Ketch Daniel working on site at internship
Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) student Ketch Daniel spent his summer interning with the City of Opelika Parks and Recreation Maintenance Division within the Public Works department. The division is responsible for the upkeep of grounds around city buildings, parks, sport fields, roundabouts, welcome signs and other city properties. The internship gave Daniel a close look at the daily work that keeps Opelika’s public spaces safe, functional and welcoming for the community.
Throughout the summer, Daniel moved between several crews, including special projects, West Ridge, Sportsplex and grounds maintenance crews. His work included routine landscaping duties such as mowing and weed eating, along with watering plants, installing sod, planting ornamental plants and trees, spraying pesticides, maintaining irrigation systems and configuring autonomous mowers and a field-painting robot. The rotation allowed him to see how each crew contributes to the larger mission of maintaining Opelika’s parks and public spaces.
“The most meaningful part of the internship was getting hands-on experience and applying what I had learned in class,” Daniel said. “Another meaningful part of the internship was the various projects throughout the summer, such as revitalizing the welcome sign on Geneva Street and installing sod on the new West Ridge Playground.”
His academic background in Parks and Recreation Management prepared him well for the internship. Daniel had previously learned about park operations, safety, management and leadership, which gave him a strong foundation before stepping into the field. Seeing these concepts in real time helped him understand how classroom lessons translate into daily responsibilities within a municipal parks system.
“I used many skills I have gained through my time in the CFWE this summer,” Daniel said. “Having a background in both fieldwork and park operations allowed me to work in many different areas and contribute to various projects.”
The internship also helped Daniel clarify his long-term goals. He discovered a strong interest in turf maintenance, outdoor work and community service, all of which shaped his vision for the future.
“This internship has affirmed my desire to work in the parks and recreation maintenance industry and someday work as a parks and recreation superintendent,” Daniel said. “It also helped me realize my love for turf maintenance, working in the outdoors and serving the community.”
Daniel’s summer with the City of Opelika paved the way for meaningful career opportunities that support community spaces and public stewardship. His experiences show how work, technical skills and service to others come together in the parks and recreation field.
