and that we have a way of keeping track of them and have guidelines for their use. Not to mention being aware of the going rate of fees around Arizona Parks Departments and keeping ours close as possible to being consistent with them. I wrote early about how I assisted in that project and it took close to a month of hard work, persistence, and research to be able to provide the most updated information to the city council.
Working for the Recreation department is no walk in the park! But it is so rewarding serving the public in this fashion.