In this blog I am spotlighting park place youth center director Jordyn Starkey. I have had many opportunities to work with Jordyn to offer story time at the park. She has been a big supporter of my books by allowing me to share stories, crafts, and movement activities. I recommend everyone to take a few minutes to read all about this amazing women.
1.) Tell me your name and a little bit about yourselfprofessionally and personally (like what you enjoy doing when you’re not working)?
Hi! My name is Jordyn Starkey and I am a New Philadelphia and Kent State graduate. I started my position as Director last July and I think it has been one of the toughest but also most rewarding jobs yet. I started my college career in education, but switched to accounting after 3 years, and now I’m back working with children. I currently live in Green, so between Covid and my long drive, my hobbies have become limited. I have a 7-year-old husky, so I will never be bored. One of my favorite fall/winter activities is the euchre league I join; this keeps my math side of my brain working. Even though I live about 45 minutes away, I try and do as much community related activities as I can. I am a member of the New Philadelphia Rotary Club, so that keeps me busy as well.
2.) Where do you work?
I am the Director of Park Place Youth Center located at Tuscora Park.
3.) What is your role?
I am the Director, meaning I run the facility and everything that goes on in here!
4.) How long have you been in this role?
I’ve been here since July 2021.
5.) What’s a typical day or week for you at your job?
Every day is always different! I give myself about 3 hours each day before we open to work on any marketing/advertising, event planning, social media, and booking birthday parties. This allows me to give my attention to anyone that walks in once we are open.
6.) What are some of the challenges of your role?
I think the biggest challenge is finding out what the kids are into and what peaks their interest. They are continuously changing and being the person in charge of hosting and creating events, I have to try and reach my audience. This last quarter we have been doing a lot of animal related events and I think I figured out what most kids enjoy!
7.) What are the rewards?
Easy. The biggest reward is to see children happy when they are here. When kids come in and run around to each station and are filled with joy and don’t want to leave; that warms my heart.
8.) What makes the Youth Center unique from other youth programs?
Our Youth Center is open all year round. We are still very new, so I am hoping to expand into bigger events such as basketball and fishing tournaments. One of the greatest things is that we can utilize the whole park. This summer we did our very first putt putt league and it was a huge hit! With everything that the park offers, we have a lot of unique activities we can host.
9.) What can parents expect when they bring their children to the youth center?
Parents can expect a welcoming place for their kid to have fun. In the summer we have events and programs going on all day every day, but in the fall and winter we slow down a bit. Even if there isn’t an event going on, we are still open! It is free to come in and play ping pong, corn hole, legos, etc. We have a lot for kids to do inside for free and then we also have some fun things to do that cost a little money. For example, right now you can paint a pumpkin for $5 or do some sand art for $2.
10.) Please highlight some of the events coming up at the Youth Center this summer.
With it falling into winter and the holidays, this is my favorite time of year for events! Listed below is some November events coming up…
Nov. 1st Story Time with Miss Farrah 5:30-6:30
Nov. 3rd Turkey Races with Tusc. Library 4:30-5:30
Nov. 4thTie Dye! $104:30-6:00
Nov. 19th Llama Llama Red Pajama (with a live llama!) 1:00
Nov. 22nd Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 5:00-5:30
Nov. 23rd Gingerbread Houses! $103:00-5:00
I post a monthly schedule on the Tuscora Park Facebook and on the Tuscora Park website! www.tuscorapark.com/park-place-youth-center
11.) How can people reach you with questions or find out more about all the great programs you offer?
The website and Facebook page will always have event flyers and the monthly schedule posted, but if you have any questions you can reach me at jordyn@tuscorapark.com or 330-343-6814 J
12.) Please feel free to share anything else you would like to share with readers.
I think a big thing I would like everyone to know is all the money we make here, goes right back into the Youth Center! That goes for the whole park as well. We are always trying new things and any money we bring in allows us to pay for new and better things!
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